Dermatology Vocabulary

noun a medical condition characterized by lack of color in the skin, hair, and eyes

• Achromasia is a medical condition characterized by the absence of color vision.
• My friend has achromasia, so he sees the world in black and white.
• Some people call achromasia 'color blindness'.
• His achromasia made it difficult for him to see the beauty in the world.

adjective a word that describes a noun or pronoun, in this case, 'allergic' describes a person who has an allergy or sensitivity to something

• She is allergic to peanuts and must be careful when dining out.
• I'm allergic to cats, so I can't come over to your place if you have one.
• I can't eat shellfish, I'm allergic AF.
• He's allergic to hard work, always finding excuses to avoid it.

noun a small rounded mass of cells

• The bleb on the surface of the cell was carefully examined under the microscope.
• I noticed a tiny bleb on the edge of the balloon.
• That bleb on your shirt looks like a stain.
• The artist added a bleb of color to the painting to create contrast.

noun a small mark or stain, typically one that is irregular in shape

• The artist carefully covered up the blotch on the canvas with a layer of white paint.
• I accidentally spilled coffee on my shirt and now there's a big blotch on it.
• She got a blotch of ketchup on her pants while eating her fries.
• The scandal left a blotch on his reputation that he could never fully erase.

noun a painful cluster of boils typically caused by bacterial infection, usually on the neck or back

• The doctor diagnosed the patient with a carbuncle, a cluster of boils on the skin.
• I heard that John had to go to the hospital because of a nasty carbuncle on his back.
• That carbuncle on his neck looks really gross.
• The corruption scandal was like a carbuncle on the reputation of the company.

noun a sac containing fluid or semi-solid material that forms in the body

• The doctor discovered a cyst during the patient's routine check-up.
• I have to get this cyst removed before it gets worse.
• That cyst is really bothering me, I can't wait to get rid of it.
• The cyst of doubt grew in her mind, causing her anxiety.

verb to change or cause to change in color, especially to a less attractive or less desirable one

• The fabric discolors easily when exposed to sunlight.
• I accidentally spilled bleach on my shirt and now it's all discolored.
• My sneakers got all funky and discolored after I wore them in the rain.
• The scandal has started to discolor his reputation in the eyes of the public.

noun a severe criticism or denunciation

verb to criticize or berate severely; to flay or remove the skin from

• The critic proceeded to excoriate the author's latest novel in a scathing review.
• She really excoriated him for forgetting her birthday.
• The players were excoriated by the coach for their poor performance on the field.
• Her words seemed to excoriate his soul, leaving him feeling raw and exposed.

noun the thin, hard layer covering the upper surface of the tip of each finger

• She meticulously cleaned under her fingernails before the important meeting.
• I need to paint my fingernails before the party tonight.
• Her fingernails were on fleek after getting them done at the salon.
• The suspense was so intense, I was biting my fingernails throughout the entire movie.

noun a region in an organ or tissue which has suffered damage through injury or disease, such as a wound, ulcer, or abscess

• The doctor identified a small lesion on the patient's skin during the examination.
• The doctor found a little spot on your skin, could be a lesion.
• Yo, did you see that weird bump on his arm? Looks like a lesion or something.
• The emotional trauma left a deep lesion in her heart that took years to heal.

noun something that occludes or closes up

adjective relating to or causing occlusion, especially of a blood vessel

• The doctor recommended using an occlusive dressing to promote healing of the wound.
• You should try using an occlusive bandage to cover the cut.
• I heard that using an occlusive patch can help with dry skin.
• His closed-minded attitude acted as an occlusive barrier to new ideas.

noun a light or whitish color

verb to become pale or cause to become pale

adjective having a light or whitish color

• Her complexion was very pale, indicating she may be unwell.
• He looked pale after staying up all night studying for his exams.
• She was as pale as a ghost when she heard the news.
• The pale moonlight illuminated the garden.

noun a similar light, soft hair that grows on a person's face, especially a young man who is beginning to grow a beard

• The dermatologist recommended a gentle exfoliator to help remove the peach fuzz on her face.
• She couldn't help but giggle at her boyfriend's cute peach fuzz on his cheeks.
• I need to get rid of this annoying peach fuzz on my upper lip.
• The soft peach fuzz of the sunset painted the sky in pastel colors.

