Term | Definition |
acne | disease of the sebaceous glands that produces blackheads and pimples |
alopecia | hair loss, usually sudden |
athlete’s foot | fungus infection usually in the skin of the toes and soles |
birthmark | congenital blemish or spot on the skin, visible at birth or soon after |
boil | bacterial infection (furuncle) of the skin produced when bacteria enter a hair follicle |
carbuncle | bacterial infection, similar to a boil, that spreads into the subcutaneous tissues |
cyst | liquid-filled sac or capsule |
dermatitis | inflammation of the skin |
eczema | non-contagious skin rash that produces itching, blistering, and scaling |
erythema | reddening of the skin due to dilation of dermal blood vessels in response to injury or inflammation |
herpes | infectious disease of the skin, usually caused by the herpes simplex virus and characterized by recurring formations of small clusters of vesicle |
impetigo | contagious disease of bacterial origin, characterized by pustules that rupture and become covered with loosely held crusts |
keloid | elevated, enlarging fibrous scar usually initiated by an injury |
mole | fleshy skin tumor (nevus) that is usually pigmented; colors range from brown to black |
pediculosis | disease produced by an infestation of lice |
pruritus | itching of the skin |
psoriasis | chronic skin disease characterized by red patches covered with silvery scales |
pustule | elevated, pus-filled area on the skin |
scabies | disease resulting from an infestation of mites |
seborrhea | hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands, causing greasy skin and dandruff |
ulcer | open sore |
urticaria | allergic reaction of the skin that produces reddish, elevated patches (hives) |
wart | flesh-colored, raised area caused by a viral infection |