contact information
- NYC Dermatologist Center
- 30 East 60th Street
- Suite 805
- New York, NY 10022
- Tel: 212-644-9494
- Map
- Visit our other website
- Email Us
Powered By Vivacare
This service should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your healthcare provider.
Communicate promptly with your provider with any health related questions or concerns.
- Highlights
- Skin Care
- Normal Skin
- Examine Your Skin
- Sunscreens
Glossary: Dermatology
Abscess
An infection that leads to a collection of pus within the tissue.
Ablation
Removal, such
as by an ablative laser.
Acute
A condition that has appeared recently or is of a short
duration. The opposite of chronic or long-lasting.
Allergen
A substance that triggers an
allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to it.
Alopecia
Hair loss.
Alopecia,
androgenic
Hair loss in men and women from hormonal changes to the hair follicles. In men, it is referred to
as “male pattern baldness."
Alopecia areata
An autoimmune, often reversible disease
in which hair loss occurs in sharply defined patches, usually involving the scalp or beard.
Alopecia totalis
A form of alopecia areata that leads to total hair loss from the scalp and face.
Alopecia universalis
A form of alopecia areata that leads to total hair loss on the scalp, face, and body.
Anagen
The growing phase of the hair follicle. Each hair follicle goes through a growth phase (anagen) that last several years,
before a resting phase (telogen) that last several months. Finally there is the declining phase (catagen).
Atopy
(atopic)
A genetic predisposition to the development of hypersensitivities, including allergies, and asthma.
Atrophy
A decrease in the volume of tissue. Atrophic skin is thin and may appear slightly sunken.
Autoimmune disease
A disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's
own tissues ("auto" means self). Examples include rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Basal cell
A type of skin cell found in the lowest levels of the epidermis. These generate new skin
cells (keratinocytes) that grow to the surface of the skin.
Benzoyl peroxide
A medication
with antibacterial effects that is commonly used for mild acne. Brand names include Clearasil, Proactiv, and Benzac.
Biopsy (skin)
The removal of tissue to diagnose a skin disorder.
Blackhead (see
comedo)
Blister
An enclosed collection (bubble) of fluid within or beneath the epidermis.
Blue nevus
A benign mole with a dark blue color that results from the pigment being in the
deep layers of the skin. Seen most often in older children or adolescents.
Bulla
Large blister
that measures at least 1cm (0.4 inches) at its widest point. Larger than a vesicle.
Bullae
Plural of bulla.
Catagen
The declining phase of the hair follicle. During catagen, the
hair follicle shrinks. Each hair follicle goes through a growth phase (anagen) that last several years, before a resting phase
(telogen) that last several months. Finally there is the declining phase (catagen).
Cellulitis
An infection of the skin, usually by bacteria (staph and strep).
Chronic
Long-lasting.
The opposite of acute.
Collagen
A protein in the dermis layer of skin that provide skin
with its bulk and strength. A reduction in collagen, as occurs with aging, causes skin to lose its fullness.
Comedo
A dilated hair follicle and sebaceous gland filled with sebum and bacteria. A comedo may be “open”
in which the sebum is exposed to the air causing the sebum inside to turn dark or black. This is referred to as a “blackhead.”
A comedo may be “closed” in which the sebum inside remains white. This is referred to as a “whitehead.”
Comedones
Plural of comedo.
Corticosteroid
A family of
medications used to control inflammation. Different from the “steroids” (anabolic steroids) used by athletes and
body builders. May be taken by mouth (prednisone) or applied topically to the skin (1% hydrocortisone cream).
Topical
corticosteroids may be ranked on their strength. Group 1 (I) corticosteroids are “super potent” and have the greatest
risk of side effects if used for prolonged periods. Group 7 (VII) corticosteroids are “low potency” and include
1% hydrocortisone that can be purchased over the counter.
Cryotherapy
A cold substance, such
as liquid nitrogen, is used to remove skin lesions.
Dermal filler
A substance injected into
the dermis to give the skin a fuller look.
Dermatitis
A general term used to describe inflamed
skin. There can be many causes of dermatitis, such as an allergic reaction or atopic dermatitis. Dermatitis can be short-term
(“acute”) or long-term (“chronic”). Acute dermatitis causes the skin to appear red, blistered or swollen.
Chronic dermatitis causes the skin to appear thickened, rough, and darker than the surrounding skin.
Dermatology
The medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of people with skin conditions (including hair and nails).
