Skin Disorders Dictionary

acne: An inflammatory skin eruption.

adolescent: A person between the age of puberty and adulthood.

albinism: People with albinism have very little melanin (the pigment that gives skin and hair color). People with albinism have fair skin, light colored or white hair and sunburn easily.

allergen: Any substance that triggers an allergic reaction.

alopecia: Hair loss, usually of the scalp.

antihistamines: Over-the-counter and prescription medications that reduce allergy symptoms by countering histamine, the chemical released during an allergic reaction.

apoptosis: Cell death.

arsenic: A poison that can be absorbed through the skin. Arsenic poisoning causes darkening of the skin, scaly skin and skin cancer.

asteatoic: Dry skin.

atopic eczema: Eczema caused by allergic reactions.

atopic: Describes an allergic response to an inhaled allergen.

benign: Describes skin moles and growths that are not malignant cancers.

blackhead: A small black blemish caused when sebum blocks a sebaceous gland.

callus: A hard, thick layer of skin.

carbuncle: A skin infection characterized by groups of boils. The boils can cause significant scarring.

carcinogenic: Used to describe any substance that causes cancer.

carcinoma: A malignant tumor growing out of the epithelium, a type of tissue that surrounds and protects other parts of the body.

chemical peel: The use of an acidic or caustic chemical to remove facial wrinkles and blemishes.

cleanser: A product that removes make up and dead skin.

cold sore: A painful lesion caused by oral herpes that occurs in or close to the mouth.

collagen: A substance found in skin that provides structural support. Collagen declines with age, causing wrinkles.

collagen: An insoluble protein that gives skin its elasticity.

comedo: A blackhead, or plugged sebaceous gland.

conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the mucus membrane lining the eyes.

corticosteroids: Synthetic versions of cortisol, a natural steroid. Often used to control inflammation.

cyst: A harmless growth in the skin layer. Cysts develop when hair follicles are blocked and include acne and whiteheads.

dander: Shed particles of skin, feathers and fur. Animal dander is a common allergen.

dandruff: Scaly, flaky patches of skin on the scalp.

dermabrasion: The removal of acne pits and acne scars by freezing the skin and then using special tools to remove the upper layer of skin.

dermatitis: A dry, itchy red rash often caused by allergies.

dermatitis: Skin inflammation.

dermatologist: A doctor who specializes in skin care and skin disorders.

dermatologists: Doctors who specialize in the skin and related diseases.

dermatology: The study of the skin and its diseases.

dermis: The second layer of the skin, located just below the epidermis.

dermis: The skin's middle layer. The dermis is composed of connective tissue, blood vessels, nerve endings and collagen.

dry skin: Skin that lacks adequate moisture.

dyschromia: Abnormal skin pigmentation.

eczema: A red rash that itches. Blisters may accompany eczema, and long-term itching can thicken affected skin.

eczema: An inflammation of the skin that causes redness, itching, and scaly hardened lesions.

emollient: Any substance that smoothes or softens the skin.

epidermis: The outer layer of the skin.

epidermis: The skin's thin outer layer.

erythema: Red skin caused by vascular perfusion or congestion.

erythrodermic: Describing red skin due to inflammation.