a/an

Absence of, without, not Example: Anhidrosis – The absence of sweating, which can result from damage to sweat glands, certain medications, or neurological disorders, potentially leading to overheating or heatstroke.

• Upon, on, over Example: Epidermis – The outermost layer of the skin, which acts as a protective barrier against environmental damage, pathogens, and water loss.

•  Before Example: Prodromal – Referring to the early symptoms that occur before a disease becomes fully evident, such as tingling before a herpes outbreak or fever before a rash in measles.

• 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.

• 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.

•  Pertaining to Example: Dermal – Pertaining to the skin, particularly the dermis layer, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

• Cell Example: Melanocyte – A pigment-producing cell in the skin responsible for producing melanin, which protects against UV radiation.

• Producing, originating, causing Example: Carcinogenic – Producing cancer, often describing substances like UV rays or tobacco that can lead to skin or other cancers.

• Study of Example: Dermatology – The study of the skin, including its structure, function, and diseases.

• Softening Example: Onychomalacia – Softening of the nails, which can occur due to fungal infections or malnutrition.

   

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

plasty

• Excessive discharge Example: Hemorrhage – Excessive bleeding, which may occur externally or internally.

• Stop, controlling, standing Example: Hemostasis – The stopping of blood flow, critical in wound healing.

• Instrument used to cut Example: Dermatome – An instrument used to cut thin slices of skin for grafting or diagnostic purposes.

   

• 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.

bi/o

•  Life Example: Biotherapy – The use of living organisms or biologically derived treatments to aid in the treatment of skin conditions, such as using probiotics for acne or biologic drugs for psoriasis.

• Cold Example: Cryotherapy – A treatment using extreme cold, such as liquid nitrogen, to remove abnormal tissues like warts or precancerous skin lesions.

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

• 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.

•  Sweat Example: Hidrosis – The production and excretion of sweat, which can be excessive (hyperhidrosis) or reduced (anhidrosis), depending on the condition.

• 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.

   

• 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.

• 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

• 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

• A chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. In the integumentary system, SLE often causes a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, sensitivity to sunlight, and hair loss. Other symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and inflammation throughout the body.

TEN = Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

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