Hair Skin and Nails

Lanugo

Fine downy hair of a newborn infant.

Vernix caseosa

A thick, cheesy substance that protects the skin of a newborn.

Sebum

An oily secretion that helps hold water in the skin.

Epidermis

The outer layer of skin that thickens and darkens in children.

Apocrine sweat glands

Glands that increase secretions during adolescence.

Senile purpura

Discoloration due to increasing capillary fragility in aging individuals.

Melanin

A genetic attribute that provides protection against skin cancer.

Pruritus

The sensation that causes the desire to scratch or itch.

Dermatoscope

A tool used for close inspection of the skin.

Skin self-examination

A process involving the ABCDEF rule to detect suspicious lesions.

Asymmetry (in skin assessment)

A condition where two halves of a lesion do not match.

Fissure

A linear crack with abrupt edges extending into the dermis.

Ulcer

A deeper depression extending into the dermis with irregular shape that may bleed or leave a scar.

Keloid

A benign overgrowth of scar tissue beyond the original injury.

Clubbing (nail condition)

A deformity of the nail characterized by a widened nail base and an angle greater than 160 degrees.

Pustule

A circumscribed elevation of the skin containing pus.

Excoriation

Superficial abrasion on the skin caused by scratching.

Aging skin characteristics

Includes decreased elasticity, increased dryness, and delayed wound healing.

Hair matrix

The growth center of hair follicles, affected by functioning melanocytes.

Secondary skin lesions

Skin changes resulting from alterations or injuries to primary lesions.

Contact dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin resulting from contact with an irritant or allergen.