Associates in Dermatology Training and Resource Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering core dermatological concepts, morphology, diagnoses, medication classifications, and clinical procedures for medical assistants and nurses at Associates in Dermatology.

HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996; a federal law setting national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without consent.

Protected Health Information (PHI)

Any information that can identify a patient and relates to their health, care, or payment for care, including name, date of birth, and medical records.

Sharps Safety

The safe handling, use, and disposal of needles and other devices with sharp points or edges to prevent needlestick injuries and exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Macule

A flat lesion, less than $1\,cm$.

Patch

A flat lesion greater than $1\,cm$, generally scaly.

Papule

A raised lesion, less than $1\,cm$.

Plaque

A solid elevated lesion greater than $1\,cm$.

Nodule

A solid, raised lesion, less than $1\,cm$ that extends deeper into the dermis and/or subcutaneous tissue.

Bulla

A large blister greater than $1\,cm$.

Pustule

A pus-filled, thin-walled pocket on the epidermis of the skin.

Lichenification

Thickening of the skin, giving it a leather-like appearance.

Erythematous

A red or reddish skin presentation.

Actinic keratosis (AK)

Precancerous spots caused by sun exposure; a small percentage can develop into skin cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

The most common skin cancer; it grows locally and can become invasive if untreated.

Melanoma

The most dangerous skin cancer with the potential to spread internally.

Psoriasis

A condition characterized by rapid skin cell turnover causing plaques.

Tinea

A superficial fungal infection named by location (e.g., pedis, capitis, corporis).

Topical Corticosteroids

Medications such as hydrocortisone or clobetasol used to reduce inflammation, redness, and itching.

Calcineurin Inhibitors

Non-steroidal medications like tacrolimus (Protopic) that decrease immune response and are safe for use on the face and skin folds.

Retinoids (Topical)

Derivatives of Vitamin A like tretinoin that help skin cells grow and shed healthily to treat acne and texture.

Biologics

Targeted therapies like Dupixent or Skyrizi that focus on specific immune pathways to treat conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

BID

An abbreviation meaning twice daily.

PRN

An abbreviation meaning as needed.

QHS

An abbreviation meaning every night.

Proximal

An anatomical direction meaning closer to the point of attachment or origin.

Distal

An anatomical direction meaning farther from the point of attachment or origin.

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of the body.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Isotretinoin

An oral retinoid used for severe, stubborn nodular or cystic acne; requires close monitoring for serious side effects and birth defects.

iPLEDGE

A mandatory FDA-required program for isotretinoin designed to prevent pregnancy during treatment.

Z-Track technique

A method for administering intramuscular injections where the skin is pulled to the side before injecting "like a dart."

Biopsy by Shave

A superficial skin biopsy where a thin layer of skin is shaved off for diagnosis.

Biopsy by Punch

A full-thickness skin biopsy removing a cylindrical section including epidermis, dermis, and sometimes superficial fat.

Curettage and Destruction (ED&C)

A treatment method that involves scraping away a lesion with a curette followed by electrodessication to destroy abnormal cells.

Excision

A procedure to remove skin cancer along with a planned margin of normal-appearing skin.

MOHS

A specialized surgical technique where skin cancer is removed layer by layer and examined under a microscope until margins are clear.

Systolic Pressure

The top number in a blood pressure reading, representing the first sound heard as air is let out of the cuff ($2-3\,mmHg$ per second).

Diastolic Pressure

The bottom number in a blood pressure reading, representing the point when the sounds stop.