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acne - a chronic disorder of the hair
follicles and sebaceous glands. Acne is characterized by black heads, pimple outbreaks,
cysts, infected abscesses, and (sometimes) scarring.
albinism - a rare, inherited disorder characterized by a total or
partial lack of melanin (skin pigment) in the skin.
alopecia - baldness.
angioma - a benign tumor in the skin, which is made up of blood or lymph
vessels.
atopic dermatitis (Also called eczema.) - a skin disorder that is characterized by itching, scaling,
thickening of the skin, and is usually
located on the face, elbows, knees, and arms.
atrophic skin - skin that is thin and wrinkled.
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basal cell carcinoma - the most common form of skin
cancer;
characterized by small, shiny, raised bumps on the skin that may bleed.
basal cells - type of cells that are found in the outer layer of skin.
Basal cells are responsible for producing the squamous cells in the skin.
birthmark - abnormality of the skin that is present at birth or shortly afterward.
bed sores - ulcers that occur on areas of the skin that are under
pressure from lying in bed, sitting in wheelchairs, wearing a cast, or being immobile for
a long period of time.
biopsy - a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells
from the body for examination under a microscope.
blister - a fluid-filled bump.
boil - tender, swollen areas that form around hair follicles.
botulinum toxin type A - an injection of botulinum toxin into
specific muscles will immobilize those muscles, preventing them from forming
wrinkles and furrows.
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candidiasis (Also called yeast infection.) - a skin
infection caused by yeast that can occur in the skin folds, navel, vagina, penis,
mouth, and nail beds.
carbuncles - clusters of boils on the skin.
cavernous hemangioma - a raised, red or purple mark in the skin,
made up of enlarged blood vessels.
cellulitis - a bacterial infection of the skin that is
characterized by swelling and tenderness.
chemical peels - a procedure often used to minimize
sun-damaged skin, irregular pigment, and superficial scars. The top layer of
skin is removed with a chemical application to the skin. By removing the top
layer, the skin regenerates, often improving the skin''s appearance.
cold sore - small blisters around and in the mouth caused by the
herpes simplex virus.
collagen - a natural protein found in humans that forms
connective tissue and provides strength, resilience, and support to the
skin, ligaments, tendons, bones, and other parts of the body.
collagen injections - one type of collagen, which is derived from
purified bovine (cow) collagen, is injected beneath the skin to replace the
body''s natural collagen that has been lost. Injectable collagen is generally
used to treat wrinkles, scars, and facial lines.
creeping eruption - a skin infection caused by hookworms that is
characterized by severe itching.
crust (Also called scab.) - a formation of dried blood, pus, or
other skin fluid over a break in the skin.
cryosurgery - destruction of a lesion on the
skin by freezing with liquid
nitrogen.
cyst - a deep lesion that is filled with pus or other contents.
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dermabrasion - used to minimize small scars, minor skin surface
irregularities, surgical scars, and acne scars. As the name implies,
dermabrasion involves removing the top layers of skin with an electrical
machine that "abrades" the skin. As the skin heals from the procedure,
the surface appears smoother and fresher.
dermatitis - a number of skin conditions
characterized by inflammation of the skin.
dermatofibroma - small, red or brown bumps in the skin.
dermis - the middle layer of skin, which is made up of blood
vessels, lymph vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, collagen bundles, and
fibroblasts.
dermoid cyst - a benign tumor made up of hairs, sweat glands, and
sebaceous glands.
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eczema
(Also called atopic dermatitis.) - a skin disorder that is characterized by itching, scaling,
thickening of the skin, and is usually
located on the face, elbows, knees, and arms.
epidermis - the outermost layer of skin.
erysipelas - a bacterial skin infection that usually affects the
arms, legs, or face, characterized by shiny, red areas, small blisters, and swollen lymph
nodes.
erythema multiforme - a skin condition characterized by
symmetrical, red, raised skin areas all over the body.
erythema nodosum - a skin condition characterized by red bumps
that usually appear on the shins.
erythrasma - a skin infection of the top layer of skin
characterized by irregular pink patches that turn to brown scales.
exanthem - a rash.
excoriation - an area of the skin covered by a
crust, or scab, usually caused by scratching.
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folliculitis - an inflammation of the hair follicles due to an
infection or irritation.
freckles - darkened, flat spots that typically appear only on
sun-exposed areas of skin.
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granuloma annulare - a chronic skin condition characterized by
small, raised bumps that form a ring with a normal or sunken center.
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herpes zoster (Also called shingles.) - a common viral infection
of the nerves, characterized by a painful skin rash of small blisters anywhere on the
body.
hirsutism - excessive hairiness.
hives (Also called urticaria.) - a
condition in which red, itchy, and swollen areas appear on the skin
usually as an allergic reaction from eating certain foods or taking
certain medications.
