Dermatology Glossary of Terms Flashcards
abscess
a pus-containing skin infection that occurs from bacteria or parasites
acanthosis
involves thickening of the skin, which results in papules and plaques forming
acanthosis nigricans
a breakout of hyperpigmented plaques and warty papules in the axillae, groin, neck/ and or anogenital region
acne
a skin condition characterized by blackheads, pimple outbreaks, cysts, infected abscesses, and scarring that is most commonly found on the face, back, shoulders, and chest
acne conglobata
severe acne; also called cystic acne; the acne is chronic and will produce intense cysts that go deep into the skin
acne keloid
a disorder where a secondary infection will develop in scarring; the pustules that form will be deep in intensity and can occur on the scalp and rear part of the neck
acne vulgaris
a skin condition resulting in whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red pimples
acitinic purpura
a skin condition that results from chronic sun-exposure and increasing age
acrochordon
a small skin tag that can be located almost anywhere on the body or face
acrodermatitis
inflammation in the skin in the hands and feet; this may be caused by a parasite; is a possible sign on Lyme disease
actinomycosis
a bacterial disease that is caused by the Actinomyces species; this is an infection that can produce abscesses in the body
adenocarcinoma
cancer that starts in the body’s glands and will transfer to other parts of the body
albinism
a skin defect that result in little or no color pigment in the skin, hair and eyes
algid
cold skin associated with malaria
actinic keratosis
a pre-cancerous patch of skin; the scaly of thick skin will develop due to the body being exposed to the sun’s rays for a lengthy period of time
aloe
a juice that comes from the aloe plant leaf; the juice may be dried and prepared in an ointment
alopecia
a condition where the immune system attacks the scalp’s hair follicles
anetiderma
a benign form of dermatosis that is triggered by a loss of dermal elastic tissue
angioedema
swelling beneath the skin rather than on the surface of the skin
angiokeratoma
a benign lesion of capillaries; the condition results in several red and blue marks on the skin
angioma
a benign tumor that includes blood vessels and lymph nodes; the vessels can cause some redness and other spots on the skin and may trigger pains depending on how intense the tumor is
angiomyoma
a benign smooth muscle tumor; the condition develops in the vessel walls in the body
antiperspirant
a compound that is applied topically to prevent or reduce sweating
antipruritic
an agent that controls itching
apocrine glands
sweat glands that can be found n the hairiest areas of the body
argyria
a condition that develops due to excess exposure to silver dust or the silver element; the condition will cause the skin to develop a purple or purple-grey tint
atopic dermatitis
also called eczema; a chronic skin condition that cause scaly and itchy rashes
atrophy
thinning of the skin due to reduction of underlying tissue
barrier cream
a cream that will be applied to the skin to prevent the tissue from allergens and other threats
basal cell carcinoma
the most common, slow-growing form of skin cancer where small bumps form on the skin and may bleed; a malignant form of skin cancer that develops due to frequent exposure to the sun
bioposy
a surgical procedure performed by a dermatologist or surgeon that involves the removal and examination of tissues or cells from the body
birthmark
a benign spot that appears at birth; the spot appears due to blood vessels growing more than needed
blackhead
a small bit of fatty material that develops in the sebaceous gland in the skin; may be found in a clogged hair follicle
blemish
also referred to as acne
blepheroplasty
also called eye lid rejuvenation
blister
a growth of watery fluid
boil
a tender spot on the skin that is associated with acne; the area may develop inflammation and can also include pus
botox
a cosmetic injection to temporarily diminish or remove frown lines, forehead creases; and crows feet near the eye
bruise
a type of contusion that appears on the skin due to a form of trauma
bulla
a skin blister that is raised more than .5 cm that contains serious fluid above the dermis
bullous pemphigoid
a skin disorder producing large blisters
burn
an injury that is produced due to outside material; can be triggered by extreme heat or cold conditions, exposure to chemicals, electricity, radiation, or uv light
cafe au lait spot
pigmented birthmarks that are uniform light to dark brown colors and are usually oval in shape; presented at birth
calamine
a medicated lotion compound; the material is applied to the skin to dry out areas that may be irritated
