Integumentary Definitions

Acne Vulgaris

A common inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous gland, most prevalent in adolescents with multifactorial causes.

Autograft

Permanent skin substitute formed from the patient's own skin cells for skin replacement.

Bulla

A large vesicle, fluid-filled lesion seen in conditions like herpes simplex.

Candidiasis

An overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans that thrives in warm, moist environments.

Carbuncle

A cluster of furuncles (boils), often requiring IV antibiotics and incision and drainage.

Comedones

Hair follicles filled with debris; closed comedones are whiteheads, while open comedones are blackheads.

Curettage

A procedure where abnormal tissue is scraped away, often used in skin cancer treatment.

Cryosurgery

The use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy tissue, commonly for warts and skin cancers.

Debride

The process of removing skin debris to promote healing.

Dermabrasion

A surgical procedure utilized for severe acne scarring.

Dermatitis

A general term for inflammation of the skin, including various types like contact and atopic dermatitis.

Dermatophytes

Plant-like organisms causing fungal skin infections, feeding on keratin.

Electrodesiccation

A procedure using a low voltage electrode to kill tumor cells, often combined with curettage.

Fissure

Cracks in the skin, such as those between the toes in tinea pedis.

Folliculitis

A bacterial infection of the hair follicle, often caused by Staph aureus.

Furuncle

A bacterial infection or deep folliculitis known as a boil, commonly caused by Staph aureus.

Heterograft

A temporary skin substitute formed from materials from a different species.

Herpes Zoster

An acute vesicular eruption along a nerve pathway, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.

Homograft

A temporary skin substitute formed from natural sources of live human cells.

Hyperkeratosis

Thickening of the stratum corneum, seen in conditions like warts and psoriasis.

Macule

A flat skin lesion that is a different color than the surrounding skin.

Melanoma

A malignant tumor of the skin originating from melanocytes, highly metastatic.

Nevi

Commonly known as moles; dysplastic nevi can be precursors for melanoma.

Nodule

A solid, raised lesion larger than a papule.

Papule

A small, solid, raised lesion often seen in conditions like acne.

Pediculosis

An infestation caused by lice, leading to severe itching and matted hair.

Photochemotherapy

A treatment using psoralen and UV light, commonly for psoriasis.

Pruritus

Itching, a common symptom associated with many skin lesions.

Pustule

A small, raised lesion filled with pus.

Scabies

An infestation caused by the itch mite, leading to severe itching and visible tracks under the skin.

Scale

A thin plate of hardened epithelium shed from the epidermis.

Topical

Medication applied directly to the skin surface.

Tumor

An abnormal growth of tissue which can be benign, premalignant, or malignant.

Ultraviolet-A (UVA)

A type of ultraviolet radiation that is used in PUVA therapy.

Ultraviolet-B (UVB)

Another type of ultraviolet radiation that is used for treatments like Goeckerman Therapy.

Verrucae

Commonly known as warts, benign growths caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Vesicle

A small, fluid-filled lesion or blister.

Wheal

A raised, itchy area of skin; associated with allergic reactions.

Xerosis

Dry skin, often associated with atopic dermatitis.