Medical Language: Chapter 2 Dermatology Integumentary System: Anatomy and Physiology

Dermatitis

Any infection or inflammation of the

skin.

• dermat/o- = skin

• -itis = infection of, inflammation of

Pruritus

The condition of itching; may be

associated with many diseases,

especially allergic reactions on the

skin.

Rash

A red or pink skin lesion that is flat or

raised, itchy or not itchy.

• Rashes may or may not be due to

an allergic reaction

Xeroderma

Excessively dry skin.

• xer/o- = dry

• -derma = skin

Edema

Swelling from excessive amounts of fluid that

move from the blood into the dermis or

hypodermis.

• See pitting edema below. Fingertip pressure on an area of severe

edema displaces the tissue fluid and

produces a deep indentation in the

tissue. This is known as pitting edema.

Syndactyly

Condition in which the skin and tissues

between the toes or fingers are joined.

• syn- = together

• -dactyly = condition of fingers or toes

Lesion

Any area of visible damage on the skin or a

variation from normal skin (examples below and

next slide)

Neoplasm

New growth on the skin, benign or

malignant. There are many

different types if neoplasms (see

next slides)

• neo- = new

• -plasm = growth

Actinic Keratosis

Raised, rough areas due to chronic sun

exposure.

• actin/o- = rays of the sun

• -ic = pertaining to

• kerat/o- = hard, fibrous protein

• -osis = abnormal condition

Hemangioma

Mass of superficial, dilated blood vessels

present at birth; usually disappears without

treatment.

• hem/o- = blood

• angi/o- = blood vessel

• -oma = tumor

Lipoma

Rounded growth of adipose tissue in the

skin.

• lip/o- = fat

• -oma = mass or tumor

Nevus

Lesion that comes in a variety of shapes

and colors; present at birth.

Ex. Mole, birthmark, port-wine stain (nevus

= Latin for birthmark)

Papilloma

Soft, flesh-colored growth that protrudes from the

skin; grows as a flap or polyp on a stalk (skin tag)

• papill/o = elevated structure

• -oma = tumor

Senile lentigo

Light-to-dark brown, flat macules on the skin in

areas exposed to the sun; also called age spots or

liver spots.

• sen/o = old age

• -ile = pertaining to

Basal cell carcinoma

Begins in the bottom layer of the

epidermis (stratum basale); slow-growing

cancer that appears as a raised, pearly

bump.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Begins in the epidermal layers superficial

to stratum basale; slow-growing red

bump or ulcer.

Malignant melanoma

Begins in melanocytes of epidermis; fast-

growing and spreading cancer.

• melan/o- = black

• -oma = mass or tumor

Malignant Melanoma

A for asymmetry

B for irregular border

C for varied coloring

D for large diameter

E for evolving size increase

Erythema

Red discoloration of the skin; may be local or over large

areas of skin.

• eryth/o- = red

• -ema = condition

Jaundice

Yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes,

and sclera due to inability of the liver to process

bilirubin.

• jaund/o- = yellow

• -ice = state

Albinism

Genetic mutation in which melanocytes do not

produce melanin; results in a lack of coloration of the

skin, hair, and eye.

• albin/o- = white

• -ism = disease from a specific cause

Cyanosis

A bluish-purple discoloration of the skin and nails.

• cyan/o- = blue

• -osis = condition, process

Vitiligo

Autoimmune disease in which melanocytes

are slowly destroyed and patches of

depigmentation appear. (This is a progressive

disorder)

• vitum = defect

Necrosis

Gray-to-black discoloration of skin due to skin

death from a burn, ulcer, wound, or poor

blood supply.

• necr/o- = dead tissue

• -osis = condition, process. Necrosis due to severe frostbite. The index

and middle fingers may need to be

amputated. The third and fourth fingers

show pallor (paleness), indicating poor

blood flow

Callus

Thickened, elevated pad on the dermis

caused by repetitive rubbing

Cicatrix

Collagen that forms as an injury heals; a scar

Hemorrhage

Injury to the blood vessels that releases blood

into the skin.

• hem/o- = blood

• -rrhage = excessive flow

Abrasion

Sliding or scraping injury that mechanically

removes the epidermis.

• abras/o- = scrape off

• -ion = action, condition

Excoriation

Superficial injury with a sharp object that

creates a linear scratch on the skin (claw,

fingernail).

• excoriare = to strip off the hide

Keloid

Firm abnormally large scar that grows larger

than the original injury due to overproduction

of collagen.

• kel/o- = tumor

• -oid = resembling

Laceration

Linear penetrating wound; may have clean-

cut edges or torn, ragged edges.

• lacer/o = tearing

• -ation = having

Decubitus ulcer

Ulcer in the skin caused by epidermal and

dermal breakdown; associated with constant

pressure on the skin that decreases blood

flow over bony areas.

• decubitus = lying down (Latin)

• Also called a bed sore

Blister

Fluid-filled sac with a thin, transparent covering of

epidermal cells; caused by repetitive rubbing

injury

Burns

Caused by heat, hot objects, steam, boiling water,

electricity, chemicals, and radiation.

