Skin - Medical Terminology

Abscess—collection of pus

Acne vulgaris—caused by buildup of sebum and keratin in the pores of the skin.

Acne—chronic popular and pustular eruption of the skin with increased production of sebum

Actinic keratoses—are premalignant lesions in people with sun damaged skin

Actinic keratosis—caused by long term ultraviolet light exposure that lead to squamous carcinoma

Adipocyte—fat cell

Albinism—Albinism is an inherited condition present at birth, characterized by a lack of pigment that normally gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. Many types of albinism exist, all of which involve lack of pigment in varying degrees. The condition, which is found in all races, may be accompanied by eye problems and may lead to skin cancer later in life.

Albino--An absence of pigment in the skin, eyes, and hair is most likely due to an inherited inability to produce melanin. An individual who cannot produce melanin has a marked deficiency of pigment in the

Albinos—individuals who are incapable of forming melanin, their skin and hair are white

Alopecia areata—an autoimmune disease in which hair fall out as patches without scarring or inflammation

Alopecia—absence of hair from areas where it normally grows. Baldness

Angioedema—swelling around the face

Anhidrosis—hereditary condition in which the skin is dry, rough because of the defect in keratinization.

Anthracosis—Accumulation of carbon in the lungs from inhaled smoke or coal dust. Also called miner's lung. -

Apocrine sweat glands-- Sweat glands located primarily in the armpit and genital areas. One of the largest dermal exocrine gland located in the axilla.

Bacterial analysis—samples of skin are examined for presence of microorganisms

Basal cell carcinoma—malignant tumor on the basal cell layer of the epidermis, most frequent type of cancer

Basal layer—which is the deepest layeror region of the epidermis, are of greatestimportance. Cells constantly growing and multiplying. The basal layer is the only layer of the epidermis that is composed of living cells where new cells are formed.

Basal layer—the deepest layer, the cells constantly grow and multiply

Bulla—large vesicle

Burns—Burns are tissue injuries caused by contact with thermal, chemical, electrical, or radioactive agents. Burns are usually classified as first-, second-, or third-degree burns. The extent of injury anddegree of severity determine a burn’s classification.

First-degree (superficial) burns are the least serioustype of burn because they injure only the top

layers of the skin, the epidermis. These burns aremost often caused by brief contact with either dry

or moist heat (thermal burn), spending too muchtime in the sun (sunburn), or exposure to chemicals.

Generally, blisters do not form andthe burn heals without scar formation. Seconddegree

(partial-thickness) burns are deep burnsthat damage both the epidermis and part of thedermis. These burns may be caused by contactwith flames, hot liquids, or chemicals. Symptomsmimic those of first-degree burns, but fluid-filledblisters (vesicles or bullae) form and the burn mayheal with little or no scarring. In third-degree (full-thickness) burns, theepidermis and dermis are destroyed and some of

the underlying connective tissue is damaged, leavingthe skin waxy and charred with insensitivity totouch.The underlying bones,muscles, and tendonsmay also be damaged. These burns may be caused

by corrosive chemicals, flames, electricity, orextremely hot objects; immersion of the body inextremely

Callus—increased growth of cells in the keratin layer of the epidermis caused by pressure or friction. The feet and hands are common site

Causalgia—unpleasant burning sensation in skin and muscle when there is damage in nerve

Cellulitis—diffuse, acute infection of the skin marked by local heat, redness and swelling. Abscess formation and tissue destruction occurs.

Chlorophyll—Any of a group of related green pigments found in photosynthetic cells that converts light energy into ATP and other forms of energy needed for biochemical processes; it is found in green plants, brown and red algae, and certain aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

Cicatrix—normal scar healed by wound

Cirrhosis—Cirrhosis is a chronic degenerative disease in which normal liver cells are damaged and are then replaced by scar tissue

Collagen—dense connective tissue strand or structural protein found in the skin and connective tissue. It is fibrous protein found in bone, cartilage and ligaments. Examples are systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma

Comedo—blackhead or open comedo is partially closed at surface

Corpusluteum—A yellow, progesterone-secreting mass of cells that forms from a Graafian follicle after the release of a mature egg. Also called yellow body

Crust—skin lesion. Collection of dried serum and cellular debris. Scab is a crust

Cryosurgery—use of subfreezing temperature achieved with liquid nitrogen application to destroy tissue

Curettage—use of a sharp dermal curette to scrape away skin lesions

Curette—shape like spoon or scoop

Cutaneous lesions—Is an area of abnormal tissue anywhere on or in the body

Cuticle—band of epidermis at the base and sides of the nail plate. Layer of keratin

Cyanosis—Cyanosis is a physical sign causing bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. Cyanosis is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. Cyanosis is associated with cold temperatures, heart failure, lung diseases, and smothering. It is seen in infants at birth as a result of heart defects, respiratory distress syndrome, or lung and breathing problems.

