Term | Definition |
dermatitis | inflammation of the skin characterized by itching, redness, and various types of lesions
pl. dermatitides |
contact dermatitis | an acute allergic inflmmation of the skin caused by contact with an irritant such as poision ivy or various chemicals |
atopic dermatitis | a chronic dermatitis due to sensitization to substances by ingestion or inhalation. cause is unknown (e.g. eczema) |
allergy | a condition of altered or changed reaction or a hypersensitivity to a specific substance acquired through exposure |
allergen | an antigen responsible for a hypersensative reaction; a sensitizing agent; any substance that brings on manifestations or reactions of allergy (e.g. pollen, strawberries, antibiotics, chemicals) |
allergic | pertaining to or sensitive to an allergen |
hives | a blood vessel reaction characterized by sudden outbreaks of itching and burning swellings (wheals) on the skin |
urticaria | giant hives; a severe form of hives related to allergic disorders; intense itching, welts, wheals. can be from an allergic reaction or mental stress |
angioneurotic edema | Giant hives in which the edema is more noticeable. swelling of the mucous membrane in the respiratory passages can obstruct the trachea |
histamine | a substance found in tissue that is released in response to allergens or irritants. effects: stimulates gastic secretions, constricts bronchial smooth muscle, dilates capillaries and increases their permeability, thereby causing tissue swelling |
antihistamine | a drug that counteracts the effects of histamine. Useful in treating allergy |
eczema | a skin disease which may be manifested in various types of rashes. often due to allergy or hypersensensitivity. redness, weeping, oozing, and crusting are common manifestations |
eczematous | pertaining to, or affected with eczema |
intracutaneous | within the skin |
intradermal | within the dermis |