Dermatology Glossary
A
Acne
A common skin condition that develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. It often appears as pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads on the face, chest, and back, can range from mild to severe.
Allergies
A condition in which the immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance, such as pollen, food, or certain medications, causing symptoms that can affect the skin, respiratory system, or other organs.
Age Spots
Also known as liver spots, age spots are flat, darkened areas of skin that develop over time. They commonly appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, and shoulders. Age spots are harmless and result from long-term ultraviolet (UV) exposure.
B
C
Calluses
Areas of thickened, hardened skin that form as a protective response to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation, commonly found on the hands or feet.
Corns
Small, circular areas of thickened skin that typically develop on the toes or soles due to repeated pressure or friction. Corns are usually firmer and more painful than calluses.
Chemical Peels
A cosmetic skin treatment that uses a chemical solution to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin to address concerns such as pigmentation and acne. This process helps improve skin tone, texture, and clarity by encouraging new skin cell turnover.
D
Dandruff
A common scalp condition that causes flaking of dry or oily skin, often accompanied by itching. It is usually harmless but can be persistent and sometimes linked to conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.
E
Eczema
A chronic inflammatory skin condition that leads to dry, itchy, and irritated skin. It can appear anywhere on the body and often flares up in response to allergens, stress, or environmental factors.
F
Facial Rashes
Common skin condition that happen due to exposure to irritants, allergic reactions, sunburn, or other health condition such as eczema or psoriasis. Skin can be red, inflamed, bumpy as well as dry, itchy or painful.
Fungal Infections
Skin disease or condition caused by fungi, such as yeast or mold, which can affect the skin, hair, and nails. In some cases, fungal infections can also impact internal organs. Affected areas may appear red, swollen, itchy, or bumpy.
G
H
Hand Rashes
Skin irritations on the hands caused by exposure to allergens, chemicals, sunburn, or underlying conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Symptoms may include dryness, redness, chapping, scaling, itching, or a burning sensation.
Hyperhidrosis
A condition characterised by excessive sweating that is not triggered by heat, exercise, or stress. It results from overactive sweat glands and commonly affects the hands, feet, and underarms.
I
Ingrown Nail
An ingrown nail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding nail fold. It is commonly caused by cutting nails too short, rounding the corners, or wearing tight shoes. This condition may lead to pain, redness, swelling, or infection if left untreated.
J
K
L
M
Melasma
A common, harmless skin condition that causes brown or gray-brown patches, most often on the face. It is frequently associated with hormonal changes, sun exposure, and genetic factors. The condition is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy” due to its link with pregnancy and oral contraceptives.
Moles
Also known as nevi, moles are common skin growths that can appear anywhere on the body. They vary in size, shape, and color and are usually harmless. However, changes in a mole’s appearance may indicate melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and should be assessed by a professional.
N
Nail Abnormalities
Changes in the nails caused by injury, infections (fungal or bacterial), or underlying health conditions. Nail abnormalities can affect color, shape, thickness, and texture, and severe cases may cause pain, bleeding, or discomfort.
O
P
Psoriasis
A chronic autoimmune condition that accelerates skin cell production, leading to red, scaly, and inflamed patches. Psoriasis commonly affects the scalp, elbows, and knees, but it can appear on other parts of the body as well.
Pincer Nail
A nail condition where the nail plate curves excessively from side to side, forming a “C” or “U” shape. This can cause discomfort or pain as the nail presses into the surrounding skin. Common causes include tight footwear, nail trauma, improper trimming, or fungal infections.
Q
R
Rosacea
A chronic skin condition characterised by persistent facial redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps. It most commonly affects the nose, cheeks, and forehead.
S
Scar
A mark left on the skin after a wound or injury has healed. Scars form as part of the body’s natural healing process and can vary in size, shape, and texture.
Skin Cancer
A type of cancer that begins with abnormal growth of skin cells. It is one of the most common cancers and can appear anywhere on the skin, often developing from prolonged sun exposure or other risk factors.
Sebaceous Cysts
Sebaceous cysts are common, benign lumps that develop beneath the skin. They form when oil-producing glands or hair follicles become blocked or damaged. These cysts typically appear on the face, neck, scalp, or trunk.
Skin Biopsy
A procedure in which a small sample of skin is removed for laboratory examination. It is used to diagnose skin conditions such as rashes, infections, inflammatory disorders, and skin cancer. The procedure helps confirm a diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.
Skin Excision
A minor surgical procedure used to remove skin lesions or growths. It is commonly performed to remove moles, cysts, or suspected skin cancers. The removed tissue may be sent for laboratory analysis to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Skin Lumps and Bumps
Abnormal growths or swellings on or beneath the skin. Most are non-cancerous and may be caused by infections, blocked glands, injuries, or benign growths. A medical evaluation is important if they change in size, color, or become painful.
Skin Tag
Also known as acrochordons, they are small, soft, benign growths that hang off the skin. They commonly develop in areas where skin rubs together, such as the neck, underarms, groin, and eyelids. Skin tags are harmless and often associated with friction or aging.
T
U
Urticaria
Also known as hives, urticaria is a skin reaction that causes raised, red, itchy welts. These welts can appear anywhere on the body and may vary in size and shape.
V
Vitiligo
An autoimmune skin disorder in which the immune system attacks pigment-producing cells, leading to white patches on the skin. It can also affect hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes, causing depigmentation.
W
Warts
Small, non-cancerous growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts result from thickening of the skin at the affected spot and can develop anywhere, though they are most common on the hands and feet.
X
Y
Z
