Psoriasis Glossary: A
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This glossary defines commonly used Psoriasis terms, including products and medications used in the treatment of psoriasis and other skin conditions that co-exist with psoriasis such as acne, rosacea, eczema and dermatitis.
Acanthamoeba keratitis: pus-producing form of keratitis associated with an infection due to the use soft or rigid contact lenses.
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.
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.
Acne: characterized by clogged hair follicles that, when infected by bacteria, become pus-filled lesions.
Acne-Ltd: acne product produced and distributed by Bass & Boney. Acne-Ltd improves the appearence of acne and acne related pimples and pustules.
Acne Vulgaris: An inflammatory skin condition characterized by superficial skin eruptions around hair follicles. Alternative names acne; cystic acne; pimples
Acrodermatitis Continua of Hallopeau:also known as Acropustulosis, pustular psoriasis occurring as skin lesions on the tips of the fingers and toes.
Acropustulosis: a less common form of pustular psoriasis is characterized by skin lesions on the ends of the fingers and sometimes the toes.
Actinic dermatitis: due to exposure to actinic radiation, such as that from the sun, ultraviolet waves, or x- or gamma radiation.
Acute: sudden or severe. An acute condition is one in which symptoms appear, change, or worsen rapidly. The opposite of chronic.
Allergen: a substance that can produce a hypersensitive reaction in the body.
Allergic contact dermatitis: the itchy, red, blistered reaction that almost everyone experiences after touching a plant in the "rhus" family—poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac.
Allergic Phytodermatitis: another term for allergic contact dermatitis.
Allergic rhinitis: a seasonal allergic, upper respiratory reaction stimulated by tree, grass or weed pollen that causes sneezing and watery, itchy eyes. Hay fever is a specific type of allergic rhinitis.
Angioedema: a swelling of the deeper layers of the skin sometimes occurs with hives. Angioedema is not red or itchy, and most often occurs in soft tissue such as the eyelids, mouth or genitals
Annular pustular psoriasis: psoriasis occurring in a ring-like appearance where the outer margin is red with lighter or normal looking skin inside the circle.
Anthralin: a topical agent prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis.
Antibiotics: substances derived from a microorganism that are able to inhibit or kill another microorganism. A drug with the ability to kill bacteria.
Antibody: an immunoglobulin that binds specifically to a given antigen.
Antigen: a substance that reacts with antibodies or memory T cells to give rise to an immune reaction. An antigen that binds with a specific antibody or T cell can give rise to allergy.
Antihistamine: a substance capable of reducing inflammation, swelling and other effects often experienced as an allergic reaction.
Anti-pruritic: anti-itch
Anusol-HC®: Hydrocortisone – a natural chemical made by the body which reduces swelling, itching, inflammation and burning. The most common prescribed and/or over the counter steroid. Very low potency steroid. Also sold under the brand name(s): Cetacort®, Nutracort®, Hytone®, Cort-Dome®, Cortenema®, Cortifoam®, Cortaind®, Lanacort®, Locoid®, Westcort®
Aquanil® HC: Lotion (Person & Covey), 1% hydrocortisone for anti-pruritic (anti-itch) treatment of sensitive skin. It is indicated for the temporary relief of minor skin irritation, inflammation, itching and rashes
Artefacta: a skin condition marked by lesions that are self-inflicted by the patient, whether by chemical or physical means.
Arthritis: inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes
Arthritis mutilans a rare form of psoriatic arthritis which occurs less than 5% of the time. This sub-type is a more severe, deforming and destructive form of arthritis.
Asteatotic Dermatitis: or eczema craquelé is characterized by pruritic, dry, cracked, and polygonally fissured skin with irregular scaling. It most commonly occurs on the shins of elderly patients, but it may occur on the hands and the trunk.
Asthma: a respiratory disorder characterized by breathing trouble (wheezing).
Asymmertric Psoriatic Arthritis a more mild version of psoriatic arthritis which affects about 70% of patients with psoriatic arthritis . It does not occur in the same joints on both sides of the body and will usually involve fewer than 3 joints.
Athlete's foot: Athlete's foot appears as an itching, burning skin rash on the feet or hands. Blisters often form, and the skin is red and inflamed.
Atopic: an hereditary tendency to experience immediate allergic reactions because of the presence of an antibody in the skin.
Atopic dermatitis: patches of dry skin, occurs in infants, children, and young adults with genetic hypersensitivities (atrophy). Often occurs with allergies and frequently runs in families in which other family members have asthma or hay fever. It usually begins in infancy and may increase and decrease in severity during childhood and adolescence. Alternative names Infantile eczema; Atopic eczema; Dermatitis - atopic; Eczema
Atopic pleat: (Dennie-Morgan fold): an extra fold of skin that develops under the eye. Commonly occurs in atopic dermatitis
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This page was last updated on February 6, 2012.
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