candidiasis
also called yeast infection and is a fungus skin infection occurring in the mouth, skin folds, navel, genitals, and nail beds
capillary hemangioma
also known as a strawberry birthmark; the benign tumor develops due to a series of capillaries growing more than normal
carbuncle
an acute, round, firm, tender boil on the skin
cavernous hemangioma
a raised, red to purple sore on the skin due to a buildup of blood vessels
cellulitis
a common deep skin infection caused by bacteria resulting in localized area inflammation
chafing
irritation to the skin that is triggered by a surface rubbing on the area
chancre
a syphilis sore
chancroid
a bacterial disease that is transmitted through sexual contact; also called a venereal ulcer
chapping
a process where the skin starts to become dry and cracked
chemical peel
a solution used to improve the texture of the face by removing the top layer of the skin to help minimize the appearance of sun damaged skin, irregular pigment, and scars
cherry angioma
a small red to purple papules on the skin containing abnormal proliferation of blood vessels
chigger
also known as a berry bug; a red tinted arachnid that can transfer a skin rash
chloasma
a condition where brown patches start to develop on the face; patches are benign and may be triggered by hormonal changes or from excess sun exposure
cicatrix
a scar that appears on the skin after a wound heals
clavus
also known as corn and heloma; is a condition which results in the thickening of the skin
closed comedo
also called a whitehead; a type of acne with a white or yellowish head on the skin
cold sore
a recurrent lesion around the mouth caused by herpes simplex virus
collagen
a natural protein found in bone, skin, ligaments, and tendons
collagen injections
a cosmetic injection beneath the skin to replace the body’s natural collagen to treat minor imperfections on the face such as wrinkles, scares, and facial lines
comedo
another words for a blackhead or clogged hair follicle
complexion
the general appearance of one’s facial skin
contact dermatitis
a rash of inflammation of the skin caused by having contact with various substances
contusion
an injury triggered by a blow to the body that will not break the skin
creeping eruption
a skin infection that causes severe itching
crusting
also known as a scab; dried blood, pus, or other fluids on the surface of the skin
cryosurgery
a dermatological procedure, performed by a dermatologist or skin care professional, done by freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen
cyst
a deep lesion filled with pus or fluids
cystic acne
a severe form of acne forming papule
dander
a material that the body sheds
dandruff
shedding of scaly and dry skin cells from the scalp
debridement
the removal of damaged tissue from a wound
DEET
diethyltoluamide; an oily compound that works as an insect repellent
deoderant
a prominent type of antiperspirant
dermatitis
inflammation in the skin
dermabrasion
a dermatological procedure to remove acne scars or the like by abrading
dermatofibroma
a small, non-cancerous red or brown bump in the skin normally found on the legs
dermatographism
a skin condition where raised, reddish marks or hives appear on the skin due to light scratching
dermis
the middle layer of the skin consisting of the blood vessels, hair follicles, and sweat glands
desmosome
a structure in the body that includes two adjacent cells that connect to each other
desquamation
the peeling or shedding of the epidermis
diaper rash
a concern that may develop in babies and infants
diaphoresis
sweating
dimple sign
a central depression or dimple educed within a lesion when it is squeezed
discoid/ discoid lupus
a descriptive term used for round papules, plaques, or patch resembling a disk-like shape
drug eruption
an eruption caused by injection, ingestion, inhalation, or insertion of a drug
dysplasic nevus
an unusual looking mole
ecchymosis
a non-blanching skin discoloration due to the escape of blood from ruptured blood vessels
eczema
a chronic inflammatory skin condition that results in itching, scaling, and thickening of the skin
eccrine glands
sweat glands
electrolysis
a process for hair removal; an electric current is applied to the unwanted hair follicle
ephelis
also called a freckle
epidermis
the most outer layer of the skin that is exposed to the environment
erosion
loss of the epidermis due to friction or pressure
erysipelas
an acute streptococcus bacterial infection that results in inflammation
erythema
a form of skin inflammation; conditions develop in the fatty parts of the skin
erythema multiforme
abnormal redness of the skin usually caused by inflammation
erythema nodosum
a skin infection where red bumps appear on the shins
