Skin Disorders and Conditions Vocabulary

40 vocabulary flashcards reviewing dermatological disorders, lesions, and related conditions.

Keratosis Pilaris

Red, bumpy patches with rough texture and pinpoint white milia on cheeks or upper arms caused by blocked hair follicles.

Steatoma (Wen)

Sebaceous cyst or subcutaneous tumor filled with sebum; pea- to orange-sized, commonly on scalp, neck, back.

Sebaceous Filaments

Small solidified plugs of oil (without cells) that block follicles, often on the nose and can lead to acne. Often found on the nose.

Rosacea

An inflammatory and vascular disorder marked by flushing, persistent redness, visible vessels, sensitivity; aggravated by caffeine and alcohol.

Melasma

Hormonal hyperpigmentation presenting as symmetrical dark patches on forehead, cheeks, upper lip, chin.

Actinic Keratosis

Pink or flesh-colored precancerous, rough lesions from sun damage; treatable with photodynamic therapy.

Onychomycosis

Fungal nail infection causing thick, brittle, discolored nails; fungus feeds on nail keratin.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Serious skin cancer with red/pink scaly papules, nodules, open sores, or crusty areas that can metastasize.

Lesion (Primary)

Mark, wound, or abnormal tissue change in early development stage resulting from damage or injury.

Acne (Acne Vulgaris)

Chronic inflammatory disorder of sebaceous glands producing comedones and blemishes.

Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Benign overgrowth of sebaceous gland; doughnut-shaped yellow lesion resembling open comedone on oily areas.

Malignant Melanoma

Most dangerous skin cancer; dark, uneven patches that may crust or bleed and grow rapidly.

Seborrhea

Excessive oiliness due to abnormal sebaceous gland secretion.

Lentigo

Yellow-brown spot resembling a freckle; sun-induced form called solar or actinic lentigo; large macule.

Pustule

Raised, inflamed papule with white/yellow pus-filled center (pimple head).

Papule

Small, solid skin elevation containing no fluid; may later develop pus.

Dermatitis

General term for skin inflammation; includes eczema, vesicles, papules—atopic, contact, seborrheic, stasis varieties.

Atopic Dermatitis

Chronic relapsing dermatitis with excessive inflammation, dryness, redness, itching from allergies/irritants.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Inflammatory skin reaction caused by direct contact with allergens.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Common eczema in oily areas; causes inflammation, dry/oily scaling, crusting, itching.

Vitiligo

Pigmentation disease with white irregular patches from pigment cell loss; worsened by sun.

Mole (Nevus)

Brownish pigmented spot, flat or raised, ranging from tan to bluish-black.

Verruca (Wart)

Viral-induced hypertrophy of papillae and epidermis; infectious and contagious.

Herpes Simplex 1

Recurring contagious virus causing fever blisters/cold sores on lips or nostrils; grouped vesicles on red base.

Herpes Simplex 2

Strain of herpes virus that infects genital area.

Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

Painful skin eruption of grouped red blisters in a line/ring from reactivated chickenpox virus.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Genetic-linked hormonal disorder in women; causes acne, scalp hair thinning, excess facial/body hair.

Leukoderma

Loss of skin pigment from congenital, acquired, or post-inflammatory causes; includes vitiligo and albinism.

Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye)

Highly contagious inflammation of eye mucous membranes from chemicals, bacteria, or viruses.

Tinea Versicolor

Non-contagious yeast infection inhibiting melanin; white, brown, or salmon flaky patches.

Impetigo

Contagious bacterial skin infection (staph or strep) with clusters of blisters or crusty lesions; common in children.

Erythema

Redness of skin caused by inflammation; a red lesion is described as erythemic.

Retention Hyperkeratosis

Hereditary condition where dead cells accumulate and fail to shed from follicles.

Hypertrophy

Abnormal skin growth; usually benign.

Psoriasis

Immune-related disease with red plaques covered by white-silver scales, often on scalp, elbows, knees.

Hyperpigmentation

Overproduction of melanin leading to darkened skin areas.

Hypopigmentation

Reduced or absent melanin producing light or white patches.

Macule

Flat spot or discoloration (e.g., freckle) neither raised nor sunken.

Miliaria Rubra (Prickly Heat)

Acute sweat-gland inflammation causing red vesicles, burning, itchy skin from excessive heat.

Tinea

Contagious fungal infection producing itching, scaling, sometimes painful lesions.

Tinea Corporis (Ringworm)

Contagious fungal infection forming ringed red patches with elevated edges on body.