Chapter 12 Medterms

Albin/o

White

Bi/o

Life

Crypt/o

Hidden

Derm/o or Dermat/o

Skin

Erythr/o

Red

Hidr/o

Sweat

Kerat/o

Horny, Hard, Cornea

Lip/o

Fat, Lipid

Melan/o

Black, Dark

Myc/o

Fungus

-Oma

Tumor, Neoplasm

Onych/o

Finger/toenail

Pedicul/o

Louse (singular), Lice (plural)

Pil/o

Hair

Rhytid/o

Wrinkle

Seb/o

Sebum

Xer/o

Dry

Abrasion

An injury in which superficial layers of skin are scraped or rubbed away; treatment involving scraping or rubbing away skin

Abscess

A localized collection of purulent exudate (pus) within a circumscribed area

Actinic Keratosis

A pre-cancerous skin lesion caused by excessive exposure to the sun

Areata

A disease of unknown cause in which they are well defined, bald areas, usually on the scalp and face

Blepharoplasty

Surgical reduction of the upper and lower eyelids; also known as a lid lift

Bulla

A blister that is more than 1.5 cm in diameter

Carbuncle

A cluster of furuncles that result in extensive sloughing of skin and scar formation

Cellulitis

A diffuse infection of connective tissue with severe inflammation within the layers of the skin

Cicatrix

A “normal” scar resulting from the healing of a wound

Comedo

A lesion formed by the buildup of sebum and keratin in a hair follicle

Cyst

A closed sack or pouch containing fluid or semi solid material

Debridement

The removal of dirt, foreign objects, damaged tissue, and cellular debris from a wound to prevent infection and to promote healing

Diaphoresis

Profuse sweating

Ecchymosis

A purplish area caused by bleeding within the skin; also known as a bruise

Eczema

And acute or chronic skin inflammation, characterized by erythema, papules, vesicles, pustules, scales, crusts, scabs, and possible itching

Erythema

Any redness of the skin, such as nervous blush, an inflammation, or a mild sunburn

Exfoliative Cytology

A biopsy in which cells are scraped from the tissue and examined under a microscope

Fissure

A groove or crack-like sore on the skin; normal folds in the contours of the brain

Gangrene

Tissue death usually associated with a loss of circulation

Granuloma

A general term used to describe small, knot-like swelling of the granulation tissue

Impetigo

A highly contagious, bacterial skin infection characterized by isolated pustules that become crusted and rupture

Keloid

And abnormally raised or thickened scar that is usually smooth and shiny

Macule

A discolored, flat spot such as a freckle or flat mole that is less than 1 cm in diameter

Milliaria

Trapped sweat that produces a skin, rash and itching; also known as heat rash or prickly heat

Papilloma

A benign epithelial tumor that projects from the surrounding surface

Paronychia

An acute or chronic infection of the skin fold at the margin of a nail

Pediculosis

An infestation with lice

Petechiae

Small pinpoint hemorrhages; smaller versions of bruises

Psoriasis

A chronic autoimmune disorder of the skin characterized by red papules covered with silvery scales that occur predominantly on the elbows, knees, scalp, back, and buttocks

Pupura

A condition characterized by hemorrhage into the skin that causes spontaneous bruising

Purulent

Producing or containing pus

Pustule

A small, circumscribed elevation of the skin containing pus

Putrefaction

Decay that produces foul-smelling odors

Pyoderma

Any pus-forming skin disease

Scabies

A skin infection caused by an infestation with the itch mite

Scleroderma

An autoimmune disorder that causes abnormal tissue thickening, usually starting on the hands, feet, or face

Subungual hematoma

Usually caused by an injury; is a collection of blood trapped in the tissue under a nail. Eventually, the body resorbs this blood

Ulcer

An open sore or erosion of the skin or mucus membrane resulting in tissue loss and usually with inflammation

Unguis

Also known as, a nail, is the keratin plate covering the dorsal surface of the last bone of each toe and finger

Urticaria

A skin condition characterized by localized areas of swelling, accompanied by itching that is associated with an allergic reaction; also known as hives

Verrucae

Skin lesions caused by the human papilloma virus; also known as warts

Vesicle

A circumscribed elevation of skin containing fluid that is less than 0.5 cm in diameter; also known as a blister

Xeroderma

Excessively dry skin