Chapter 12 (Vocabulary)

Question 1

Commonly known as acne, is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by pustular eruptions of the skin caused by an overproduction of sebum around the hair shaft. Although often triggered by hormones in puberty and adolescence, it also occurs in adults.

Answer 1

Acne Vulgaris. Vulgaris is Latin term meaning common.

Question 2

A noninfected lesion formed by the buildup of sebum and keratin in a hair follicle often associated with acne vulgaris.

Answer 2

comedo (plural, comedones) [A comedo with an obstructed opening is called a whitehead (a closed comedo). A sebum plug that is exposed to air often oxidizes & becomes a blackhead (an open comedo).

Question 3

A closed sac associated with a sebaceous gland that is found just under the skin. These cysts contain yellow, fatty material and are usually found on the face, neck, or trunk.

Answer 3

sebaceous cyst

Question 4

An overactivity of the sebaceous glands that results in the production of an excessive amount of sebum.

Answer 4

seborrhea

Question 5

An inflammation resulting from seborrhea that causes scaling and itching of the upper layers of the skin or scalp. Examples are extensive dandruff and cradle cap in infants.

Answer 5

seborrheic dermatitis [In contrast to seborrheic dermatitis, mild dandruff is usually caused by a yeast-like fungus on the scalp.]

Question 6

A benign skin growth that has a waxy or “pasted-on” look. These growth, which can vary in color from light tan to black, occur most commonly in the elderly.

Answer 6

seborrheic keratosis

Question 7

The abnormal condition of lacking sweat in response to heat.

Answer 7

anhidrosis

Question 8

Profuse sweating. This is a normal condition when brought on by heat or exertion, but can also be the body’s response to emotional or physical distress.

Answer 8

diaphoresis

Question 9

Also known as prickly heat, is an intensely itchy rash caused by blockage of the sweat glands by bacteria and dead cells.

Answer 9

heat rash

Question 10

A condition of excessive sweating in one area or over the whole body.

Answer 10

hyperhidrosis

Question 11

Commonly known as night sweats. There are many potential causes of this condition, including menopause, certain medications, and some infectious diseases.

Answer 11

sleep hyperhidrosis

Question 12

Inflammation of the hair follicles. This condition is especially common on arms, legs, and in the beard area of men.

Answer 12

folliculitis [One of the causes of folliculitis is a bacterium found in poorly chlorinated hot tubs or whirlpools. This leads to a condition called hot tub folliculitis.]

Question 13

Superficial bacterial infection of the hair shafts in areas with extensive sweat glands, such as the armpits.

Answer 13

trichomycosis axillaris

Question 14

The presence of excessive body and facial hair in women, usually occurring in a male pattern. This condition can be hereditary or caused by a hormonal imbalance.

Answer 14

hirsutism

Question 15

Also known as baldness, is the partial or complete loss of hair, most commonly on the scalp.

Answer 15

alopecia

Question 16

An autoimmune disorder that attacks the hair follicles, causing well-defined bald area on the scalp or elsewhere on the body. This condition often begins in childhood.

Answer 16

alopecia areata [areata means occurring in patches]

Question 17

An uncommon condition characterized by the loss of all the hair on the scalp.

Answer 17

alopecia totalis, aka alopecia capitis totalis

Question 18

The total loss of hair on all parts of the body.

Answer 18

alopecia universalis [universalis means total]

Question 19

A condition in which the hair thins in the front and on the sides of the scalp and sometimes on the crown. This condition rarely leads to total hair loss.

Answer 19

female pattern baldness

Question 20

A common hair-loss pattern in men, with the hairline receding from the front to the back until only a horseshoe-shaped area of hair remains in the back and at the temples.

Answer 20

male pattern baldness

Question 21

The abnormal curving of the nails that is often accompanied by enlargement of the fingertips. This condition can be hereditary, but usually is caused by changes associated with oxygen deficiencies related to coronary or pulmonary disease.

Answer 21

clubbing

Question 22

Aka spoon nail, is a malformation of the nails in which the outer surface is concave or scooped out like the bowl of a spoon. This condition is often an indication of iron-deficiency anemia.

Answer 22

koilonychia

Question 23

An inflammation of the matrix of the nail that often results in the loss of the nail.