erythrasma
a skin infection where irregular pink patches are localized or generalized, and turn to brown scales
erythroderma
an extensive reddening of the skin often due to exfoliation
eschar
a dead tissue piece that is shed from the skin after a burn or another infection
ezanthem
an extensive rash
exanthema
an eruption that develops on the skin
excoriation
when the skin is covered by scabs due to scratching
exfolfiation
a process where a layer of the skin is removed
exfoliative dermatitis
significant scaling along the skin
eye lid rejuvenation
a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both
face lift
a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck
fissure
a deep furrow, cleft, or slit in the epidermis
flush
a blushing effect
folliculitis
inflammation of hair follicles from infection
freckle
a cluster f brownish spots on the skin caused by deposition of pigment
furuncles
a boil that can develop in a hair follicle
granuloma
a tissue that is produced due to an infection or inflammation
granuloma annulare
a chronic skin disease where raised, red bumps appear in a circle or ring with a normal or sunken center
hair follicle
a follicle that will support the production of hair
halitosis
breath odor that develops due to improper oral hygiene
hematoma
a collection of blood outside of blood vessels that develops due to an injury to the wall of a blood vessel
herpes simplex
a recurrent, self limited viral disease that causes the eruption of fluid-containing vesicles
herpes zoster
also known as shingles, is a painful, viral infection of the nerves that causes a painful rash with small blisters
hidrocystoma
a sweat gland cyst
hidrosis
the body’s natural production of sweat
hidrotic
relating to sweating
hirsutism
excessive facial and body hair growth especially found in women that can be treated by a derm
hives
an allergic reaction from food or medication were red, itchy, and swollen spots appear on the skin
hyalin
a clear material produced in the body as a result of connective tissues dying
hyperhydrosis
excess sweating
hyperpigmentation
excess, darker than normal, pigmentation
hypertrichosis
hair growth that develops in various locations
hypohydrosis
a disorder where a person does not experience much sweating
hypotrichosis
a condition where a person does not have enough hair on their body
hypopigmentation
diminished, paler than normal, pigmentation
ichthyosis
a hereditary skin disease where epidermis flakes off in larger scales or plates
immunocompromised
a condition where the immune system has been impaired by a disease and decreases a person’s ability to fight infections
impetigo
a bacterial infection where microscopic pus-filled blisters appear
intertrigo
inflammation produced in the warm and moist parts of the body including areas around the groin and between skin folds or under the breasts
induration
the hardening of normally soft skin due to inflammation, cellular infiltration, or an accumulation of blood
inflammation
the reaction of the skin that causes redness, swelling, heat, and pain due to injury, infection, or allergic reaction
intraductal papilloma
benign tumors in the breast ducts
iodine
a nonmetallic element; used as a topical solution to prevent infections
juvederm
a cosmetic, dermal filler gel injection consisting of hyaluronic acid
keloids
a firm pink, raised scar tissue caused by excessive tissue repair
keratinocytes
also called squamous cells; the main cell found in the epidermis
karatosis
a growth of skin that may feel horny and hollow; a wart or a callus may be interpreted as a keratosis
keratoacanthomas
a skin growth that is round and fleshed-colored that contain pasty material
keratosis pilaris
a genetic skin condition where rough bumps appear on the back, upper arms and thighs
koilonychia
a disease that develops in fingernails; the nails will become thin and develop concave shapes
labial
relating to the lip
laser resurfacing
a cosmetic procedure where high-energy light is used to burn away damaged skin, including wrinkles and fine scars
lentigo
a freckle or other pigmented spot found on the surface of the skin
lice
contagious, tiny insects infested in the scalp, and sometimes on the eyebrows and eyelashes causing intense itching
lichen
refers to clinical lesions that various skin diseases cause by the eruption of flat papules
lichenification
diffuse, thickening of the skin due to scratching and rubbing
liniments
liquids that produce heat; the liquid is applied to the skin and may help relieve pains or irritation
lipedema
a condition where fatty tissues develop on the legs
lipoma
a benign tumor under the skin composed of fatty tissue
liver spots
discoloration of the skin due to aging and sun exposure
