8. Glossary
actinic keratosis: A precancerous skin condition that is highly treatable when detected early.
allergic contact dermatitis: A rash that appears when the body’s immune system overreacts to foreign substances.
alpha-hydroxy acids: Acids derived from fruit and milk that are used in creams and lotions to try to reduce age spots, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
antioxidants: Substances that protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals, which are produced by the body as a normal byproduct of metabolism.
atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema): A skin disorder characterized by itching, scaling, and thickening of the skin that occurs in individuals predisposed to certain hypersensitive reactions.
basal cell carcinoma (BCC): The most common, most curable form of skin cancer.
basal cells: A cell in the deepest layer of the epithelium (the outside layer of cells that covers surfaces of the body).
biologic: A substance or product produced from one or more living organisms.
biomarker: A measurable substance in the body that indicates the presence or absence of disease or the risk for later developing a disease.
boil: A red, elevated, painful bump often caused by an infected hair follicle.
brachytherapy: Use of a machine to generate targeted doses of radiation administered through an applicator placed directly on the skin.
broad-spectrum sunscreen: One that protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB).
cellulitis: A common bacterial infection of the skin.
ceramides: Fatty molecules that limit the loss of water and act as a barrier against harmful substances.
chemotherapy: The use of drugs (taken either orally or intravenously) to kill cancer cells.
collagen: Fibers of protein found in connective tissue, cartilage, and bone.
contact dermatitis: A rash caused by something a person has come in contact with, such as a chemical or poisonous plant.
corn: A small patch of thickened, dead skin with a central core, usually caused by friction, and appearing between the toes or on the top or outer sides of the toes.
corticosteroids: Medications used to treat, among other conditions, some allergic skin conditions.
cryotherapy: Freezing an area of skin to destroy unwanted tissue, such as growths, moles, or warts.
curettage-electrodesiccation: Scraping off a cancerous area with a curette and burning any remaining cells with an electric current.
dermabrasion (surgical skin planing): A procedure that wears away the layers of skin and improves irregularities on the surface of the skin.
dermatologist: A physician who specializes in skin disorders.
dermis: The middle layer of skin that contains nerves, blood vessels, oil glands, and hair follicles.
dermatoscope: A handheld microscope-like device that magnifies a pigmented lesion and allows the dermatologist to see through the outermost layer of skin.
diabetic dermopathy: A skin disease specific to diabetes patients, characterized by brown, scaly, oval, or circular patches of skin on the front of the legs.
elastin: A protein in the skin that helps maintain resilience and elasticity.
emollients: Another name for moisturizers that soften the skin.
epidermal cyst: A sac beneath the surface of the skin filled with keratin and fatty material.
epidermis: The tough, outer protective layer of skin.
eruptive xanthomatosis: A skin disease that occurs in severe cases of diabetes, characterized by small bumps on the skin and surrounded by a red circle.
excisional surgery: A procedure in which a lesion or growth is surgically removed.
fitovers: Sunglasses that can be worn over prescription glasses.
folliculitis: A damaged hair follicle infected with staphylococcus bacteria.
granuloma: Small area of inflammation that can occur in many diseases.
herpes simplex: A virus that causes cold sores and blisters around the mouth.
hives: An allergic reaction of the skin characterized by red, raised marks in irregular sizes ranging from quite small to several inches.
humectants: glycerin and hyaluronic acid used to reduce the loss of moisture.
hyaluronic acid: A substance in connective tissues that cushions, lubricates, and provides volume to the skin.
immunotherapy: A type of treatment that boosts or restores the immune system to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases.
impetigo: A skin infection caused by bacteria and characterized by skin lesions that itch first and ooze later.
irritant contact dermatitis: A reaction that occurs when the skin is damaged by a foreign substance.
keratinocytes: Cells in the epidermis that produce keratin (a fibrous protein).
laser surgery: The use of high-intensity light to treat several diseases, including basal cell skin cancer.
lichen simplex: An itchy patch of skin caused by any one of several skin conditions.
lupus: A chronic disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs.
melanin: The pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color.
melanocytes: Cells in the basal layer of the epidermis that produce melanin.
melanoma: A malignant tumor associated with the most serious type of skin cancer.
Merkel cell carcinoma: A rare and aggressive form of skin cancer that appears as a hard patch or firm bump.
methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): A potentially dangerous staph bacteria resistant to certain antibiotics.
Mohs micrographic surgery: A procedure in which skin is removed layer by layer and then examined for the presence of cancer cells.
mole (nevus): A spot on the skin that contains melanin cells, which give color to the skin.
nevi: Birthmarks or moles.
nodular basal cell carcinoma: The most common BCC subtype.
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID): A substance that reduces inflammation and pain; ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are examples.
occlusives: Petrolatum and other oily substances that block the evaporation of water.
photoaging: Damage caused by sun exposure over a period of time.
photodynamic therapy: The use of natural or UV light to treat psoriasis and other conditions.
phytonutirents: Substances found in certain plants believed to be beneficial for various health conditions, including skin.
psoriasis: A chronic, inflammatory, immune-related condition of the skin.
psoriatic arthritis: A form of arthritis that occurs in 10 to 30 percent of people who have psoriasis.
RDA: Recommendation Daily Allowance (of nutrients).
radiation therapy: The use of high-energy x-rays, particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.
retinol: A compound made from vitamin A used to treat acne, aging skin, psoriasis, and certain skin cancers.
rosacea: A skin condition characterized by red skin that resembles a sunburn.
scabies: An infestation of the skin with a microscopic mite; more likely to affect older adults with weakened immune systems.
seborrheic keratosis: A benign skin tumor that is common in older adults.
shingles: A disease caused by the herpes zoster virus and characterized by pain and a skin rash.
skin tag: A benign, skin-colored growth on the skin; more common after age 60.
squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): The second-most common form of skin cancer.
squamous cells: Cells found in the outer layer of skin (epidermis).
subcutaneous layer (subcutis): The deepest layer of skin.
sun protection factor (SPF): A measurement of a sunscreen’s effectiveness, e.g., SPF 15, equating to how long a person wearing sunscreen can stay in the sun before beginning to burn.
T cells: White blood cells that circulate in the blood and lymph to activate the immune system’s response to infected or malignant cells.
ultraviolet protection factor (UPF): A measurement of how much ultraviolet radiation a particular clothing material absorbs.
ultraviolet A (UVA) rays: Rays that penetrate the skin deeply and are associated with wrinkling and sagging.
ultraviolet B (UVB) rays: Rays primarily responsible for sunburn.
urushiol: The toxic substance found in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.
vitiligo: A condition in which the skin or hair lose color (pigment).
wart: A noncancerous growth on the skin caused by a viral infection.
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