Cyst—skin lesion. Thick walled, closed sac containing fluid or semisolid materials. Examples are pilonidalcyst, found in sacral area an contain hair and sebaceous cysts, a collection of yellowish, cheesy sebum commonly found in scalp

Decubitus ulcers—bed sores are caused by pressure from lying in one position

Dermabrasion—scraping away. It is using a sand paper like material removes acne scars and fine wrinkles

Dermatitis—inflammation of skin

Dermatologist—A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders

Dermatophytosis—examples are fungal infection

Dermis—middle and thin cellular membrane layer of the skin, containing collagen. Composed of blood, blood vessels and nerve fibers as well as hair follicle, sweat glands

Diaphoresis—profuse sweating

Discoid lupus erythematosus—plaque like eruption of the skin confined to the face, ears, chests

Dysplastic nevi—that have atypical cells and may progress to form a type of skin cancer melanoma

Ecchymosis—bluish, black and blue mark on the skin, caused by hemorrhages into the skin from injury

Eccrine sweat glands—most common sweat producing glands in the skin

Eczema (atopic dermatitis)—inflammatory skin disease with erythematous, papulovesicular or papalosquamous lesions. A chronic disease

electrocautery—an instrument a needle or knife is used during surgery to burn through tissue by means of electrical current.

Electrodesiccation—tissue is destroyed by burning with an electric spark

Eosinophil—a granular leukocyte having a nucleus with two lobes connected by a thread of chromatin, and cytoplasm containing coarse, round granules of uniform size

Epidermis—outermost thin layered of the skin, containing keratin. Composed of squamous epithelium. Epithelium is the covering of the internaland external surfaces of the body.

Epidermolysis—loosening of the epidermis with the development of large blisters occurs after injury.

Epithelium—layer of the skin forming the outer and inner surfaces of the body

Erosion—skin lesion. Wearing away or loss of epidermis. Causes are inflammation or injury and heal without scarring

Erythema—flushing; widespread redness of the skin

Erythematous—pertaining to erythema

Eumelanin—brown black pigment

Exanthematous viral diseases—rash of the skin due to a viral infection. Examples are rubella, rubeola and chickenpox

Exudates—fluid that accumulates

First-degree (superficial) burns are the least serious type of burn because they injure only the top

Fissure—groove or crack like sore. An anal fissure is a break in the skin lining of the anal cavity

Fungal tests—scraping from the skin lesions, hair specimens or nail clipping are sent for laboratory testing

Gangrene—death of the tissue associated with loss of blood supply. ischemia resulting from injury, frostbit, diabetes, or arteriosclerosis

Hair follicle—sac within which each hair grow

Hypertrichosis—excessive growth of hair

Ichthyosis—Derived from two Greek words meaning "fish" and "disease," ichthyosis is a congenital (meaning present at birth) dermatological (skin) disease that is represented by thick, scaly skin

Impetigo—bacterial inflammatory skin diseases characterized by vesicles, pustules, caused by streptococci, and staphylococci

Impetigo—skin disease by bacterial infection

Integumentary system— The skin, also called integument, is the largest organ in the body. Together with its accessory organs(hair, nails, and glands). Its elaborate system of distincttissues includes glands that produce severaltypes of secretions, nerves that transmit impulses,and blood vessels that help regulate body temperature.The skin covers and protects all outer surfacesof the body and performs many vital functions,including the sense of touch.

Jaundice—condition in which a person's skin and the whites of the eyes are discolored yellow due to an increased level of bile pigments in the blood resulting from liver disease. Jaundice is sometimes called icterus

Juvenile warts—on hands and face of children

Kaposi sarcoma—malignant, vascular, neoplastic growth characterized by nodules

Kelis—blemish

Keloid—excess hypertrophied, thickened scar developing after trauma or incision. It results from excessive collagen during cartilage repair.

Keratin—hard protein material found in hair, epidermis and nails. Meaning horn. Deep lining cells in the hair root produces keratinized cells moved upward through hair follicles

Keratosis—thickened and rough lesion of the epidermis, associated with aging or skin damage

Layer of the skin—epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous layer

Leukoderma--an acquired condition with localized loss of pigmentation of the skin.

Leukoplakia--a white patch on a mucous membrane that will not rub off.

Leukoplakia—white thickened patches on mucous membrane tissue of the tongue or cheek.

Lipoma--a benign, soft, rubbery, encapsulated tumor of adipose tissue, usually composed of mature fat cells

Liposuction—removal of fat tissue through a tube that is introduced via incision

Lunula—the half-moon shaped whitish area at the base of the nail

Lupus vulgaris—refers to a cutaneous form of tuberculosis

Lupus—wolf like

Macule—skin lesion. Flat lesion measuring less than 1 mm in diameter such as freckles, tattoo marks.

