Electrology and Skin Physiology Vocabulary

A comprehensive vocabulary review set covering electrology, skin anatomy, hormonal conditions, medications, pathogens, and side effects from the lecture notes.

Pili-multi-gemini

Two or more hairs growing out of one follicle.

Eleidin

A protein found in the stratum lucidum that gives the skin transparency.

Also known as the prickle cell layer, characterized by a spiny appearance due to cell connections, and containing Langerhans cells.

Stratum spinosum

Important immune cells associated with the stratum spinosum layer of the skin.

Langerhans cells

P-H-R-A-S-E-S

Mnemonic for the major functions of skin: Protection, Heat, Respiration, Absorption, Sensation, Elimination, and Synthesis of Vitamin D.

The amino acid used by melanocytes to produce melanin.

Tyrosine

Cells responsible for producing melanin.

Melanocytes

Structures located within melanocytes that contain and store melanin pigment.

Melanosomes

Acanthosis nigricans

A skin condition associated with insulin resistance and characterized by dark, velvety patches of skin.

Mitosis

Cell division that produces two identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell.

Meiosis

Cell division that produces cells with chromosome numbers reduced by half.

Hirsutism

Excessive sexual or terminal hair growth, especially in a pattern associated with male hormones.

Iatrogenic hirsutism

Hirsutism induced by medical treatment, doctors, or medication.

Idiopathic hirsutism

Hirsutism of unknown origin with no known cause.

Congenital hirsutism

Hirsutism present from birth, associated with inherited or genetic factors.

Spironolactone (Aldactone)

A medication that acts as a diuretic and possesses anti-androgen effects.

Corticosteroids

Steroid hormones or medications associated with the adrenal cortex, primarily used for anti-inflammatory effects.

Prednisone

A synthetic corticosteroid used primarily for its anti-inflammatory effects.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

A condition associated with hirsutism and an increased risk of endometrial carcinoma. (Stein-Leventhal syndrome)

Minoxidil

A drug used for kidney failure and severe hypertension that can cause hirsutism.

Brevicon

An asthma medication listed in the notes.

Dilantin

A medication used in the treatment of seizure disorders.

Loestrin

A female birth control medication.

Premarin

A female hormone medication.

Provera

A female hormone medication.

Tagamet

A medication used to treat heartburn and indigestion.

Tamoxifen

A hormone modulator associated with the treatment of breast cancer.

Thorazine

An antipsychotic medication.

Isotretinoin (Accutane)

The generic name for Accutane; clients must refrain from use for $6\text{ months to }1\text{ year}$ prior to laser or waxing treatments.

Dermabrasion

A medical dermatologic/plastic surgery procedure performed by a doctor requiring a wait time of at least $3\text{ months}$ before electrolysis.

Tetracycline

An antibiotic used to treat acne, Lyme disease, and rosacea; not considered a contraindication to electrolysis.

Diabetes

A disorder of carbohydrate metabolism characterized by insulin deficiency or insulin resistance.

Type 1 diabetes

An insulin-dependent form of diabetes traditionally associated with juvenile onset and noted as the most severe type.

Type 2 diabetes

An insulin-resistant form of diabetes traditionally associated with adult onset.

Gestational diabetes

A form of diabetes associated with pregnancy.

Hyperglycemia

Medical term for high blood sugar.

Hypoglycemia

Medical term for low blood sugar.

Hepatitis A

A liver infection transmitted via the fecal-oral route that can survive outside the body for months.

Hepatitis B

A pathogen transmitted via blood and body fluids that survives outside the body for up to $7\text{ days}$; its vaccine lasts $15\text{ years}$.

Hepatitis C

A pathogen transmitted primarily through blood exposure that survives outside the body for $16\text{ hours to }4\text{ days}$.

Macrophages

Specialized cells that engulf damaged tissue and recycle materials to assist in tissue repair.

Fibroblasts

Cells that produce collagen during the wound healing process.

Ecchymosis

The medical term for bruising, caused by the needle puncturing tissue outside the follicle.

Erythema

The medical term for redness.

Edema

The medical term for swelling.

Petechiae

Tiny micro-hemorrhages on the skin.

Blanching

Loss of skin color associated with overtreatment or thermal burning.

Persistent red spots

Spots caused by persistent dilation of blood vessels that fail to return to normal, commonly located on the legs.

Tattooing (Electrolysis)

Permanent, disfiguring black oxide spots created in the skin when the positive pole is incorrectly connected to the negative needle.

Keloids

Raised masses of fibrous scar tissue, most commonly developed by people of color.

Hyperpigmentation

An over-darkening of the skin.

Hypopigmentation

A loss of skin color.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae

Irritation and inflammation caused by ingrown hairs rather than bacterial infection.

Vellus comedone

A bundle of tiny vellus hairs protruding from a single follicle.

Tombstone

A remnant of a small anagen hair left unepilated in a treated follicle that requires no treatment.

Oscillator

A device that produces high-frequency alternating current required for thermolysis by increasing the frequency of household AC.