Common Skin Disorders

ance

disease of the sebaceous glands that produces blackheads and pimples

alopecia

hair loss, usually sudden

athlete’s foot

fungus infection (Tinea pedis) usually in the skin of the toes and soles

birthmark

congenital blemish or spot on the skin, visible at birth or soon after

boil

bacterial infection, (furuncle) of the skin, produced when bacteria enter a hair follicle

carbuncle

bacterial infection, similar to a boil, that spreads into subcutaneous tissues

cyst

liquid-filed sac or capsule

dermatitis

inflammation of the skin

eczema

noncontagious skin ash that produces itching, blistering, and scaling

erythema

reddening of the skin due to dilation of dermal blood vessels in response to injury or inflammation

herpes

infectious disease of the skin, usually caused by the herpes simplex virus and characterized by recurring formations of small clusters if vesicles

impetigo

contagious disease of bacterial origin, characterized by pustules that rupture and become covered with loosely held crusts

keloid

elevated, enlarging fibrous scar usually initiated by an injury

mole

fleshy skin tumor (nevus) that is usually pigmented; colors range from brown to black

pediculosis

disease produced by an infestation of lice

pruritus

itching of the skin

psoriasis

chronic skin disease characterized by red patches covered by silvery scales

pustule

elevated, pus-filled area on the skin

scabies

diseases resulting from an infestation of mites

seborrhea

hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands, causing greasy skin and dandruff

ulcer

open sore

urticaria

allergic reaction of the skin that produces reddish, elevated patches (hives)

wart

flesh-colored, raised area caused by a viral infection