Psoriasis: Definitions and Terminology Related To Psoriasis

Psoriasis Glossary: D

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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.

Dalacin-T®: Topical antibiotic used to treat acne and skin infections. Also sold under the brand name(s): Cleocin-T Lotion® (Topical), Cleocin-T Gel® (Topical), Clindamycin®

Dandruff - A mild skin condition that produces white flakes that may be shed and fall from the hair. Sometimes confused with seborrheic dermatitis.

Decadron®: (Dexamethasone) Topical aerosol corticosteroid to reduce itching, redness,and swelling. Also sold under the brand name: Decaspray®)

Decaspray®: By Merck, (Dexamethasone) Topical aerosol corticosteroid to reduce itching, redness,and swelling. Also sold under the brand name: Decadron®

Dehydration - Excessive loss of body water.The hypothalamus is the body's thermostat which regulates temperature, but it cannot achieve this objective without adequate water. The body is approximately 70% water while the eye is approximately 96% water. Water is needed for skin cell regeneration and skin tissue repair, efficient digestion, absorption, circulation, and secretion.

Demodex folliculorum: A cigar shaped mite which lives in the skin. It has been suggested in the past that this mite may be the cause of rosacea but studies have not supported this.

Dendritic keratitis: an infection resulting in inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelid and the portion of the eyeball that comes into contact with it. Recurrent infections are characterized by a pattern of lesions that resemble the veins of a leaf.

Dennie-Morgan fold: an extra fold of skin that develops under the eye. Commonly occurs in atopic dermatitis

Dermacin: (Fluocinonide), a high potency corticosteroid. Also sold under the name(s): Fluonex®, Fluex, Dermacin, Licon, Lidex, Lidex-E

Derma-Smoothe/FS: (fluocinolone), a topical steroid. Also sold under the brand name(s): Derma-Smoothe/FS, Fluonid, Flurosyn, FS Shampoo, Synalar, Synalar-HP, Synemol

Dermatitis: a chronic skin disorder categorized by eruption of itching papules, vesicles and lesions resembling hives, typically in clusters and a personal or family history of seasonal allergies or asthma. Alternative names Infantile eczema; Atopic eczema; Dermatitis - atopic; Eczema.

Dermatitis-Ltd III :Topical antibacterial, anti-inflammatory treatment for eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.

Dermatitis Repens: A less rare form of pustular psoriasis is characterized by skin lesions on the ends of the fingers and sometimes the toes. May start after an injury to the skin or infection.Also known as Acropustulosis also called Acrodermatitis Continua of Hallopeau.

Dermatop®: by Ortho, (prednicarbate) emollient cream0.1% is a medium-potency steroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and itching.

Dermis: the middle layer of the skin, below the epidermis and above subcutaneous tissue. It is composed of connective tissue in which are embedded hair follicles, sweat glands, superficial and deeper blood vessels, and nerve fibers.

Desocort®: (Desonide) –a low to medium-potency topical anti-inflammatory corticosteroid; reduces irritation and itching on the affected areas of the skin. Also sold under the brand name(s): DesOwen® Topical; Tridesilon® Topical.

Desonide: a low to medium-potency topical anti-inflammatory corticosteroid; reduces irritation and itching on the affected areas of the skin. Also sold under the brand name(s): DesOwen® Topical; Tridesilon® Topical, Desocort®

DesOwen®: (desonide) a low to medium-potency topical anti-inflammatory corticosteroid. Manufactured by Galderma. Also sold under the brand name(s): Tridesilon® Topical, Desocort®

Desquamation: shedding or detachment of skin cells

Dexamethasone: topical aerosol corticosteroid to reduce itching, redness, and swelling. Also sold under the brand name(s): Decadron®, Decaspray®)

Diflorasone: topical high to very high potency corticosteroid, used to treat a variety of skin conditions. Also sold under the brand name(s): Florone®; Florone E®; Maxiflor®; Psorcon™

Disciform keratitis: term for recurrent episodes of dendritic keratitis resulting in deep, disc-shaped swelling of the cornea, inflammation of the iris and cloudiness in the eyes.

Discoid Eczema :(Nummular Dermatitis) "discoid" or "nummular" dermatitis, which means coin or disc-shaped patches which commonly occur on the lower leg. They can be several centimetres across, or as small as two millimetres. The skin between the patches is usually normal, but may be dry and irritable. Discoid eczema may be extremely itchy, or scarcely noticeable.

Distal interphalangeal predominant psoriatic psoriasis: a sub-type of psoriatic arthritis occurring in 5% of cases which is characterised by inflammation and/or stiffness in the joints at the tips or ends of the fingers and toes.

DNA: the molecules that are the "building blocks" of cells; DNA is an abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid

Doryx®: An oral antibiotic which is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is often prescribed for rosacea. Also sold under the brand name(s): Vibra-Tabs®, Vibramycin®, Monodox®, Doxycycline®, Novodoxylin®

Dovonex: (Calcipotriol) Leo Laboratories. Dovonex is the Trade name of three products which are manufactured from a derivative of Vitamin D. There is a Scalp Application, a Cream and an Ointment for the body. The makers say it is NOT suitable for the treatment of the facial area (or other tender areas of the body), as it might have an irritant effect on some people in these areas. It is also not indicated for Pustular Psoriasis - the type that presents as blisters under the skin, on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It is obtainable on prescription only, and cannot be bought over-the- counter.

Doxycycline: An oral antibiotic which is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is often prescribed for rosacea. Also sold under the brand name(s): Vibra-Tabs®, Vibramycin®, Monodox®, Doryx®, Novodoxylin®

Drenison®: Flurandrenolide, anti-inflammatory low to medium potency topical corticosteroid. Also sold under the brand name(s): Cordran®; Cordran® SP.

Dry skin : Abnormally dry skin can be caused by a dry climate, dehydration, winter weather, deficiency of vitamin A , systemic illness, overexposure to sunlight, or medication. As the skin loses moisture, it may crack, peel, become irritated, inflamed, and itch. Bathing frequently, especially with soaps, can contribute to dry skin.

Duhrings Disease:an extremely itchy rash consisting of bumps and blisters. The rash is chronic, which means it continues over a long period of time. Also known as Dermatitis herpetiformis.

Dynacin®: Oral antibiotic used to treat infections that are caused by bacteria. Belongs to a class of drugs called tetracycline antibiotics. Also sold under the brand name(s) Minocin® (Oral), Minocycline

Dyshidrotic Dermatitis: (pompholyx) irritation of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of the feet characterized by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn.

Dyshidrotic eczema: irritation of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of the feet characterized by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn.

Dysmenorrheica: rosacea-like eruption: on the cheeks of a female, recurring during or just before painful menstrual periods.

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