• Superficial (epidermis damaged)

• Partial-thickness (epidermis and part of

dermis damaged; bullae (blisters) are common)

• Full-thickness (epidermis and dermis fully

damaged)

Bulla

(large blister) forms when the

epidermis separates from the dermis

and tissue fluid fills it

Eschar

An eschar is a thick scar of necrotic tissue that forms

with a full-thickness burn. Eschar must be removed

because it traps fluid, delays healing, and can become

infected. (Latin, eschara = scar or scab)

Abscess

Localized pus-containing pocket under the

skin caused by a bacterial infection.

• furuncle: Abscess around a hair follicle

• carbuncle: Several furuncles

Cellulitis

Infection and inflammation of the

connective tissues of the skin

• cellul/o- = cell

• -itis = infection of, inflammation of

Shingles

Infection with herpes varicella-zoster virus;

involves vesicles, erythema, edema, and severe

pain.

• The lesions occur along a dermatome (an

area of skin associated with a specific spinal

nerve that goes to the spinal cord)

Verruca

Rough, irregular skin lesion caused by the

human papillomavirus; occurs on hands,

fingers, or soles of the feet.

• Known as a wart

Tinea

Fungal infection (common = ringworm) of the

skin; severe itching and burning with red,

scaly lesions. Latin for worm.

Tinea capitis

Head

Tinea corporis

Body

Tinea cruris

groin; jock itch

Tinea pedis

feet; athlete’s foot

Pediculosis

Infestation of lice and their eggs (nits); can

occur in the scalp, hair, eyelashes, and

genital area.

• pediculo/o = lice

• -osis = abnormal condition

• Pubic crabs = pubic pediculosis

Scabies

Infestation of parasitic mites that tunnel

under the skin and produce itchy vesicles;

caused by the same parasite that causes

mange in dogs.

Contact dermatitis

Dermatitis caused by physical contact with an

allergen or irritant like deodorant, soap, makeup,

or urine.

• dermat/o- = skin

• -itis = inflammation

Urticaria Local allergic reaction to food, plants, animals,

insect bites, or drugs; caused by release of

histamines and involves raised areas of redness

and edema that occur suddenly; very itchy

• Also known as hives

• Each individual inflamed area is a wheal

• A large wheal is a welt

This skin reaction was caused by the application of

a new deodorant containing chemical ingredients

that caused irritation

Urticaria

Local allergic reaction to food, plants, animals,

insect bites, or drugs; caused by release of

histamines and involves raised areas of redness

and edema that occur suddenly; very itchy

• Also known as hives

• Each individual inflamed area is a wheal

• A large wheal is a welt

Psoriasis

Autoimmune disorder in which too many

abnormal epidermal cells are produced; produces

itch, silvery scales, and plaques.

• psor/o = itching

• -iasis = abnormal condition

Systemic lupus

erythematosus

(SLE)

Autoimmune disorder; collagen in the skin and

connective tissues deteriorates;

characterized by butterfly rash on nose and

cheeks.

Acne

vulgaris

Chronic skin condition of adolescence;

sebum hardens and blocks hair follicles,

producing comedos (black and white

headed pimples).

• ackme = facial eruptions

• vulgaris = common

Anhidrosis

Congenital absence of sweat

glands; no sweat is produced

and heat is intolerable.

• an- = without

• hidr/o- = sweat

• -osis = abnormal condition

Diaphoresis

Profuse sweating; may indicate

a serious underlying condition

like myocardial infarction,

hyperthyroidism, or drug

withdrawal.

• dia- = complete

• phor/o- = bear, carry

• -esis = abnormal condition

Piloerection

occurs when

skin is cold.

– A tiny muscle at the base of

the hair follicle contracts

(arrector pili muscle).

– The hair stands up and causes

a “goosebump“

Piloerection

contains three

word parts.

– pil/o- = hair

– erect/o- = stand up

– -ion = action or condition

Alopecia

Loss of hair from the scalp due to

disease, medication, autoimmune

conditions, or changes in hormone

levels.

• alopc/o- = bald

• -icia = condition

Hirsutism

Presence of excessive, dark hair on the

forearms and upper lip of women;

caused by hormone changes associated

with a tumor of the adrenal cortex.

• hirsut/o- = hairy

• -ism = disease from a specific cause

Rosacea

Chronic skin condition of middle age;

skin has blotchy erythema and dilated

blood vessels. (Latin = rose colored)

Striae

Small tears in the dermis due to

overstretching, such as with pregnancy

or significant weight gain

• Often heal as lighter, shiny scars

• (Common = stretch marks)

Clubbing and cyanosis

Abnormal downward curve and bluish

coloration of the fingernails accompanied

by stunted growth of the fingers

Associated with lack of oxygen in cystic

fibrosis

Onychomycosis

Fungal infection of the nail; nail root is

infected and the nail is deformed as it

grows.

