Glossary
Papulopustular: A type of acne characterized by the
presence of papules and pustules.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Excessive skin
darkening at places where the skin was inflamed.
Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes): A normal resident
on the skin,
P. acnes will multiply rapidly in clogged hair follicles where sebum is
trapped.
Puberty: The time of life when a child begins the
physical maturation process toward adulthood. Onset is usually in the
early teens and is accompanied by a large increase in hormone
production.
Pustule: An inflammatory comedo that resembles a
whitehead with a ring of redness around it.
Retinoid: A natural or synthetic substance derived from
vitamin A.
Sebaceous glands: Glands in the skin that produce an
oily substance called sebum--these glands are the sites of acne lesions.
Sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles and are found mostly on
the face, neck, back and chest.
Sebum: The oily substance produced by sebaceous glands.
Steroid acne: Acne that develops from long-term use of
corticosteroid medications. Since this condition can develop,
corticosteroid medications are prescribed for a limited time.
Systemic therapy: Treatment that consists of taking
medication internally, such as in pill form or by injection or infusion.
White blood cells: Components of the blood that help
fight off infections.
Whitehead: An acne lesion that forms when oil and skin
cells block the opening of a hair follicle. For this reason, whiteheads
are called “closed comedomes.”
Aclovate®: by Glaxo Wellcome, (Aclometasone dipropionate) Anti-infective, topical, cream and ointment are low to medium potency corticosteroids for the treatment of arthritis, atopic dermatitis
Achromycin V® - an oral antibiotic often prescribed
for rosacea. Also sold under the brand name(s): Panmycin®, Tetracyn®,
Robitet®, Tetracycline, Sumycin®
Aclometasone dipropionate: Anti-infective, topical,
cream and ointment are low to medium potency corticosteroids for
treatment of arthritis, atopic dermatitis. Also sold under the brand
name: Aclovate.
Acute: sudden or severe. An acute condition is one
in which symptoms appear, change, or worsen rapidly. The opposite of
chronic.
Adapalene: is a topical retinoid analogue indicated for
the treatment of acne vulgaris. Also sold under the brand name:
Differin®
Afirm™ : brand name for a retinol product
AHA: abbreviation for alpha hydroxyl acid which is a
simple organic fruit acid found in nature or synthesized in the
laboratory
Aknemycin®: Topical antibiotic used on the skin to
treat acne. Also sold under the brand name(s): Erymax®, Erygel®,
Staticin®, Erycette®, Ery-Sol®, Erythra-Derm®, T-Stat®, Eryderm®,
Erythromycin