Dermatologic surgery
The diagnosis, treatment and repair of clinical and cosmetic problems
of skin, hair, nails, and other tissues by surgical and non-surgical methods. Procedures include laser surgery, cryosurgery,
excision, Mohs surgery, dermal fillers, and hair restoration. Also called dermasurgery.
Dermatophyte
A fungi that lives on the top layer of the skin. Found on all people, including those with normal skin. May overgrow, leading
to problems such as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) or tinea versicolor.
Dermis
The deep
layer of skin that lies below the epidermis. Contains collagen, blood vessels, nerves, sweat glands (eccrine glands), and
sebaceous glands.
Ecchymoses
Bruises
Elastin
A protein found
in the dermis layer of skin that provides skin with its elasticity. The loss of elastin, as occurs with aging, leads to skin
that loses its shape.
Electrodessication and curettage (ED&C)
The removal of skin growth
with a rounded knife (curette). The wound is heated to prevent bleeding. May be used to treat certain types of skin cancer
or precancerous lesions. A local anesthetic is injected before the procedure.
Epidermis
The
top layer of skin that lies above the dermis. It is composed primarily of a type of squamous cell called a keratinocyte. Cells
at the base of the epidermis (basal cells) generate keratinocytes that grow to the surface. The epidermis replaces itself
every 12-14 days. There are no blood vessels in the epidermis so a cut or scrap of the epidermis does not bleed
Erysipelas
A type of cellulitis.
Erythema
Redness of the skin that is greater
than the surrounding skin. May be a sign of inflammation from flushing, infection, sunburn, or other conditions.
Exanthem
An acute rash that results from an infection, particularly viruses.
Excision
The removal of a skin growth with a scalpel. The wound is usually closed with stitches. If done for purposes
of a biopsy, the tissue may be sent to a laboratory for further examination under a microscope.
Exfoliation
The removal of the top layer of skin. This may occur naturally as the result of a skin disease, such as sunburn. Or it may
result from an elective procedure such as dermabrasion or microdermabrasion.
Fitzpatrick type
A scale used to measure the darkness of skin. Fitzpatrick type I describes someone who is pale, with very little skin pigment,
who easily sunburns. Fitzpatrick type IV describes someone who is dark with a lot of skin pigment who easily tans when exposed
to sunlight.
Folliculitis
The inflammation of one or more hair follicles, usually due to
a bacterial infection.
Furunculosis
Also known as boils, acute collections of pus, or abscesses
arising from several hair follicles and surrounding tissue.
Hair bulb
A bulbous collection
of actively growing cells at the base of a hair follicle that constantly produces a strand of hair.
Hair
follicle
The part of the dermis from which hair grows. Sebaceous glands are often connected to hair follicles.
Halo nevus
A mole with a white ring, or halo, around it. Relatively common and usually seen
in children. For reasons still unknown, the immune system starts to recognize the mole as abnormal and leads to changes in
the pigment of the surrounding skin. Rarely malignant (cancerous), although it should be examined carefully.
Hives
(see urticaria)
Hydrocortisone
A low-potency topical corticosteroid used to treat
skin inflammation. Available in 1% formulations without a prescription.
Hyperpigmentation
An
area that is darker than the surrounding skin.
Hypopigmentation
An area that is lighter than
the surrounding skin
Immune system
A complex network of specialized cells and organs that
work together to defend the body against "foreign" invaders such as bacteria and viruses. In some conditions, the
immune system may not function properly and may even work against the body. This leads to “autoimmune” diseases,
such as arthritis and lupus.
Macule
A flat spot that appears different from the surrounding
skin. Measures no more than 1cm (0.4 inches) at its greatest diameter. Smaller than a patch.
Malassezia
furfur
The fungi that causes tinea versicolor. Another name for Pityrosporum folliculitis.
Melanin
The pigment in skin, created by melanosomes, that gives skin its color. Increases when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet
radiation (UV rays).
Melanocytes
The cells in the dermis that create melanin.
Mohs
surgery
A specialized surgery that removes a tumor (or other lesion) in stages. Each portion of removed tissue
is examined under a microscope to make sure that cancerous cells have been removed while sparing as much normal skin as possible.
Nevi
Plural form of nevus.
Nevus
A mole.
Nodule
A round, raised lesion on the skin that measures at least 1cm (0.4 inches) at its greatest diameter. Larger than a papule.
If filled with fluid, referred to as a bulla. If flat, referred to as a plaque.
Onychomycosis
A fungal infection of the toenails (usually large toe) or (less commonly) the fingernails.
Papule
A raised lesion on the skin that measures no more than 1cm (0.4 inches) at its greatest diameter. Smaller than a nodule
or plaque. Referred to as vesicle if filled with fluid.
