•• DermaDoctor
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Acne conglobata - A serious form of inflammatory acne which develops primarily on the jaw, cheeks, back, buttocks and chest. Severe bacterial infection sometimes occur. If not treated properly, this form of acne can lead to scarring.
Acne cosmetica - A mild form of acne brought about by topical make-up products. It manifest as small pink bumps and local inflammation on the cheeks, chin and forehead (normally the areas where you apply your make-up).
Acne vulgaris - Scientific name for "acne". It is caused by the clogging of tiny hair follicles on the face and body. Acne is a result of several things working together. They are: your hormones, extra oil production, uneven skin shedding, bacteria and inflammation.
Allantoin - An active skin protectant used for its healing, softening and moisturizing properties. Also acts as an anti-irritant.
Androgens - Hormones that are released in both males and females with the onset of puberty. They stimulate the production of sebum, which is why nearly everyone experiences some form of acne during their adolesence.
Anti-androgen - Any substance that inhibits the body's production of androgens.
Antibiotics - Any of various substances such as penicillin and streptomycin produced by certain fungi, bacteria and other organisms that inhibit the growth of/or destroy microorganisms and are widely used to prevent and treat diseases. Antibiotics are typically used to treat acne.
Atrophic macules - a form of scarring most common in Caucasians. Their appearance is soft with a wrinkled base and are usually small when they occur on the face, but may be a centimeter or larger elsewhere on the body.
Benzoyl Peroxide - Benzoyl Peroxide helps to defeat the P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. It acts as an antiseptic and oxidizing agent, reducing the number of blocked pores. It's available in both over-the-counter and by prebscription.
Blackhead (or open comedo ) - A blocked pore in which the "plug" enlarges and pushes through the surface of the skin. The plug's dark appearance is not due to dirt, but rather to a buildup of melanin, the skin's pigment.
Closed comedo (or whitehead ) - If the plug in the follicle stays below the surface of the skin, the lesion is called a closed comedo, or whitehead. These usually appear on the skin as small, whitish bumps.
Comedo (plural: comedones ) - When dead skin cells mix with sebum and get trapped in the opening of a follicle, this is called a comedo. It acts like cork in a bottle, trapping dirt, bacteria and sebum inside the follicle, which in turn leads to acne.
Comedogenic - Name given to substances that are likely to clog your pores.
Cortisol - Hormone that is produces in response to stress. It stimulates the sebaceous glands, triggering the production of extra oil. This increases your chances of getting acne.
Cyst - See nodule in the M-Z Acne glossary.
Dermatitis (or Eczema ) - Skin disease which is characterized by a rapidly spreading red rash which may be itchy, blistered and swollen. Atopic dermatitis is related to asthma and hay fever-type allergies, and is often seen in early childhood. Contact dermatitis is usually caused by contact with irritants (detergents or harsh chemicals) or allergens.
Dermatologic surgery - Surgery to repair or improve the appearance of skin tissue. Laser surgery are chemical surgery are two common types.
Dermis - This is the second layer of the skin. It produces collagen, elastin and reticulin, the substances that lend structure and support to your largest organ - your skin.
Demodex mites - Microscopic creatures which are resident on human skin. Incidentally, these creatures are about five times more common in patients with rosacea.
Epidermal Cyst - A sac-like growth in the deeper layers of the skin, filled with a soft whitish material composed of fatty acids and oils. They often appear on the face, scalp and trunk.
Epidermis - The top layer of the skin - also, your body's largest organ. It is made up corneocytes (the outermost layer of dead skin cells), melanocytes (which produce melanin), and Langerhan cells (which help you fight off disease).
Favre-Racouchet Syndrome - A skin condition that manifests as large blackheads around the eyes and upper parts of the cheek. This condition usually afflicts men and women over 50. Unlike acne blackheads, FavreRacouchet comedones do not go away if left untreated; you have to have them surgically extracted or treat them with retinoids.
Follicle (sebaceous follicle) - Scientific name for "pores".
Follicular macular atrophy - A form of acne scarring characterized by small, soft white lesions that look like whiteheads.
Hormones - Chemical substances that govern the processes of the human body. Androgens, estrogen and testosterone are a few examples.
Ice-pick scars - Scars that are usually small but deep, with a jagged edge and steep sides. They often appear on the cheeks.
Isopropyl alcohol - A type of alcohol which is used as an astringent.
Isotretinoin (Accutane) - Accutane is used to treat severe inflammatory acne. The drug is used to reduce sebum production and has a very high success rate for improving acne.
Keloid - A type of scarring which appears as a lumpy, fibrous mass. Keloids occur when skin cells respond to injury by producing an excess amont of collagen. They are typically firm and shiny in appearance.
Keratosis Pilaris - Patches of tiny, red bumps on the cheeks, chest, backs of the arms, shoulders, buttocks and the front of the thighs. Normally painless and spiny to the touch, this condition occurs when hair follicles get clogged with dead skin cells.