Dermatological Conditions Glossary

noun a damaging immune response by the body to a substance, especially pollen, fur, a particular food, or dust, to which it has become hypersensitive

• The doctor diagnosed her with a severe peanut allergy.
• I can't eat shellfish because of my allergy.
• I have a pollen allergy, so I hate going outside in the spring.
• His allergy to criticism makes it difficult for him to accept feedback.

noun the outer layer of cells covering an organism, in particular.

• The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin.
• I heard that the epidermis is like a protective shield for our skin.
• Dude, you gotta take care of your epidermis if you want to avoid sunburn.
• Her tough exterior was like an epidermis that shielded her from emotional harm.

noun The external part of the female genitalia, including the labia and clitoris.

• The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia.
• I heard that some women experience discomfort in their vulva during pregnancy.
• She was complaining about itching in her vulva after using a new soap.
• The vulva of creativity is where new ideas are born and nurtured.