Glossary
Acne conglobata: A very severe type of acne in which
nodules are connected beneath the skin surface to other nodules or acne
lesions.
Acne mechanica: Form of acne that develops in response
to heat, covered skin, constant pressure, and/or repetitive friction
against the skin.
Acne vulgaris: The medical term for common acne, which
is characterized by the presence of one or more of the following:
blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules.
Androgenic: Referring to the hormones that stimulate
the sebaceous glands to create sebum.
Androgens: Hormones that stimulate sebaceous glands in
addition to other effects on the body. Present in both males and females,
androgens are responsible for physical maturation in males and therefore
occur in much higher levels in males. Males tend to have more severe
acne than females.
Antimicrobial: Agent, such as a medication, that kills
or eliminates microorganisms.
Blackhead: A non-inflammatory acne lesion that is
filled with excess oil and dead skin cells. Blackheads are also called
“open comedomes” because the surface of the skin remains open.
Chloracne: Rash characterized by many comedones that
develops from exposure to chlorinated chemicals or herbicides.
Closed comedo: A whitehead; a non-inflammatory comedo
with white center.
Comedo (plural: comedones): An acne lesion.
Comedogenic: Likely to cause comedones.
Dermatologic surgery: Deals with the diagnosis and
treatment of medically necessary and cosmetic conditions of the skin,
hair, nails, veins, mucous membranes and adjacent tissues by various
surgical, reconstructive, cosmetic and non-surgical methods. This
includes laser surgery, cryosurgery, chemical surgery, aspirational
surgery and excisional surgery. The purpose of dermatologic surgery is
to repair and/or improve the function and cosmetic appearance of skin
tissue
Follicle: The tiny shaft in the skin through which a
hair grows, and sebum is excreted from sebaceous glands to the surface
of the skin.
Hormones: Chemical substances produced by the body that,
depending on the hormone, govern many body processes. Certain hormones
cause physical maturation during puberty. These are the ones implicated
in acne.
Inflammatory: A word that means "causing inflammation."
In acne, "inflammatory" is usually used to describe lesions that are
inflamed by chemical reactions or bacteria in clogged follicles.
Isotretinoin: Potent systemic medication used to treat
severe forms of acne. Due to potential birth defects, a woman must not
take this medication while pregnant or breast feeding and must not
become pregnant while taking isotretinoin.
Keloid: Large raised scar that spreads beyond the size
of the original wound.
Lipids: Oily substances that include things like fats,
oils and waxes. Sebum is made up of lipids. A particular kind of lipid,
free fatty acids, are irritating to the skin.
Macule: A flat spot or patch of skin that is not the
same color as the surrounding skin.
Melanin: Substance that gives hair and skin its color.
Microcomedo: The first stage of comedo formation; a
comedo so small that it can be seen only with a microscope.
Nodulocystic acne: A severe form of acne that is
characterized by numerous deep, inflamed bumps (nodules) and large, pus-filled
lesions that resemble boils (cysts). The nodules tend to be tender when
touched and feel firm. The severe inflammation can cause the acne to
become very red or even purple. Scarring often results when the acne
heals.
Noncomedogenic: Not likely to cause comedones.
Noninflammatory: In acne, comedones that are not
associated with redness in the skin.
Open comedo: A blackhead) a noninflammatory comedo with
a dark top and firmly packed contents.
Papule: An inflammatory comedo that resembles a small,
red bump on the skin.