Answer 23

onychia

Question 24

Aka an ingrown toenail. The edges of a toenail, usually on the big toe, curve inward and cut into the skin. The affected area is prone to inflammation or infection.

Answer 24

onychocryptosis

Question 25

Depending the type of fungus involved, this condition can cause the nails to turn white, yellow, green, or black and to become thick or brittle.

Answer 25

onychomycosis

Question 26

Nail biting or nail eating.

Answer 26

onychophagia

Question 27

An acute or chronic infection of the skin fold around a nail.

Answer 27

paronychia

Question 28

Aka solar lentigines or liver spots, are discolorations caused by sun exposure. Although harmless, these spots sometimes resemble skin cancer growths.

Answer 28

age spots

Question 29

A genetic condition characterized by a deficiency or the absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and irises or the eyes. This condition is the result of a missing enzyme that is necessary for the production of melanin.

Answer 29

albinism

Question 30

Aka melasma or the mask of pregnancy, is the pigmentation disorder characterized by brownish spots on the face. This can occur during pregnancy, especially among women with dark hair and fair skin, and usually disappears after delivery.

Answer 30

chloasma

Question 31

Skin condition resulting from the destruction of the melanocytes due to unknown causes. This causes irregular patches of white skin, a process known as depigmentation. Hair growing in an affected area may also turn white.

Answer 31

vitiligo

Question 32

An injury to underlying tissues without breaking the skin, characterized by discoloration and pain. This discoloration is caused by an accumulation of blood within the skin.

Answer 32

contusion

Question 33

Commonly known as a bruise, is a large, irregular area of purplish discoloration due to bleeding under the skin.

Answer 33

ecchymosis

Question 34

The appearance of multiple purple discolorations on the skin caused by bleeding underneath the skin. These areas of discoloration are smaller than an ecchymosis and larger than a petechiae.

Answer 34

purpura

Question 35

Very small, pinpoint hemorrhages that are less than 2 mm in diameter. These hemorrhages sometimes results from high fevers.

Answer 35

petechiae

Question 36

A swelling of clotted blood trapped in the tissues. This is usually caused by injury. The body eventually reabsorbs this blood. Usually is often named for the area where it occurs.

Answer 36

hematoma [example, subungual hematoma - is blood trapped under a finger or toenail].

Question 37

A pathologic change of the tissues due to disease or injury. Skin lesions are described by their appearance, location, or color, and size as measured in centimeters (cm).

Answer 37

lesion

Question 38

Aka as a scab, is a collection of dried serum and cellular debris.

Answer 38

crust

Question 39

The wearing away of a surface, such as the epidermis of the skin or the outer layer of a mucus membrane. This term can also describe the progressive loss of dental enamel.

Answer 39

erosion

Question 40

A discolored flat spot that is less than 1 cm in diameter. Freckles, or flat moles, are examples.

Answer 40

macule

Question 41

A solid, raised skin lesion that is larger than 0.5 cm in diameter and deeper than a papule.

Answer 41

nodule [In acne vulgaris, nodules can cause scarring].

Question 42

A scaly, solid raised area of closed spaced papules.

Answer 42

plaque [examples, the lesions of psoriasis are plaques.]

Question 43

Flakes or dry patches made of excess dead epidermal cells. Some shedding of these scales is normal; however, excessive shedding is associated with skin disorders such as psoriasis.

Answer 43

scales

Question 44

Aka warts, are small, hard skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus. An example, planter warts, which develop on the sole of the foot.

Answer 44

verrucae

Question 45

Aka welt, is a small bump that itches. They can appear as urticaria, or hives as a symptom of an allergic reaction.

Answer 45

wheal

Question 46

A closed pocket containing pus that is caused by a bacterial infection. An abscess can appear on the skin or within other structures of the body.

Answer 46

abscess

Question 47

Producing or containing pus.

Answer 47

purulent

Question 48

A fluid, such as pus, that leaks out of an infected wound.

Answer 48

exudate

Question 49

An abnormal sac containing gas, fluid, or a semisolid material. This term can also refer to a sac or vesicle elsewhere in the body.

Answer 49

cyst [Most common type of skin cyst is a sebaceous cyst]

Question 50

Aka pimple, is a small, circumscribed lesion containing pus. Circumscribed means contained within a limited area. These small lesions can be caused by acne vulgaris, impetigo, or other skin infections.

Answer 50

pustule

Question 51

A small blister, less than 0.5 cm in diameter, containing watery fluid. An example, the rash of poison ivy consists of this type of small blisters.

Answer 51

vesicle

Question 52

A large blister that is usually more than 0.5 cm in diameter.

Answer 52

bulla

Question 53

An injury in which superficial layers of skin are scraped or rubbed away.

Answer 53

abrasion

Question 54

A groove or crack-like break in the skin. Example, the breaks in the skin btw the toes caused by tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot.

Answer 54

fissure

Question 55

A torn or jagged wound, or an accidental cut wound.

Answer 55

laceration

Question 56

Previously known as a decubitus ulcer or bedsore, is an open ulcerated wound that is caused by prolonged pressure on an area of skin. Without proper care, these sores quickly become seriously infected and can result in tissue death.

Answer 56

pressure sore

Question 57

A deep hole made by a sharp object such as a rusty nail or ice pick. This type of percutaneous wound carries a high risk of infection, particularly tetanus. Percutaneous means through the skin.

Answer 57

puncture wound

Question 58

An accidental puncture wound caused by a used hypodermic needle, potentially transmitting an infection.

Answer 58

needlestick injury

Question 59

An open lesion of the skin or mucous membrane resulting in tissue loss around the edges. They can also occur inside the body.

Answer 59

ulcer

Question 60

A mole or blemish on the skin present at birth or shortly thereafter. Some fade as a child gets older.

Answer 60

birthmark

Question 61

Aka moles, include nevi, as well as cafe-au-lait spots, stork bites, and other irregularities in skin color.

Answer 61

pigmented birthmarks

Question 62

Birthmark that are caused by blood vessels close to the skin’s surface.

Answer 62

vascular birthmarks

Question 63

Aka strawberry birthmarks, is a soft, raised, pink or red vascular birthmark.

Answer 63

capillary hemangioma [A hemangioma is a benign tissue mass made up of newly formed small blood vessels that in birthmarks are visible through the skin.]

Question 64

A flat vascular birthmark made up of dilated blood capillaries, creating a large, reddish-purple discoloration on the face or neck. This type of birthmark will not resolve without treatment.

Answer 64

port-wine stain

Question 65

Inflammation of the skin. This condition, which takes many forms, is usually characterized by redness, swelling and itching.

Answer 65

dermatitis

Question 66

A localized allergic response caused by contact with an irritant, such as a diaper rash. It can also be caused by exposure to an allergen, such as poison ivy, or an allergic reaction to latex gloves.

Answer 66

contact dermatitis

Question 67

Aka atopic dermatitis, is a form of persistent or recurring dermatitis usually characterized by redness, and dryness, with possible blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding. This chronic condition, most often seen in infants & children, appear to be a result of a malfunction of the body’s immune system.

Answer 67

eczema

Question 68

A condition in which there is widespread scaling of the skin. It is often accompanied by pruritus, erythroderma (redness), and hair loss. It may occur in severe cases of many common skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and allergic reactions.

Answer 68

exfoliative dermatitis

Question 69

Aka itching, is associated with most forms of dermatitis.

Answer 69

pruritus

Question 70

Redness of the skin due to capillary dilation.

Answer 70

erythema

Question 71

Aka fifth disease, is a mildly contagious viral infection that is common in childhood. This infection produces a red, lace-like rash on the child’s face that looks as if the child has been slapped. It is called “fifth disease” b/c its place on the list of six common childhood diseases that can cause an exanthem.

Answer 71

erythema infectiosum

Question 72

A skin disorder resulting from a generalized allergic reaction to an illness, infection, or medication. This reaction, which affects the skin, the mucous membranes, or both, is characterized by a rash that may appear as nodules or papules (raised red bumps), macules (flat discolored areas), or vesicles or bullae (blisters).

Answer 72

erythema multiforme

Question 73

Aka chilblains, is a purple-red inflammation that occurs when the small blood vessels below the skin are damaged, usually due to exposure to cold and damp weather. When warmth restores full circulation, the affected areas begin to itch; however, they usually heal without treatment.

Answer 73

erythema pernio

Question 74

A form of erythema in which the skin cells are damaged by exposure to the ultraviolet rays in the sunlight. This damage increases the chances of later developing skin cancer.