Patch
A flat spot that appears different
from the surrounding skin. Measures more than 1cm (0.4 inches) at its greatest diameter. Larger than a macule.
Pathology
(dermatopathology)
The examination of tissue under a microscope or with other tests to determine the underlying
cause of a condition, define the borders of a lesion, or measure the response to treatment.
Photoaging
The aging of skin that is accelerated from exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) rays from sunlight or tanning booths
Phytophotodermatitis
A rash that appears when sunlight strikes skin that has been sensitized
by contact with certain plant materials. For instance, lime juice can sensitize the skin so that exposure to sun leads to
a rash where the juice made contact.
Pityrosporum folliculitis
The fungi that causes tinea
versicolor. Another name for Malassezia furfur.
Plaque
A flat, raised lesion on the skin
that measures at least 1cm (0.4 inches) at its greatest diameter. Referred to as a nodule if rounded or dome-shaped.
Pruritus
Itching. The sensation that creates the desire to scratch or rub.
Pustule
An elevated lesion, similar to a vesicle, that contains the remnants of the body’s dead white blood cells
(“pus”).
Retinoids
A category of medications used for a variety of skin conditions.
Retinoids applied to the skin include Differin, Renova, Retin A Micro, Tazorac, and tretinoin.
Ringworm
A fungal infection of the skin caused by a dermatophyte. Similar fungi may cause athlete’s foot or jock
itch. Ringworm is not caused by a worm.
Sebaceous gland
The glands in the dermis that produce
sebum, an oily secretion the lubricates the skin. Found most densely on the face, forehead, nose, and upper back (locations
where acne most frequently develops).
Seborrhea
Excessively oily skin due to the overproduction
of sebum. Increases the risk of acne or seborrheic dermatitis.
Sebum
The oil produced by
sebaceous glands in the skin. Protects and moisturizes the skin.
Shingles (see zoster)
Skin Tag
A skin tag is a small harmless, painless, skin-colored growth. It is commonly found on the
neck and arm.
Squamous cell
A type of flat cell forms the surface of the skin, the lining
of the hollow organs of the body (such as the bladder, kidney, and uterus), and the passages of the respiratory and digestive
tracts. Keratinocytes that form the epidermis are a type of squamous cell.
Staph
Short for
staphylococcus, a type of bacteria. A common cause of skin infections, including impetigo and boils.
Steroids
(see corticosteroids)
Stratum corneum
The outermost layer of the epidermis that
provides a protective barrier for the skin below.
Strep
Short for streptococcus, a type
of bacteria. A common cause of skin infections, including folliculitis and cellulitis.
Telangiectasia
Dilated, thread-like blood vessels that appear in the skin as red or dark purple lines. Commonly occur with rosacea, aging,
and other skin disorders.
Telogen
The resting phase of the hair follicle. Each hair follicle
goes through a growth phase (anagen) that last several years, before a resting phase (telogen) that last several months. Finally
there is the declining phase (catagen).
Telogen effluvium
Sudden, diffuse hair loss that
occurs when hair is “pushed” prematurely to the resting state of telogen. Possible causes include high fevers,
childbirth, severe infections, severe chronic illness, psychological stress, major surgery or illnesses, starvation, and certain
medications.
Tinea capitis
A fungal infection on the head.
Tinea cruris
A fungal infection in the genital area. Also known as jock itch.
Tinea pedis
A fungal infection of the feet. Also known as athlete’s foot.
Tinea versicolor
A
common, unsightly, harmless fungal infection that causes discolored patches on the skin of the back, chest, neck, and upper
arms. Caused by pitysporum, also known as Malassezia furfur.
Topical
Something that is applied
to the skin, such as an ointment or cream. A medication to be rubbed over a rash may be referred to as a topical medication.
Urticaria
An allergic reaction of the skin. Commonly called hives.
UV Radiation
Sunlight is composed of visible light (all the colors we see in daylight), infrared radiation (which provides warmth), and
ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is carcinogenic (cancer-causing).
Varicella
The virus
that causes chickenpox. It also may be reactivated years later and cause shingles (see also zoster.)
Vesicle
A small blister that measures no more than 1cm (0.4 inches) at its greatest diameter. Smaller than a bulla.
If the lesion has pus but no fluid inside, it is referred to as a papule.
Whitehead (see comedo)
Xerosis
Dry skin.
Zoster
A painful rash due to reactivation
of the chickenpox virus, usually years after the initial infection. Commonly called shingles.
