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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