Symptoms, signs, other terms

cuticle

a flap of dead epithelial cells at the edge of the nail.

hair follicle

a sheath of epithelium that surrounds the hair root.

hair root

the part of the hair that is located beneath the skin surface.

hair shaft

the part of the hair that is above the skin surface.

lunula

the pale area at the proximal end of the nail.

nail

a flattened disk at the distal ends of the fingers and toes composed of compressed, dead epithelial cells.

sensory receptor

a specialized ending of a sensory neuron that responds to a particular stimulus.

sweat glands

coiled, tubular glands in the dermis that secrete sweat onto the skin surface.

abrasion

a skin wound caused by scraping.

abscess

a collection of pus from a localized infection.

alopecia

a loss or lack of scalp hair; also called baldness.

cellulite

a local uneven surface of the skin caused by fat deposition, usually in the thighs and buttocks.

cicatrix

a scar.

comedo

an elevated lesion formed from the buildup of sebum and keratin; also called a pimple.

contusion

an injury to the skin causing discoloration and swelling without breaking the skin surface; also called a bruise.

cyst

a closed sac or pouch containing fluid.

diaphoresis

profuse (not necessarily excessive) sweating

edema

swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid.

fissure

a narrow break or slit in the skin.

furuncle

a localized skin infection originating from a hair follicle.

induration

the formation of local hard areas on the skin or elsewhere.

jaundice

an abnormal yellow coloring of the skin; also called xanthoderma

keloid

an overgrowth of scar tissue

laceration

a torn or jagged wound

lesion

a general term for a change in tissues due to disease or injury

macule

a discolored flat spot, such as a freckle.

nevus

a circumscribed pigmented area, a mole, or a birthmark

pallor

abnormal lack of skin color; paleness

papule

a small, solid, circumscribed skin elevation

petechia

a pinpoint skin hemorrhage (hemorrhage is a break in blood vessels).

pruritus

a symptom of itching

purpura

a purple-red discoloration resulting from hemorrhage into the skin.

pustule

a small circumscribed skin elevation that contains pus.

ulcer

an eroded lesion of the skin or mucous membrane.

urticaria

skin eruption usually caused by an allergic reaction to foods, infection, or injury; also called hives.

verruca

a small circumscribed skin elevation caused by a wart.

vesicle

a small skin elevation of the epidermis that contains fluid; also called a blister

wheal

a temporary, itchy elevation of the skin, usually with a white center and red perimeter; also called a welt.