Skin Disorders Dictionary

keratin: A protein needed to form hair and nails.

keratosis: Peeling of the skin.

lesion: A general term for any growth, injury or abrasion on the skin.

leukoderma: White skin patches.

macule: A flat area of skin that is a different color or different texture than the surrounding skin.

malignant: A term used to describe cancerous tissue that may spread or metastasize.

masques: Combinations of clays, herbs, and other ingredients applied to the face to rejuvenate the skin.

mature acne: Acne that develops in adulthood (particularly after menopause).

melanin: A pigmentation that gives skin color.

melanoma: A skin tumor with dark pigmentation. A melanoma may be either benign or malignant.

melasma: A brown-colored pigmentation on the face. Melasma often occurs in pregnant women and is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy. Melasma typically fades with time.

microdermabrasion: The removal of the outermost dead skin cells to remove skin blemishes.

moisturizer: Any product that promotes moist skin.

mole: A permanent spot or mark on the skin. A mole may protrude from the surrounding skin.

nummular: A form of eczema that produces round, well-defined pink and brown patches on the skin.

oncologist: A doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancers.