• New Example: Neoplasm – A new growth of abnormal tissue, which can be benign (like a mole) or malignant (like melanoma), requiring medical evaluation for treatment.

•  Through Example: Percutaneous – Through the skin, often referring to medical procedures such as percutaneous biopsies or drug administration through patches.

• trans-: Through, across, beyond Example: Transdermal – Referring to medications applied to the skin that are absorbed into the bloodstream, such as transdermal nicotine patches or hormone replacement therapy.

• Condition of, diseased state, abnormal state Example: Alopecia – A condition of hair loss that autoimmune diseases, genetic factors, or treatments like chemotherapy can cause.

• Specialist who studies and treats Example: Dermatologist – A medical specialist who diagnoses and treats skin disorders such as acne, eczema, and skin cancer.

• Resembling Example: Xanthoid – Resembling yellow, often describing yellowish discolorations of the skin or lesions.

•  Pertaining to Example: Sebaceous – Pertaining to sebum or oil, such as the sebaceous glands that produce skin oil.

•  Pertaining to Example: Sebaceous – Pertaining to sebum or oil, such as the sebaceous glands that produce skin oil.

•  Fat Example: Adipocyte – A fat cell that stores energy in the form of lipids, found primarily in subcutaneous tissue and around internal organs.

• Self Example: Autograft – A graft of tissue taken from the patient’s own body, often used in burn treatments or reconstructive surgery to minimize rejection.

•  Hidden Example: Cryptogenic – A condition or disease of unknown origin, often referring to conditions like cryptogenic cirrhosis or cryptogenic stroke.

• , derm/o, dermat/o: Skin Example: Dermatitis – Inflammation of the skin caused by irritants, allergens, or infections, resulting in redness, itching, and swelling.

•  Blue Example: Cyanosis – A bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to insufficient oxygen in the blood, commonly seen in respiratory or cardiac conditions.

• Black Example: Melanoma – A serious type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells responsible for skin color, and is often linked to excessive UV exposure.

•  trich/o: Hair Example: Trichotillomania – A psychological condition characterized by an irresistible urge to pull out one’s own hair, often resulting in noticeable hair loss.

• Yellow Example: Xanthoma – A yellowish, fatty deposit under the skin, often associated with high cholesterol or lipid disorders.

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AT = Alopecia Totalis

• A rare autoimmune condition characterized by the complete loss of hair on the scalp. The immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Alopecia totalis is more severe than alopecia areata, which involves patchy hair loss.

BCC = Basal Cell Carcinoma

• The most common type of skin cancer that arises from basal cells in the epidermis. BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body. It often appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat lesion, or a sore that does not heal, typically on sun-exposed areas of the skin.

CD = Contact Dermatitis

• An inflammatory skin condition caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen. Symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, and sometimes blisters. There are two types:

• Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Caused by substances like soaps or chemicals.

• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Caused by allergens like poison ivy or nickel.

I&D = Incision and Drainage; Irrigation and Debridement

• Incision and Drainage: A minor surgical procedure used to treat abscesses or infected cysts. It involves making an incision to allow pus or fluid to drain.

• Irrigation and Debridement: A procedure to clean a wound or infected area by washing (irrigation) and removing damaged tissue or debris (debridement) to promote healing.

MM = Malignant Melanoma

• A serious type of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment (melanin). It can appear as a new mole or change in an existing mole. MM is aggressive and can metastasize quickly if not treated early. The "ABCDE" rule helps in recognizing melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6mm, and Evolving size, shape, or color.

MRSA = Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

• A drug-resistant bacterial infection commonly associated with healthcare settings but also found in the community. It often causes skin and soft tissue infections, which may appear as red, swollen, painful bumps or abscesses. Severe cases can lead to bloodstream infections, pneumonia, or surgical site infections. Prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics and infection control measures is crucial to prevent complications.

NF = Necrotizing Fasciitis

• A rare but severe bacterial infection, often referred to as "flesh-eating disease." It destroys skin, fat, and muscle tissues. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, fever, and skin discoloration. Rapid treatment with antibiotics and surgical removal of infected tissue is critical to prevent life-threatening complications.

PDT = Photodynamic Therapy

• A treatment that uses light-sensitive medication (photosensitizer) and a specific type of light to destroy abnormal or cancerous cells. PDT is commonly used for skin conditions like actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and acne. It minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Ps = Psoriasis

• A chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes rapid buildup of skin cells, resulting in scaly patches, redness, and inflammation. Psoriasis often occurs on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. It has several types, including plaque psoriasis (most common), guttate psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis.

SCD = Scleroderma

• A chronic autoimmune disease characterized by hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. SCD can be localized (affecting only the skin) or systemic (affecting internal organs like the lungs, heart, and kidneys). Symptoms may include skin thickening, Raynaud's phenomenon, and joint pain.

SCC = Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• A common type of skin cancer that originates in the squamous cells of the epidermis. SCC often develops on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, ears, and hands. It may appear as a scaly red patch, open sore, or thickened growth. Unlike BCC, SCC is more likely to spread if untreated.

SLE = Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

TEN = Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

• A life-threatening skin condition involving widespread peeling and epidermal detachment, often triggered by severe drug reactions.

Kaposi's Sarcoma

• Named After: Moritz Kaposi, a Hungarian dermatologist.

A rare form of cancer affecting blood vessels, presenting as purple, red, or brown lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. Commonly associated with HIV/AIDS. Identifying Kaposi’s sarcoma can help in diagnosing underlying immune deficiencies.

Langer's Lines

• Named After: Karl Langer, an Austrian anatomist.

Natural tension lines in the skin that indicate the direction of underlying collagen fibers. These lines are crucial for surgeons to minimize scarring and optimize healing when making incisions.