Acne Glossary
Definitions
for common medical terms related to acne:
Accutane: a
synthetic derivative of vitamin A.
Acne: a
skin disease caused by overactive oil glands.
Antibiotics: substances
that prevent growth of microorganisms.
Blackheads: dark
formations on the skin due to an accumulated mixture of oil and
cells in a blocked skin pore; the pore is clogged close to the surface
of the skin.
Collagen: a
fibrous protein present in the human bone, cartilage and connective
tissue.
Cyst: a
closed sac beneath the skin or deeper that contains fluid or semisolid
substances.
Dermabrasion: a
"scrub brush" type of operation to smooth out the scars
due to pits.
Erythromycin: an
antibiotic derived from the bacterium Streptomyces erythreus which
is especially effective against gram positive bacteria.
Excision: surgical
cutting out of the affected area from surrounding healthy tissue.
Follicular ducts: microscopic
tubules in the skin associated with hair follicles.
Hypertrophic scars: hard
upraised areas of the skin surface.
Melanin: a
dark pigment found in the skin, retina and hair.
Nodules: a
small knot like protuberance or node.
Ortho tri-cyclen: a
low-dose contraceptive.
Papule: an elevated, solid acne lesion up to .5 cm in diameter.
Pigment: a
substance, such as melanin, that produces a characteristic color
in skin tissue.
Pimple: small
skin swellings sometimes containing pus.
Pits: depressions
on the surface of the skin.
Pock marks: another
name for pits.
Pore: an
opening on the skin that contains a hair follicle.
Propionibacterium acnes: a
bacterium naturally found on the human skin that protects from infection
and chemically alters skin oil.
Pustule: a
small skin blister containing pus.
Retin A®: the
registered trademark for commercially available retinoic acid.
Retinoids: Retin-A;
Vitamin A acid.
Sebaceous glands: glands
that are located beside hair follicles and secrete oil.
Steroid: a
naturally occurring fat-soluble organic compound present in bile
acids, many hormones, some natural drugs, and precursor of certain
vitamins.
Tetracycline: an
antibiotic derived from bacteria of the genus Streptomyces.
Whiteheads: small
flesh-or white-colored bumps due to skin pore blockage; the blockage
in the pore is deeper than in a blackhead.
Zit:
American slang term for
pimple.
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