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immune system - a collection of cells and
proteins that works to protect the body
from potentially harmful, infectious microorganisms, such as
bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
immunocompromised - an abnormal condition in
which one''s ability to fight infection is decreased. This can be due to a disease process, certain medications, or
a condition present at birth.
impetigo - a bacterial skin infection
characterized by microscopic, pus-filled blisters.
inflammation - redness, swelling, heat, and
pain in a tissue due to chemical or physical
injury, infection, or allergic reaction.
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keloids - smooth, pink, raised, firm, fibrous
growths on the skin that form secondary to injury.
keratinocytes (Also called squamous cells.) - the
primary cell types found in the epidermis, the outer layer of skin.
keratoacanthomas - round, flesh-colored growths with craters that
contain a pasty material.
keratosis pilaris - a common skin condition characterized by small, pointed
bumps, especially on the back and sides of the upper arms.
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laser resurfacing - uses high-energy light to burn away damaged
skin. Laser resurfacing may be used to minimize wrinkles and fine scars.
lice - tiny parasites that can infest the skin; characterized by
intense itching.
lichenification - skin that has thickened.
lipomas - round or oval lumps under the skin caused by fatty
deposits.
lymphangioma - a raised, yellow-tan or red mark in the skin, made
up of enlarged lymphatic vessels.
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macular stains (Also called angel''s kisses or stork bites.)
- faint, red marks that appear in the skin at birth. Angel''s kisses are marks on
the forehead and eyelids. Stork bites are marks on the back of the neck.
macule - the smaller version of a patch - a flat discolored
spot.
malignant melanoma - a rare, but sometimes deadly, skin cancer
that begins as a mole that turns cancerous.
melanocytes - cells present in the epidermis that produce melanin
(skin pigment).
melasma - dark, brown symmetrical patches of pigment on the face.
moles - small skin marks caused by pigment-producing cells in the
skin.
Mongolian spots - Bluish-black marks on the lower back and
buttocks; affects mainly African-American or Asian children.
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nodule (Also called papule.) - a solid, raised bump.
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paronychia - a skin infection around a finger or toenail.
patch - a flat, discolored spot.
pityriasis rosea - a common skin condition characterized by
scaly, pink, and inflamed skin.
port-wine stains (Also called nevi flammeus.) - permanent flat,
pink, red, or purple marks on the skin.
prickly heat - a rash caused by trapped sweat under the skin.
psoriasis - a chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed,
red, raised areas that develop silvery scales.
punch grafts - small skin grafts to replace scarred skin. A hole
is punched in the skin to remove the scar, which is then replaced with
unscarred skin (often from the back of the earlobe). Punch grafts can help
treat deep acne scars.
pustule (Also called pimple.) - inflamed lesions that look like
pink bumps.
pyogenic granuloma - red, brown, or bluish-black raised marks
caused by excessive growth of capillaries.
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ringworm - a fungal skin infection characterized by ring-shaped,
red, scaly, or blistery patches.
rosacea - a common skin condition characterized by redness,
pimples, and broken blood vessels.
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salicylic acid - a keratolytic drug (a drug that removes the
outer layer of skin) that is used to treat various skin conditions.
sarcoidosis - an inflammation of the lymph nodes and other
organs.
scabies - an infestation of mites in the skin characterized by
small pimples that itch.
scales - dead skin cells that look like flakes or dry skin.
scar - fibrous tissue that has formed after a skin injury.
sebaceous glands - glands in the skin that secrete oil to the
surface of the skin.
seborrheic keratosis - flesh-colored, yellow, brown, or black
wart-like spots.
skin tags - soft, small, flesh-colored skin flaps on the neck,
armpits, or groin.
spider angioma - a bright red mark with a distinct dark spot in
the skin.
squamous cells (Also called keratinocytes.) - the
primary cell types found in the epidermis, the outer layer of skin.
squamous cell carcinoma - a form of skin cancer that affects
about 20 percent of patients with skin cancer. This highly treatable cancer is
characterized by red, scaly skin that becomes an open sore.
subcutis - the deepest layer of skin; also known
as the subcutaneous layer.
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tinea versicolor - a common fungal skin infection characterized
by white or light brown patches on the skin.
toxic epidermal necrolysis - a life-threatening skin disorder
characterized by blistering and peeling of the top layer of skin.
tretinoin - a drug which is chemically related to vitamin A; used to
treat acne and other scaly skin disorders.
trichotillomania - hair pulling.
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urticaria (Also called hives.) - a
condition in which red, itchy, and swollen areas appear on the skin
usually as an allergic reaction from eating certain foods or taking
certain medications.
urushiol - resin in poison ivy plants that causes an allergic
skin reaction.
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vitiligo - smooth, white patches in the skin caused by the loss
of pigment-producing cells.
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wart - a non-cancerous skin growth caused by a virus.
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