self-treatment

noun

self-treat·​ment ˌself-ˈtrēt-mənt 

plural self-treatments

: the act or an instance of medicating oneself or treating one's own disease without medical supervision or intervention

Unlike other foot problems, bunions are not amenable to self-treatment.

—Consumer Reports

Some attempt risky self-treatments, such as bathing in kerosene or bleach …

—Aimee Cunningham

self-treat

ˌself-ˈtrēt 

transitive verb

self-treated; self-treating; self-treats

self-treat athlete's foot

Examples of self-treatment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many mental health experts have serious concerns about people who are socially isolated—autistic or not—relying on AI companionship apps as a means of self-treatment or escapism. —Webb Wright, Scientific American, 5 June 2024

Other self-treatment methods include applying cool compresses and cooling creams that help with barrier repair and prevent further moisture from leaving the skin, Geddes-Bruce said. —Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 5 June 2024

The increase in chronic diseases and health problems in our society often entails the need for home care or self-treatment at home. —IEEE Spectrum, 23 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

self-treatment

noun

self-treat·​ment ˈself-ˈtrēt-mənt 

: the act or an instance of medicating oneself or treating one's own disease without medical supervision or intervention

Unlike other foot problems, bunions are not amenable to self-treatment.

—Consumer Reports

self-treat transitive verb

self-treated; self-treating

self-treat poison ivy