Glossary of Commonly Used Dermatology Terms
Acne — Plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps
(cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and the upper arms.
Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any
age group; adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring. Even less severe cases can lead to scarring. To avoid acne scarring, treating acne early is important.
Actinic keratoses—thick, warty, rough, reddish growths on sun-exposed skin. They may be precancerous to squamous cell carcinoma.
Age spots—also called "liver spots." Flat, brown areas usually found on the face, hands, back and feet. They are associated with aging, but chronic sun exposure is a major cause. They are easily removed by a dermatologist.
Alopecia Areata —highly unpredictable, autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body.
Androgenic Alopecia —Androgenetic alopecia, also known as common balding in men and hereditary thinning in women, is a common trait caused by androgens in genetically susceptible men and women. It begins in the teens, 20s, or 30s in both sexes and frequently is fully expressed by the 40s.
Antioxidant —An enzyme or other organic molecule that can counteract the damaging effects of oxygen in tissues. Although the term technically applies to molecules reacting with oxygen, it is often applied to molecules that protect from any free radical (molecule with unpaired electron). Examples: vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamin E
Atypical nevus —(also called a dysplastic nevus): a benign growth that may share some of the clinical or microscopic features of melanoma, but is not a melanoma or any other form of cancer. However, the presence of atypical nevi may increase the risk of developing a melanoma, or be a marker for someone who is at risk of developing melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma—a skin cancer that develops in the basal layer of the skin—deeper than the surface layer. It is associated with aging and years of chronic sun exposure. Basal cell carcinoma seldom spreads to other parts of the body, but can be disfiguring if not treated early.
Chemical peeling—a chemical solution is applied to the skin, causing the skin to blister and peel off over a period of days. As the treated skin peels off, new and more pliant skin replaces it. Chemical peeling is a procedure for facial skin rejuvenation.
Dermabrasion—a procedure that uses a rapidly rotating brush to plane off the surface layer of skin, remove scars, and improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin.
Dermis—The middle layer of the skin, below the epidermis and above subcutaneous tissue. It is composed of connective tissue in which is embedded hair follicles, sweat glands, superficial and deeper blood vessels, and nerve fibers.
Dermatitis – Inflammation of the skin.
Eczema- The terms eczema or dermatitis are used to describe certain kinds of inflamed skin conditions including allergic contact dermatitis and nummular dermatitis. Eczema can be red, blistering, oozing, scaly, brownish, or thickened skin and usually itches. A special type is called atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema.
Epidermis– The outermost layer of skin. The epidermis has several active zones of skin cells, including cells that participate in immune reactions. Many eczematous skin conditions are initiated in the epidermis.
Fungal (and yeast) Infections – Fungi and yeast are capable of causing many different forms of skin (and nail) infections.
Genital warts– Genital warts, also known as venereal warts or condylomata acuminata, are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). More than 80 types of HPV are known to exist and quite a few of these types cause genital warts, e.g. HPV types 6 and 11. Other HPV types cause common warts on the hands, feet, or elsewhere on the body. Other types (HPV types 16 and 18) can cause cancer of the cervix, the external genital skin, or the anus. Therefore, female partners of affected persons are recommended to see their gynecologist for occult infection. The HPV types that cause genital warts, however, very rarely cause cancer. Although genital warts are usually sexually transmitted, they can infrequently be seen in infants who have been delivered vaginally to mothers with HPV in their genital tracts.
Hemangioma– Benign tumors of the vascular endothelium. Hemangiomas of infancy are the most common type of hemangiomas, characterized by a unique natural history of growth in early infancy, followed by slow involution over the next several years. Hemangiomas may be present at the time of birth as so-called precursor lesions in approximately half of the cases. Rarely are they fully-formed tumors at birth. In the remainder of cases, lesions become evident after birth, usually within the second and fourth weeks of life.
Keloid– Large raised scar that spreads beyond the size of the original wound.
Laser resurfacing—lasers of various wavelengths and power are used to remove wrinkles, crease lines, age spots, and other effects of aging and photoaging. Lasers also can be used to treat spider veins, to remove unwanted hair, and to remove some skin cancers.
Lentigines—see age spots.
Lesion– an injury or wound, a localized abnormal structural change in the skin
Lipoatrophy – Loss of fat from underneath the skin. Common causes are aging and disease.
Macule– A flat spot or patch of skin that is not the same color as the surrounding skin.
Malignant—When referring to cancer, malignant means the ability to grow and spread in an uncontrolled manner beyond the local confines of the tumor. Its opposite, “benign,” refers to a growth that is non-cancerous.
Melanoma—a skin cancer that arises in melanocytes, the dark pigment cells of the skin. Melanoma usually arises in a pre-existing mole or other pigmented lesion. It is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Moles—Everyone has moles (also known as "nevi"), sometimes 40 or more. Most people think of a mole as a dark brown spot, but moles have a wide range of appearance. They can be raised from the skin and very noticeable, they may contain dark hairs, or they may be dangerous. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. They are usually brown in color and can be various sizes and shapes. The brown color is caused by melanocytes, special cells that produce the pigment melanin. Moles probably are determined before a person is born. Most appear during the first 20 years of a person's life, although some may not appear until later in life. Sun exposure increases the number of moles. Each mole has its own growth pattern. At first, moles are flat and tan, pink, brown or black in color, like a freckle. Over time, they usually enlarge and some develop hairs. As the years pass, moles usually change slowly, becoming more raised and lighter in color. Some will not change at all. Most moles will slowly disappear, seeming to fade away. Others will become raised so far from the skin that they may develop a small "stalk" and eventually fall off or are rubbed off. This is the typical life cycle of the common mole. These changes occur slowly since the life cycle of the average mole is about 50 years. Moles may darken, with exposure to the sun. During the teen years, with birth control pills and pregnancy, moles often get darker and larger and new ones may appear.