lupus
an inflammatory condition that does not have any cures; causes fatigue, joint pain, and a butterfly rash
macule
a change in color of something
macular stains
also called angel’s kisses or stork bites, are faint, red marks on the skin presented at birth
malignant melanoma
a rare but sometimes fatal type of skin cancer that starts off as a mole and turns cancerous
melanin
a natural pigment in the body that turns skin to a dark tone
melanocytes
an epidermis cell that produce melanin
melanosis
a condition where melanin production becomes too excessive; the added production causes the skin to become dark in various areas
melasma
a light to dark brown, patchy pigmentation of the cheeks and occasionally the forehead and upper lip that results from sun-exposure and is associated with estrogen
micrococcus
a bacteria with cells up to 3 micrometers in diameter
mite
a small spider-like insect that may be a parasite on human skin
moles
a small, dark raised congenital spot on the skin
mongolian spots
bluish-black congenital skin marks found at birth, on the lower back and buttock and usually goes away after three to five years after birth
necrobiotic disorder
a disorder that involves collagen in the dermis being destroyed
necrotizing fasciitis
a bacterial infection known as flesh-eating disease
neurodermatitis
a condition loosely related to eczema
nevi flammeus
a birthmark consisting of malformed, dilated blood vessels in the skin that leave pink, red, or purple marks on the outer layer of the skin
neck lift
a set of cosmetic procedures to enhance the appearance of the neck, to help present a more youthful look
nevus
a skin issue that is noticeable at birth; this may be a birthmark or a mole
nodule
also called papule, is a raised area of the skin that does not contain any fluids
ochronosis
discoloration of body tissues
onychomycosis
chronic fungal infection of the nails causing chronically thickened, splitting, rough, and discolored nails
onychocryptosis
an ingrown toenail
open comedo
also called a blackhead
pallor
a pale appearance; a white look to the skin
panniculitis
inflammation in the adipose tissue, particularly of the skin; this condition may be characterized by red nodules that develop all around
papilloma
a benign tumor in the skin or in a mucous membrane
papule
a raised lesion on the body; the lesion is an effect of the skin condition and will have a significant border defining its shape
paronychia
an infection in the skin near a nail; a pus-forming, fungal skin infection that causes inflammation around a fingernail or toenail
patch
a circumscribed flat, discolored spot on the skin
pediculosis
an infestation of lice
pemphigus
an autoimmune disease where the immune system will attack healthy cells around the skin triggering blisters and sores
perlane
a cosmetic dermal filler injection used to soften your wrinkles and facial lines and lift to add volume to the face
perleche
a crack that appears at the corners of the mouth
petechiae
a series of patches that develop on a mucous membrane
piloerection
when the hairs on the skin become erect; goosebumps
pilonidal sinus
a cyst or sinus with hair
pimple
an inflamed lesion on the skin that resembles a pink bump
pinta
a bacterial skin disease that is more likely to be found in tropical parts of the americas
pityriasis
a skin disease that is the production of fine scales along the body
pityriasis rosea
a common skin condition resembling patches of scaly, pink, and inflamed skin usually found on the torso
plaque
a small, elevated, solid lesion with a disk-shaped formation
pore
a tiny opening on the surface of the skin
porokeratosis
a keratinization disorder
poroma
a neoplasm of cells that forms in the opening of sweat glands
port-wine stains
a birthmark consisting of malformed, dilated blood vessels in the skin leaving pink, red, or purple marks on the skin
pressure ulcer
an ulcer that develops in the skin over a bony tissue
prickly heat
a skin condition that resembles a rash, and is caused by sweat that is trapped under the skin
prurigo
inflammation in the skin; occurs due to papules consistently erupting
pruritis
a skin condition that causes itching
psoriasis
a chronic skin condition that causes rapid skin growth which results in redness, irritation, and scaly patches
punch grafts
a dermatological procedure to help treat deep acne scars by removing the scar on the skin and placing a skin graft in the area of the cut
purpura
a series of red or purple spots that develop on the skin; the spots are triggered by bleeding conditions under the skin and may be due to vascular or coagulation issues
pus
a yellow or white fluid formed in infected tissue
pustule
also called a pimple; is an inflamed lesion on the skin that resembles a pink bump