Answer 74

sunburn

Question 75

Abnormal redness of the entire skin surface.

Answer 75

erythroderma

Question 76

A widespread rash, usually in children. A rash breaking out, or eruption, that changes the color or texture of the skin.

Answer 76

exanthem

Question 77

A general term to denote skin lesions or eruptions of any type that are NOT associated with inflammation.

Answer 77

dermatosis

Question 78

A group of hereditary disorders characterized by dry, thickened, and scaly skin. These conditions are caused either by the slowing of the skin’s natural shedding process or by a rapid increase in the production of the skin’s cells.

Answer 78

ichthyosis

Question 79

Aka painful fat syndrome, is a chronic abnormal condition that is characterized by the accumulation of fat and fluid in the tissues just under the skin of the hips and legs. This condition usually affects women & even with weight loss, this localized excess fat does not go away.

Answer 79

lipedema

Question 80

Aka lupus, is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a red, scaly rash on the face and upper trunk. In addition to the skin, this condition also attacks the connective tissue in other body systems, especially the joints.

Answer 80

systemic lupus erythematosus

Question 81

A common skin disorder characterized by flare-ups in which the red papules covered with silvery scales occur on the elbows, knees, scalp, back or buttocks.

Answer 81

psoriasis

Question 82

Aka adult acne, is characterized by tiny red pimples and broken blood vessels. This chronic condition of unknown cause usually develops in individuals with fair skin, btw 30-60 years of age.

Answer 82

rosacea

Question 83

Aka bulbous nose, usually occurs in older men. This condition is characterized by hyperplasia (overgrowth) of the tissues of the nose and is associated with advanced rosacea.

Answer 83

rhinophyma

Question 84

An autoimmune disorder in which the connective tissues become thickened and hardened, causing the skin to become hard and swollen. This condition can also affect the joints and internal organs.

Answer 84

scleroderma

Question 85

Aka, hives, are itchy wheals caused by an allergic reaction.

Answer 85

urticaria

Question 86

Is excessive dry skin.

Answer 86

xeroderma [Aka as xerosis]

Question 87

Cluster of connected furuncles (boils).

Answer 87

carbuncle

Question 88

An acute, rapidly spreading bacterial infection within the connective tissues that is characterized by malaise, swelling, warmth, and red streaks. Malaise is a feeling of general discomfort or uneasiness that is often the first indication of an infection or other disease.

Answer 88

cellulitis

Question 89

Aka boils, are large tender, swollen areas caused by a staphylococcal infection around hair follicles or sebaceous glands.

Answer 89

furuncles

Question 90

Tissue necrosis (death), is commonly caused by a loss of circulation to the affected tissues. The tissue death is followed by bacterial invasion that causes pultrefaction, and if this infection enters the bloodstream, it can be fatal. Putrefaction is decay that produces foul-smelling odors.

Answer 90

gangrene

Question 91

A highly contagious bacterial infection that commonly occurs in children. This condition is characterized by isolated pustules that become crusted and rupture.

Answer 91

impetigo

Question 92

A severe infection caused by Group A strep bacteria, which is also known as flesh-eating bacteria. These bacteria normally live harmlessly on the skin; however, if they enter the body through a skin wound, this serious infection can result. If untreated, the infected body tissue is destroyed, and the illness can be fatal.

Answer 92

necrotizing fasciitis

Question 93

An acute, inflammatory, pus forming bacterial skin infection such as impetigo.

Answer 93

pyoderma

Question 94

Describes any abnormal condition or disease caused by a fungus.

Answer 94

mycosis

Question 95

A fungal infection that can grow on the skin, hair, or nails. This condition is also known as ringworm, not because a worm is involved, but b/c as the fungus grows, it spreads out in a wormlike circle, leaving normal-looking skin in the middle.

Answer 95

tinea

Question 96

Types of tinea, ringworm: 
>found on the scalps of children.
>found in the genital area.
>found btw the toes.
>aka pityriasis versicolor, is a fungal infection that causes painless, discolored areas on the skin.

Answer 96

>Tinea capitis [Capitis means head]
>Tinea corporis [Corporis means body]
>Tinea cruris [aka jock itch]
>Tinea pedis [Pedis means feet]
>Tinea versicolor

Question 97

The dwelling of microscopic parasites on external surface tissue. Some parasites live temporarily on the skin. Others lay eggs and reproduce there.