Papules—Pink bumps on the skin.
Photoaging—the damage that accumulates in the skin from years of excessive and chronic sun exposure. Photoaging accounts for much of the facial "old look" associated with aging.
Psoriasis – A chronic skin condition that most commonly appears as patches of raised, red skin covered by scale. These patches, or plaques, are commonly found on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp. There are five different types of psoriasis, and the signs (what is seen) differ for each type. Some who develop psoriasis also get psoriatic arthritis, a medical condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in and around the joints. In rare cases, a person may develop psoriatic arthritis first. For more information, see PsoriasisNet.
Ringworm (tinea)— Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. Ringworm can affect skin on your body (tinea corporis), scalp (tinea capitis), groin area (tinea cruris, also called jock itch), or feet (tinea pedis, also called athlete's foot).
Rosacea – A common skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. Often referred to as "adult acne," rosacea may begin as a tendency to flush or blush easily, and progress to persistent redness in the center of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. It also may involve the ears, chest and back. As the disease progresses, small blood vessels and tiny pimples begin to appear on and around the reddened area; however, unlike acne, there are no blackheads.
Sclerotherapy—a treatment for varicose veins and spider veins. A chemical solution injected into the enlarged vein causes it to collapse and form scar tissue.
Seborrheic Dermatitis—Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disorder that can be easily treated. This condition is a red, scaly, itchy rash most commonly seen on the scalp, sides of the nose, eyebrows, eyelids, skin behind the ears, and middle of the chest. Other areas, such as the navel (belly button), buttocks, skin folds under the arms, axillary regions, breasts, and groin, may also be involved.
Seborrheic Keratoses—brown or black raised spots, or wart-like growths that appear to be stuck to the surface of the skin. They are harmless but unsightly. They are easily removed by a dermatologist.
Shingles – Medical condition that develops when the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chicken pox, is reactivated. The first sign is usually a rash that forms a band or patch of raised bumps. As shingles progresses, small blisters form. A person may experience mild to severe itching and pain. Other symptoms are fever, chills, headache, and upset stomach. Shingles only occurs in people who have had chicken pox.
Soft-tissue augmentation—a substance compatible with body tissues is injected under the skin to elevate irregularities such as wrinkles, pits and scars. Substances used for injection include collagen and self-donated body fat.
Spider veins—small, superficial veins that enlarge and appear as a "sunburst" pattern of reddish and purplish veins.
Squamous cell carcinoma—a skin cancer that develops in the outer layers of the skin. It is one of the forms of skin cancer closely associated with aging and years of sun exposure. Squamous cell carcinoma is capable of spreading to other organs and should be treated as soon as it is detected.
Urticaria (hives)—Hives , or "wheals", are pale red swellings of skin that occur in groups on any part of the skin. Urticaria is the medical word for hives. Each hive lasts a few hours before fading without a trace. New areas may develop as old areas fade. They can vary in size from as small as a pencil eraser to as large as a dinner plate and may join together to form larger swellings. Hives usually are itchy, but may also burn or sting. Hives are formed by blood plasma leaking out of small blood vessels in the skin. This is caused by the release of a chemical called histamine. Histamine is released from cells called "mast cells" that lie along the blood vessels in the skin. Allergic reactions, chemicals in foods, or medications can cause histamine release. Sometimes it's impossible to find out why hives are forming. Hives are very common - 10-20 percent of the population will have at least one episode in their lifetime. Most episodes of hives disappear quickly in a few days to a few weeks. Occasionally, a person will continue to have hives for many years.
Varicose veins—Enlarged blood vessels that appear blue and bulge under the skin. These veins occur from the backward flow of blood caused by damaged or diseased valves in the veins. They can be unsightly and may be associated with symptoms such as swelling, cramping, aching, throbbing, and fatigue of the legs and feet.
Veins—Spider veins are small enlarged superficial blood vessels that appear red or blue. They commonly occur on the legs, but frequently occur on the face or elsewhere. These dilated blood vessels may be short, unconnected lines each about the size of a large hair or connected in a matted, "sunburst" pattern. They may also look like a spider web or a tree with branches. Sometimes, they occur in a small area and aren't very noticeable, or they can cover a large area of skin and be quite unattractive. Larger dilated blood vessels called varicose veins may be raised above the skin surface. They may occur along with spider veins. Patients can have pain, ranging from a dull throbbing pain to a burning sensation. The larger vessels are more likely to cause discomfort, although smaller blue veins have been shown to cause pain. If spider veins are unsightly or uncomfortable, they can be treated with laser or by injection of a solution that will cause them to disappear or become much smaller. There is about a 50 - 90 percent chance for a greatly improved appearance.
Vitiligo—Vitiligo is a skin condition resulting from loss of pigment which produces white patches. Any part of the body may be affected. Usually both sides of the body are affected. Common areas of involvement are the face, lips, hands, arms, legs, and genital areas.Vitiligo affects one or two of every 100 people. About half the people who develop it do so before the age of 20; about one–fifth have a family member with this condition. It may be an autoimmune process (the body makes antibodies to its own pigment cells). Most people with vitiligo are in good general health, although vitiligo may occur with other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease.
Warts—Warts are benign tumors that commonly involve the skin and other epithelial tissues. The etiologic agents for these infections are a class of double-stranded DNA viruses called papillomaviruses. Warts are generally classified by their clinical features and morphology (e.g., common, flat, filiform) or by location (e.g., genital, plantar, respiratory papillomatosis).
For more information all of the conditions listed please see the Public Resource Center of the American Academy of Dermatology and Medline Plus, a service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health
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