Basic Nursing - Hygiene Terminology

Alopecia

Abnormal hair loss

Hirsutism

Excessive body hair

Pediculosis Capitis

Head lice

Dental caries

Tooth decay

Gingiva

Referring to gums

Glossitis

Inflammation of tongue

Sebum

Fatty “oily” secretions of the sebaceous glands

Dentures

False teeth

Dentifrice

Paste, powder, liquid, etc. to clean the teeth

Halitosis

Foul smelling breath

Stomatitis

Inflammation of the mouth

Edema

Excessive tissue fluid

Canthus

Corner of the eye

Sordes

Foul matter on teeth and gums

Cuticle

Hardened skin around the edges of finger/toenail

Perineum

Genitalia

Hang nail

Shreds of epidermal tissue at the sides of several fingernails

Excoriated

Abrasion of the skin

Turgor

Fullness, elasticity of the skin

Diaphoresis

Profuse perspiration

Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration of the skin

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of lining of eyelids and covering of eyeball

Petechiae

Pinpoint reddened areas on skin

Masticate

Chewing motion

Umbilicus

Point of depression in abdomen (belly button)

Ischemia

Temporary deficiency of blood

Ecchymosis

Bluish, purple skin areas

Pallor

Lack of color, paleness

Erythema

Diffused redness over skin

Axilla

Underarm area (armpit)

Cerumen

Ear wax

Hygiene

“The Principles of Health”

Syncope

Fainting

Urinal

Device for receiving urine

Vertigo

The sensation that the outer world is revolving about oneself, or one is moving in space (room spinning)

Decubitus ulcers

Bedsores

Epidermis

Outer, dead cornified portion of skin

Dermis

“True skin”, next layer after epidermis

Parotitis

Inflammation of salivary gland