Malignant melanoma—cancerous growth composed of melanocytes. It is genetic predisposition and exposure to ultraviolet sunlight. Biopsy is required

Mantoux and purified protein derivation—for TB and other skin disease

Melanin—skin pigment. It is formed by melanocytes in the epidermis. It production increases with the exposure to strong ultraviolet light

Melanocyte—found in basal layer, and contain a pigment called melanin which give color to the skin. Located at the root of the hair follicle

Melanoma—malignant skin tumor

Melanoma—type of cancer

Mohs surgery—mohs micrographic surgery is specialized form of excision to treat basal cell carcinoma and other tumors

Mycosis—fungal infection. Example is tinea pedis

Nails—hard keratin plates covering the dorsal surface of the last bone of the fingers and toes. Composed of keratinocyte

Nerve fiber—receptors for sensations such as pain, temperature

Nevus, nevi—pigmented lesions of the skin. Common known as moles

Nodule— skin lesion. Solid, round elevated lesions 1 cm or more in diameter. An enlarge lymph node and solid growth are example

Onycholysis—is the loosening of the nail plate with separation from the nail bed. Often seen with psoriasis

Onycholysis—separation of the nail plate from the nail bed in fungal infection after trauma

Onychomycosis—fungal infection of the nail, which become white and thick.

Papule—small less than 1 cm, solid elevation of the skin such as pimple

Paronychia—inflammation and swelling of the soft tissue around the nail

Paronychium—soft tissue surrounding the nail border

Patch test—an allergen treated piece of gauze or filter paper is applied to the skin

Patch—large macule greater than 1 mm

Petechia—small pinpoint hemorrhages

Pheomelanin—red yellow pigment

Pilosebaceous—combination of the hair follicle and attached sebaceous gland

Plantar warts—on the soles of the feet

Poliosis--circumscribed loss of pigment of the hair, especially following some pathological process.

Polyp—skin lesion. Growth extending from the surface of mucous membrane. Commonly found in nose, sinuses, and colon, uterus or bladder

Pore—tiny opening on the surface of the skin

Pruritus—itching, associated with most form of dermatitis

Psoriasis—chronic, recurrent dermatosis marked by itchy, red plaque covered by silvery gray scales. Usually occurs on knee, forearms or legs

Punch biopsy—surgical instrument removes a core of tissue obtained by a sharp circular edge

Purpura—bleeding into the skin. Examples are ecchymosis and petechiae

Purulent—pus filled material

Pustule—skin lesion. Papule containing pus. It is a small abscess on the skin

Pyoderma—pus in skin

Pyoderma—pus within a skin

Rhytidectomy—cosmetic plastic surgery to remove wrinkles and excess skin. Also called plasty or face lift

Rubella—German measles

Rubeola—measles

Scabies—contagious parasite infection of the skin intense pruritus.

Schick tests—diphtheria. Diphtheria is a potentially fatal, contagious disease that usually involves the nose, throat, and air passages, but may also infect the skin. Its most striking feature is the formation of a grayish membrane covering the tonsils and upper part of the throat.

Scleroderma—chronic progressive disease of the skin and internal organs with hardening and shrinking of connective tissue. Fibrous scar like tissue forms in the skin, the heart and lungs

Scratch test—several scratches are made in the skin and a very minute amount of test material is inserted into the scratches

Sebaceous gland—oil secreting gland in the dermis that is associated with hair follicle. Located in the dermal layer

Seborrhea—excessive secretion from sebaceous glands

Seborrheic dermatitis—dandruff

Seborrheic keratosis—benign lesion that result from overgrowth of upper epidermis

Sebum—oil secreted by sebaceous gland

Serum—clear fluid

Shave biopsy—tissue is excised using a cut parallel to the surface

Skin biopsy—suspected malignant skin lesions are removed and examined in microscopically by pathologists

Skin tests-substances are injected intradermally or applied to the skin

Squamous cell carcinoma—malignant tumor of the squamous cells in the epidermis. Can grow where squamous cell is found such as larynx or lungs.

Squamous epithelium—flat, scale like cells composing the epidermis

Steatoma—cystic collection of sebum that form in sebaceous gland and can be infected

Stratified—arranged in layers

Stratum corneum—outermost layer of the epidermis, which consists of flattened, keratinized cells

Stratum—a layer of cell

Subcutaneous layer—innermost thick layer of the skin, containing fat cells, epidermis and dermis are the cutaneous layers

Subungual—beneath a nail or soft tissues immediately underlying the nail plate

Systemic lupus erythematosis—chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of collagen in skin, joints and internal organs. Produces a characteristic “butterfly” pattern of redness on cheek and nose

Tinea barbae—affection the skin under the beard

Tinea corporis—ring worm

Tinea pedis—athlete’s foot

Tinea unguium—affecting the nails

Tinea—infection of the skin caused by fungus, also mean moth or worm

Ulcer—skin lesion. Open sore on the skin or mucous membranes

Urticaria (hives)—acute allergic reaction in which red, round wheals develop n the skin

Varicella—chickenpox

Venereal wart—on genitals and around anus

Verruca vulgaris—common wart is most frequent type of wart

Verruca—epidermal growth caused by virus.

Vesicle—skin lesion. Small collection of papule of clear fluid; blister

Vitiligo—loss of pigment in areas of the skin (milk white patches). A form of leukoderma

Wheal—skin lesion. Smooth edematous papule that is redder or paler than the surrounding skin.

Whitehead—closed comedo

Xanthelasma—a xanthoma appears on eyelids

Xanthoma—a tumor composed of lipid-laden foam cells, which are histiocytes containing cytoplasmic lipid material.

Xanthoma—nodules develop under the skin owing to excess lipid deposits and can be associated with high cholesterol level

Xerosis—very dry skin