Glossary
Allergen. A substance, foreign to the body, which can produce a hypersensitive reaction in the body.
Atopic Dermatitis (Der-ma-ti-tis). A skin disease that is also called “eczema.” It causes dry, itchy, inflamed and reddened skin.
Bacteria. A class of microorganisms that cause infections.
Chronic. Long-lasting, ongoing.
Contact Dermatitis. A condition resulting from contact between skin and some allergy-causing substance, or an irritant, such as detergent, fragrances, or jewelry.
Corticosteroids. Also called steroids. These steroids are similar to hormones that your body produces. They can reduce inflammation.
Dermatitis. Inflammation of the skin.
Dyshidrotic (dis-hi-dro-sis) eczema. A burny, itchy type of eczema that causes a blistering rash and occurs only on the palms of the hands, sides of the fingers, and soles of the feet. More females get it than males.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis (eh-reeth-ro-der-mic pso-ri-a-sis). The least common type of psoriasis, it can cover your entire body with a red peeling rash that can itch and burn.
Flare-ups. Sudden outbreaks.
Guttate (guh-tate) Psoriasis. Psoriasis that shows up as red, drop-like spots on the skin.
Hay Fever. A seasonal allergy to airborne particles that can cause itchy eyes, runny or stuffed up nose, sneezing, itchy throat and extra mucus.
Immune system: The body’s natural defense against foreign substances and organisms that could lead to illness.
Inverse psoriasis. Smooth, red patches may appear in skin-folds in the armpits, groin, under the breasts and around the genitals. Sweating and friction can make things worse.
Lesions. A wound or injury to the skin.
Neurodermatitis (nu-r-der-ma-ti-tis). A very itchy type of eczema. Nerve endings in the skin become irritated, triggering an itch-scratch cycle.
Nummular (num-u-ler) dermatitis. Coin-shaped patches of irritated skin are common with this type of eczema. They occur mostly on the arms, back, buttocks and lower legs and can be crusted, scaling and extremely itchy.
Phototherapy. Treatment with ultraviolet light.
Plaque (plak) Psoriasis. A very common type of psoriasis, which causes dry, red patches (also known as plaques) with silvery scales.
Plaques. Patches of red, rough skin covered with silvery scales that is caused by psoriasis.
Psoriatic (pso-ri-a-tic) Arthritis. An immune system disorder that includes both inflamed, scaly skin and inflamed joints. They don’t necessarily happen at the same time.
Scaling. Abnormal shedding or build-up of an upper layer of skin.
Seborrheic (sa-bo-ra-ic) Eczema. Yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face and occasionally other parts of the body. Dandruff is an example.
Skin biopsy. A small sample of skin is removed (biopsied) and examined under a microscope.
Topical. On the surface of the body.
Sources:
Glossary. The American Academy of Dermatology (ADA). EczemaNet. ADA. Accessed Jan. 10, 2011 at
www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/glossary.html.
Glossary. The American Academy of Dermatology (ADA). PsoriasisNet. ADA. Accessed Jan. 10, 2011 at
www.skincarephysicians.com/psoriasisnet/glossary.html.
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