Skin

Abscess

Collection of pus underneath the skin

Acne

pimples

acne vulgaris

severe acne

alopecia

baldness

atrophic

very thin skin; often seen in the elderly who suffer large skin tears from minimal injury

cyanosis

a bluish discoloration of the skin resulting from poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood

Dehiscence

splitting apart or separation of skin often used to describe a surgical wound that has re-opened

diaphoresis

sweating

Ecchymosis

bruising

Eczematous rash

commonly used to describe a type of rash seen in autoimmune disease whereby dry, scaly and itchy skin appear

edema

Skin swollen due to fluid collection

Pitting edema

Skin that is so saturated with fluid that it retains the imprint left by touching it; usually rated on a scale of 0-4

Erythematous

redness

Fungal rash

commonly used to describe a type of rash caused by fungus like tinea ("Jock itch" aka "tinea cruris," or "athlete's foot" aka "tinea pedis")

Gangrene

necrotic skin; dead skin; indicates need for amputation

Hirsute

hairy

Hyperpigmented

darker than the surrounding skin

Hypopigmented

Lighter than the surrounding skin

Incision and drainage

"I&D"; the surgical technique in treating an abscess

Keloid

hypertrophic scar, elevated beyond site of original injury

Laceration

a cut in the skin

Contusion

A mechanical injury causing hemorrhages beneath unbroken skin; bruise

Lichenified

thick skin with very deep lines

Macerated

crushed skin without defined borders

Maculopapular rash

commonly used to describe a type of rash; often seen in allergic response to medication referred to as a drug rash

Mottled

skin that is very poorly perfused due to poor blood circulation

Necrotizing fascitis

a limb and potentially lethal rapid skin infection characterized by the presence of gas on x-ray

Pallor

paleness

Petechial rash

commonly used to describe a type of rash seen in meningitis whereby the skin does not blanch under pressure

Pruritic

itchy

Scarlatiniform rash

commonly used to describe a type of rash that feels like rough sandpaper and is seen in infection with streptococcus

Turgor

Skin's ability to change shape and return to normal (elasticity). Used to assess the status of fluid loss or dehydration in the body; poor skin turgor noticed on physical exam indicates dehydration

Tenting

skin that does not "snap back" towards the body immediately when pulled/pinched; indicative of dehydration

Urticarial rash

commonly used to describe a type of rash seen in allergic responses whereby raised itchy wheals appear, hives

Vesicular rash

commonly used to describe a type of rash seen in herpes infection whereby fluid filled blisters appear

Vitiligo

a skin disease devoid of any pigment

Cellulitis

infection of the skin characterized by erythema, warmth and tenderness

Crepitus

crackiling or grating sound heard underneath the skin

Debridement

removal of dead or contaminated tissue from a wound

Decubitus

Pressure ulcer/bedsore

Eschar

dead matter that is sloughed off from the surface of the skin, especially after a burn commonly crusty or scabbed

Mycosis

any fungal infection in or on the body

Tinea

fungal skin infection whose name commonly indicates the body part affected; also called ringworm

Verruca

epidermal growth caused by a virus; also known as warts

Macule

small colored spot on the skin

Purulent

consisting of, containing, or discharging pus

Stellate

star-shaped, radiating from the center

Induration

abnormally hard, hardened

Psoriasis

Chronic, non-contagious disease characterized by inflamed lesions covered with silvery-white scabs of dead skin

Paronychia

inflammation of the tissue surrounding the nail