pyoderma
a skin disease that has pus; may involve an ulcer or other conditions where the skin develops pus
pyogenic granuloma
raised marks caused by excessive growth of the capillaries
radiesse
a new long-lasting cosmetic filler injection made of microscopic balls of calcium hydroxylapatite that injects into areas such as the lips for more fullness
rash
a series of spots that develop on the skin
restylane
a cosmetic gel injection used to restore the skin’s volume to enhance their natural look with a soft and revitalizing appearance
rhytidectomy
a face-lift procedure
ringworm
a fungal skin infection with the formation of red, blistery, ring-shaped patches
rosacea
the facial skin becoming red and may include a blushing or flushing appearance
salicylic acid
a keratolytic drug used by dermatologists, in dermatological procedures to remove the out layer of the skin
sarcoidosis
a disease that causes inflammation in the lymph nodes and other organs
scab
dried blood pus, or other fluids on the surface of the skin
scabies
a contagious skin infection caused by mites that result in intense itching
scales
sry skin that flakes due to dead skin cells
scar
a fibrous tissue on the skin due to an injury, skin disease, rash, or acne
scleroderma
crest syndrome; the skin becomes tight due to swelling
sebaceous glands
microscopic glands in the skin that secrete oil to the surface of the skin
seborrhea
also known as dandruff when this occurs on the scalp
seborrheic keratosis
a non-cancerous wart-like spots on the skin that is commonly flesh-colored, brown, or black
sebum
the oily compound produced by the sebaceous glands
shingles
a viral infection of the nerve that causes a painful rash with small blisters
skin cancer
the uncontrolled growth of cancerous tumor on the skin that can spread to other tissues and organs
skin cancer screening
skin cancer screening involves a 2 to 3 minute visual inspection of the patient’s body for irregular spots or moles
skin resurfacing
a cosmetic treatment performed to improve the texture, clarity and overall appearance of skin
skin surgery
either a surgical or cosmetic procedure rapidly advancing in the areas of medicine, surgery, and cosmetics
skin tags
a small non-cancerous, flesh-colored skin flaps that appears on the neck, armpits, or groin
spider angioma
an abnormal collection of blood vessels near the skin’s surface causing bright red mark with a distinct dark spot
spider veins
a dilated blood vessels that cause dark red blotches on the surface of the skin
squamous cells
also know as keratinocytes; the main cell found in the epidermis
squamous cell carcinoma
result from skin cancer and becomes an open sore
steatoma
a cyst or tumor found in the sebaceous gland
stretch marks
scaring caused by the stretching or tearing of the skin
striae
scaring caused by the stretching or tearing of the skin
subcutaneous
under the skin
subcutaneous layer
the deepest layer of the skin that lies below the dermis
subcutis
also called the subcutaneous layer
sunburn
an injury on the skin due to excess exposure to sunlight or sunlamps
sycosis
inflammation in the hair follicles around the face
telangiectasia
also called spider veins; dilated blood vessels that cause dark red blotches on the skin
tinea
a fungal skin infection that can be jock itch or athletes foot
tinea versicolor
a chronic non-inflammatory fungal infection where white or light brown patches appear on the skin that can be treated
toxic epidermal necrolysis
a severe skin disorder caused by a reaction to medicine where the top layer of skin starts blistering and peeling
tretinoin
a common, dermatological drug, chemically related to vitamin A used to treat acne
ultraviolet
UV light
unguis
a nail
urticaria
also known as hives; an allergic reaction from food or medication where red, itchy, and swollen spots appear on the surface of the skin
urushiol
a toxic substance found in resin that causes allergic skin reaction
verrucae
a plantar wart that develops on the soles of the feet or near the toe
vitiligo
a skin disorder where smooth, white patches appear in the skin due to the loss of pigment-producing cells
volume restoration
a treatment that provides long-lasting results to give you a natural, youthful appearance
wart
a small non-cancerous skin growth caused by a virus that appears on the surface of the skin
weal
a bump produce on the skin due to a blow
wheal
swelling on the skin due to an insect bite
whitehead
a type of acne with a white or yellowish head on the skin
wrinkle
a small crease or fold in the skin surface resulting from aging or frowning
xeroderma
a disease triggered by the skin being too dry
xerosis
excessive and pathological dryness of the skin or mucous membranes