adjective consisting of, containing, or discharging pus

• The wound was filled with purulent discharge, indicating an infection.
• Eww, that cut looks all purulent and gross.
• I can't believe how purulent that zit is, it's disgusting.
• The corruption in the government was like a purulent sore that needed to be drained.

noun a person's face or mouth, often used in a playful or endearing way

• The veterinarian examined the puss on the cat's paw to determine if it was infected.
• I noticed some puss coming out of the wound on my finger, so I cleaned it with antiseptic.
• I can't believe she's dating that puss who never stands up for himself.
• The corrupt politician is nothing but a puss when it comes to standing up to his wealthy donors.

noun a small blister or pimple on the skin containing pus

• The dermatologist diagnosed the patient with a pustule on their face.
• I popped the pustule on my arm and now it's starting to heal.
• Eww, that pustule looks gross, you should probably get that checked out.
• The corruption in the government was like a festering pustule that needed to be addressed.

adjective having or covered with scurf, rough to the touch

• The doctor diagnosed the patient with a scurfy scalp condition.
• I heard that scurfy skin can be treated with a special lotion.
• My brother always complains about his scurfy hair, but he won't do anything about it.
• The old book had scurfy pages that crumbled at the touch.

noun a small flat piece of wood that is used to cover a roof or a wall

verb to cover with shingles

• The roofing company installed new shingles on the house.
• I need to fix that shingle on the roof before it starts leaking.
• I found a cool shingle on the beach to use as a coaster.
• His reputation took a hit and his career began to shingle.

noun the thin layer of tissue forming the natural outer covering of the body of a person or animal

adjective relating to or affecting only the outer surface or appearance of something

• The importance of inner beauty is often overlooked in a society that values beauty that is only skin deep.
• Don't judge a book by its cover, remember beauty is only skin deep.
• That guy may look good on the outside, but remember, beauty is just skin deep.
• The painting may look flawless from afar, but upon closer inspection, you realize its beauty is only skin deep.

verb to produce or discharge pus, as a wound or sore

• The wound began to suppurate, indicating an infection.
• I think that cut is starting to suppurate, you might want to get it checked out.
• Dude, that pimple is totally suppurating, you should pop it.
• The corruption within the company continued to suppurate, eventually leading to its downfall.

noun a sensation like of many tiny pinpricks on the skin

verb present participle of tingle

adjective causing a tingling sensation

• The doctor explained that the tingling sensation in my fingers could be due to poor circulation.
• I felt a strange tingling in my toes after sitting in the same position for too long.
• I get this weird tingling feeling whenever I see my crush.
• As she listened to the music, a tingling of excitement ran through her body.

noun an aggregate of similar cells and cell products forming a definite kind of structural material with a specific function, in a multicellular organism

• The doctor examined the tissue sample under a microscope.
• I always carry tissues in my bag in case I need them.
• Hey, can you pass me a tissue? I think I have a runny nose.
• The community came together like a tissue, strong and supportive in times of need.

noun a medication applied to the surface of the body

adjective relating to current events or subjects of interest

• The research paper covers a wide range of topical issues in the field of economics.
• I love discussing topical news with my friends over coffee.
• That show is so topical, it always keeps up with the latest trends.
• His speech was like a topical storm, hitting on all the important points with force.

noun A sore on the skin or mucous membrane, accompanied by the disintegration of tissue

• The patient was diagnosed with a peptic ulcer and prescribed medication.
• My aunt has an ulcer from stress and has to watch what she eats.
• I heard eating spicy food gives you ulcers, so be careful.
• The ulcer of debt continued to grow as he ignored his financial responsibilities.

adjective describing a condition where a sore or wound has developed into an ulcer

• The patient presented with an ulcerated wound on their leg that required immediate medical attention.
• I heard that Tom's dog got an ulcerated sore on its paw from running around too much.
• My sister's ulcerated pimple is so gross, she needs to take better care of her skin.
• The team's morale was ulcerated after losing the championship game.

verb past tense of wrinkle, which means to make small lines or folds on a surface

adjective having small lines or folds on the surface; creased

• The elderly woman had wrinkled skin from years of sun exposure.
• I need to iron this wrinkled shirt before wearing it.
• Her face looked all wrinkled up after crying for hours.
• Time had wrinkled his once smooth personality, making him cynical and jaded.

adjective relating to or containing keratin, a tough protein found in the skin, hair, and nails

• The outer layer of the skin is composed of keratinous cells.
• Her hair is so shiny and healthy because of its keratinous structure.
• I heard that using keratinous products can really help improve the condition of your hair.
• His argument was as strong and impenetrable as a keratinous shell.

