Five Terms You Should Never Google
18th May 2024
Discover the five terms you should never Google, from rare medical conditions to disturbing images. Learn why curiosity isn’t always a good thing.
The Internet’s Dark Corners: Five Terms You Should Never Google
Some parts of the internet are best avoided, no matter how curious you might be. Here, we explore five terms that you should never Google, as the results can be quite unsettling. From rare medical conditions to shocking images, these terms highlight why sometimes, ignorance truly is bliss.
1. Harlequin Ichthyosis
A Rare and Severe Genetic Condition
Harlequin Ichthyosis, also known as "Harlequin's Baby Syndrome," is a rare genetic disorder that causes newborns' skin to form thick, diamond-shaped plaques resembling fish scales. This condition not only looks severe but also demands immediate medical treatment. Despite medical advancements improving survival rates, the images and descriptions can be distressing.
2. Larvae
More Than Just Insects
At first glance, larvae might seem harmless as "active immature insects." However, a quick Google search can lead you to the horrifying condition known as oral myiasis. This occurs when larvae infest and parasitize the human mouth, causing serious infections. The graphic images accompanying this condition are far from pleasant.
3. “Degloving”
A Misleading Term
The term “degloving” might sound innocuous, akin to removing gloves. However, it refers to a severe medical condition known as avulsion, where large sections of skin and soft tissue detach from muscles. A search for this term will likely yield gruesome images, as vividly described by medical sources like WebMD.
4. Crocodiles
Beyond the Reptile
Typing "crocodile" into a search engine might seem harmless if you're expecting images of the reptile. However, it can also lead to disturbing photos related to a drug called desomorphine, known as "Krokodil." This potent opioid, notorious for causing severe tissue damage, earned the nickname "zombie drug" due to its horrific effects on users' skin.
5. “Fournier”
A Traumatic Search
While "Fournier" might appear to be just a French surname, a Google search could uncover a severe medical condition called Fournier's gangrene. This acute necrotic infection affects the genital area and can worsen rapidly, often becoming fatal. The graphic nature of the images and descriptions makes this a term best left unsearched.
Conclusion
The internet offers a wealth of information, but not all of it is suitable for casual browsing. These five terms—Harlequin Ichthyosis, larvae, degloving, crocodiles, and Fournier—serve as stark reminders that some knowledge comes with a price. Curiosity may be a natural human trait, but in these cases, it's best to resist the urge to Google.