Answer 97

infestation

Question 98

An infestation of lice.
>Head lice
>Body lice
>lice in the pubic hair and pubic region

Answer 98

pediculosis
>pediculosis capitis
>pediculosis corporis
>pediculosis pubis

Question 99

A skin infection caused by an infestation of itch mites. These tiny mites cause small, itchy bumps and blisters by burrowing into the top layer of the human skin to lay their eggs.

Answer 99

scabies

Question 100

A thickening of part of the skin on the hands or feet caused by repeated rubbing.

Answer 100

callus [A clavus, or corn, is a callus in the keratin layer of the skin covering the joints of the toes, usually caused by ill-fitting shoes.]

Question 101

A normal scar resulting from the healing of a wound.

Answer 101

cicatrix

Question 102

The tissue that normally forms during the healing of a wound. This tissue eventually forms the scar.

Answer 102

granulation tissue

Question 103

A general term used to describe a small, knot-like swelling of granulation tissue in the epidermis. These can result from inflammation, injury, or infection.

Answer 103

granuloma

Question 104

An abnormally raised or thickened scar that expands beyond the boundaries of the original incision. A tendency to form this type of scar is often inherited and is more common among people with dark-pigmented skin.

Answer 104

keloid

Question 105

Is any skin growth, such as a wart or a callus, in which there is overgrowth and thickening of the skin.

Answer 105

keratotis

Question 106

A benign, slow growing fatty tumor located btw the skin and the muscle layer. This fatty tumor is usually harmless, and treatment is rarely necessary unless the tumor is in a bothersome location, is painful, or is growing rapidly.

Answer 106

lipoma

Question 107

Aka mole, is a small, dark skin growth that develops from melanocytes in the skin. Normally these growths are benign.

Answer 107

nevus

Question 108

Are atypical moles that can develop into skin cancer.

Answer 108

dysplastic nevi

Question 109

A benign, superficial wart-like growth on the epithelial tissue or elsewhere in the body, such as in the bladder.

Answer 109

papilloma

Question 110

A general term used most commonly to describe a mushroom-like growth from the surface of a mucous membrane, such as a polyp in the nose. These growths have many causes and are not necessarily malignant.

Answer 110

polyp

Question 111

Are small, flesh colored or light-brown polyps that hang from the body by fine stalks. They are benign and tend to enlarge with age.

Answer 111

skin tags

Question 112

A harmful, malignant growth on the skin, which can have many causes, including repeated severe sunburns or long-term exposure to the sun.

Answer 112

skin cancer

Question 113

A precancerous skin growth that occurs on sun-damaged skin. It often looks like a red, tan, or pink scaly patch and feels like sandpaper. Precancerous describes a growth that is not yet malignant; however, if not treated, it is likely to become malignant.

Answer 113

actinic keratosis

Question 114

A malignant tumor of the basal cell layer of the epidermis. This is the most common and least harmful type of skin cancer b/c it is slow growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. The lesions, which occur mainly on the face or neck and tend to bleed easily, are usually pink, smooth, and are raised with a depression in the center.

Answer 114

basal cell carcinoma

Question 115

Originates as a malignant tumor of the scaly squamous cells of the epithelium; however, it can quickly spread to other body systems. These cancers begin as skin lesions that appear to be sores that will not heal or that have a crusted look.

Answer 115

squamous cell carcinoma

Question 116

A type of skin cancer that occurs in the melanocytes. This is the most serious type of skin cancer and often the first signs are changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole.

Answer 116

malignant melanoma, aka melanoma

Question 117

An injury to body tissue caused by heat, flame, electricity, sun, chemicals, or radiation. The severity of a burn is described according to the percentage of the total body skin surface affected (more than 15% is considered serious). It is also described according to the depth or layers of skin involved.

Answer 117

burn

Question 118

Burns:
>Superficial - no blisters, superficial damage to the epidermis.
>Partial thickness burn - blisters, damage to the epidermis, and dermis.
>Full thickness burn - damage to the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers, & possibly also the muscles and bone below.

Answer 118

> First-degree burn

> Second-degree burn

> Third-degree burn