adjective relating to or resembling a cyst, a closed sac having a distinct membrane and developing abnormally in a body cavity or structure

• The patient was diagnosed with a cystic mass in their abdomen.
• My friend has been dealing with cystic acne for years.
• I can't believe how big that cystic pimple is!
• The cystic nature of their relationship made it difficult to mend.

noun a person, place, thing, or idea

adjective describing a noun, indicating a quality or attribute of the noun

• Individuals with sensitive-skinned conditions need to be cautious about the products they use.
• My friend has sensitive-skinned so she has to be careful with what skincare products she uses.
• I can't use that detergent, it makes my sensitive-skinned flare up.
• Her sensitive-skinned nature requires extra care and attention in handling delicate situations.

adjective a term used in medicine to describe a sign or symptom that is specifically characteristic of a particular disease

• The presence of a cherry red spot on the retina is pathognomonic for Tay-Sachs disease.
• If you see that specific symptom, it's a dead giveaway for Tay-Sachs disease.
• When you spot that, you know for sure it's Tay-Sachs disease.
• Her tears were pathognomonic of her deep sadness.

noun a fungal infection of the foot, typically contracted in tropical climates

• Hong Kong foot, also known as athlete's foot, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet.
• I heard that Hong Kong foot can be really itchy and uncomfortable.
• My brother picked up a nasty case of Hong Kong foot at the gym.
• The rapid spread of misinformation online is like a contagious Hong Kong foot infecting society.

adjective capable of being absorbed or soaked up

• The surgeon used absorbable sutures to close the incision.
• I prefer absorbable bandages because they are easier to remove.
• These absorbable pills are great for hangovers.
• She had an absorbable mind, always eager to learn new things.

noun a cleansing agent or substance

verb to cleanse or purify

• The cleaning solution was specifically designed to absterge stubborn stains from the fabric.
• I need to absterge this mess before my parents get home.
• I'll absterge the kitchen before we start cooking dinner.
• It's important to absterge negative thoughts from your mind to maintain a positive outlook.

noun a combining form meaning 'spine,' 'thorn,' 'prickle,' used in the formation of compound words: acantho-; acanthion.

• The acanthus plant is known for its deeply cut leaves and ornamental design.
• I planted some acanthus in my garden because I love the way it looks.
• Check out that cool acanthus tattoo on his arm!
• The acanthus motif in the artwork symbolizes growth and prosperity.

noun a type of mite belonging to the Acariformes order, commonly found in dust and causing allergic reactions in humans

• Acaro- is a prefix used in scientific terminology to refer to small arachnids.
• I heard that acaro- is a type of tiny bug that can infest your house.
• Don't worry about those acaro- critters, they're harmless.
• The corruption in the government was like an acaro- slowly spreading and infecting every aspect of society.

noun a genus of mites that includes many parasitic species

• The acarus mite is a common pest found in household dust.
• I heard that acarus mites can cause allergies if not properly controlled.
• I swear, those acarus critters are everywhere in my place!
• The feeling of being constantly watched by an unseen acarus can be quite unsettling.

adjective relating to or exhibiting chemical activity

• The actinic rays of the sun can cause damage to the skin.
• Be careful of the actinic light when you're out in the sun.
• I got a bad sunburn from that actinic sun yesterday.
• His actinic personality always brightens up the room.

adverb relating to or caused by actinic rays or light

• The actinically induced skin damage was evident on the patient's face.
• Her face looked so red and burned from the actinically exposure.
• I forgot to put on sunscreen and now I'm all actinically fried.
• The harsh criticism acted on him actinically, leaving emotional scars.

adjective describing a substance or process that is not affected by radiation

• The doctor recommended using adiactinic creams to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
• I heard that adiactinic lotions are really good for preventing sunburn.
• Yo, you should grab some of that adiactinic stuff before hitting the beach.
• She applied adiactinic wisdom to shield herself from the harsh realities of life.

noun a structure or organ that is adjacent or closely connected to another

adjective describing or relating to a structure or organ that is adjacent or closely connected to another

• The ultrasound showed a possible mass in the adnexal region of the patient's abdomen.
• The doctor said there might be something going on in the adnexal area of your belly.
• I heard there's some weird stuff happening in the adnexal zone of her tummy.
• The adnexal relationship between the two countries became strained after the trade agreement fell through.