Autoimmune and Bacterial Skin Disorders: Key Terms and Descriptions

Psoriasis

A skin disease marked by red, itchy, scaly patches.

Scleroderma

A type of autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages healthy body tissue, leading to hard thickened skin.

Abscess

A localized collection of pus, usually caused by an infection.

Acne

A skin condition that occurs when your pores become plugged with oil and dead skin cells, causing pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Cellulitis

A common bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the infected area of the deeper layers of the skin.

Folliculitis

Inflammation of the hair follicles, usually caused by infection or irritation.

Impetigo

A common and highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects infants and young children, causing red, itchy sores that break open and leak a clear fluid or pus.