• onych/o- = fingernail, toenail

• myc/o- = fungus

• -osis = condition

Culture and sensitivity

(C&S)

Growth of bacteria taken from a

wound or lesion in a lab; colonies

are used to make a diagnosis and

to determine the correct antibiotic

treatment.

Allergy skin testing

Intradermal injection or scratch of

liquid allergen; formation of a

wheal in response to the allergen

is indicative of allergy.

skin scraping

Scraping of cells from a lesion done with the

edge of a scalpel; cells are examined under a

microscope to diagnose tinea.

Tzanck Test

Scraping of fluid from a vesicle to produce a

slide for microscopic inspection; used to

diagnose herpes virus and shingles.

Wood lamp or light

Ultraviolet light used to highlight areas of

abnormal skin; light makes vitiligo appear

bright white and tinea capitis appear blue-

green.

Skin examination

Inspection of the skin during

dermatologist visit; may involve all of

the skin or a specific rash or lesion.

Suturing

Treatment to bring edges of skin

together after laceration in injury;

sewing skin and tissue together.

Electrosurgery

Treatment for benign or small malignant

lesions; electricity evaporates cellular

contents and kills cells.

Incision and

drainage (I&D)

Treatment to drain fluid; an incision is

made and fluid is expressed or drained

Cryosurgery

Treatment for benign or small malignant

lesions; liquid nitrogen is applied to the

lesion to freeze / destroy it

• cry/o- = cold

• surg/o- = operative procedure

• -ery = proces

Debridment

Treatment for benign or small malignant

lesions; liquid nitrogen is applied to the

lesion to freeze / destroy it

• cry/o- = cold

• surg/o- = operative procedure

• -ery = proces

Skin turgor assessment

Assessment of hydration level; skin

fold is pulled up and time to flatten is

noted.

Botox Injection

Treatment for deep wrinkles; Botox is

injected into muscle; releases wrinkle

lines and prevents the muscle from

contracting (also used as a treatment for

migraines)

Collagen Injections

Treatment for wrinkles or acne scars;

liquid collagen solution plumps up skin to

decrease the depth of the wrinkle or scar.

Cryolipolysis

Treatment for unwanted fat deposits; cold

device applied to the skin freezes fat cells

and causes them to crystalize and die.

• cry/o- = cold

• lip/o = fat

• -lysis = breaking down

Skin Resurfacing

Treatment to improve skin appearance;

involves removal of part of the epidermis.

• Ex. Dermabrasion or chemical peel

Topical

Applied directly to the skin; has a local effect.

Transdermal

Patches that are placed on the skin; drug is

absorbed through the skin and transported

through the blood to exert a systemic effect.

Intradermal

Needle inserted just under the epidermis;

used for tuberculosis and allergy testing.

Hypodermic

Needle inserted all the way into the

hypodermis; Also referred to as

Subcutaneous (SubQ, subcu) injection

Anesthetic Drugs

Provide temporary numbness of the skin during

procedures that involve cutting or suturing.

• an- = without

• esthet/o- = feeling/sensation

• -ic = pertaining to

Antibiotic Drugs

Treat bacterial infections or acne vulgaris; may be

topical or oral.

• anti- = against

• bi/o = living organism

• -tic = pertaining to

Anti-fungal Drugs

Treat fungal infections; may be topical or oral

depending upon the fungus involved.

Antipruritic Drugs

Treat itching associated with skin diseases; may be

topical or oral

Antiviral Drugs

Treat viral infections; may be topical or oral.

Corticosteroid drugs

Treat inflammation by suppressing the immune

response; may be topical or oral.

Alopecia Drugs

Improve blood flow to the scalp to increase hair

growth

Drugs for infestations

Treats scabies (mites) and pediculosis (lice);

applied topically as a lotion and shampoo

Vitamin A-type drugs

Treat acne vulgaris and severe cystic acne; may

be topical or oral

Coal tar drugs

Treat psoriasis by slowing multiplication of

epidermal cells; applied topically

Biopsy Bx

Removal of all or part of a skin lesion or tumor;

specimen is sent to the pathology department

for examination and diagnosis.

• bi/o- = living tissue

• -opsy = process of viewing

Types:

• Shave

• Punch

• Excisional (removes all of tumor/lesion)

• Incisional (removes part of tumor/lesion)

Dermatoplasty

Any type of plastic surgery to the skin;

includes grafting, keloid removal, and facelift

Liposuction

Removal of excessive fat deposits by

suctioning out subcutaneous tissue.

Mohs surgery

Removal of skin cancers with irregular shapes and

depths; operating microscope is used to examine each

layer removed

Rhytidectomy

Removal of wrinkles to tighten loose skin on the face;

may be accompanied by blepharoplasty.

• rhytid/o- = wrinkle

• -ectomy = surgical removal

Blepharoplasty

Removal of fat or drooping skin from around the

eyelids

• blephar/o-= eyelid

• -plasty = process of reshaping by surgery

skin grafting

Use of human or artificial skin to provide a temporary

covering or permanent layer of skin over a burn or

wound.

Bx

Biopsy