Psoriasis Glossary: S
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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.
Salicylic Acid: belonging to the group of Beta Hydroxy acids. This occurs in nature in sweet birch and in wintergreen leaves. Its effects on the epidermis and upper dermis are similar to those of Retin-A, but with less irritation.
Salicylate: Belonging to the group of Beta-Hydroxy Acids. Naturally occuring chemical found in the leaves of the wintergreen and sweet birch plants. May be beneficial in the treatment of acne, pigmentary disturbances in the skin, and sun damaged skin. Because it does exfoliate, use of sun protection is needed.
Scales: thin flakes on the skin surface.
Scalp Psoriasis:Psoriasis on the scalp is common and, in many cases, it is the only area affected. Seborrheic scalp psoriasis usually consists of red, scaly patches that may appear lumpy. The edges of these patches tend to be well defined.
Schistosome dermatitis: swimmers itch.
Sebaceous cysts: a term used to decribe blocked gland or duct on the skin. While usually not painful, a sebaceous cyst can become tender if infected. A grayish, odorous material can be drained from the cyst.
Seboporiasis: Seborrheic-like psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by psoriasis with an overlaping seborrheic dermatitis. May also known as Seborrhiasis
Seborrhea dermatitis: A skin condition characterized by loose, greasy or dry, white to yellowish scales, with or without associated reddened skin. Cradle cap is the term used when seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp of infants. Alternative names Dandruff; Seborrheic eczema; Cradle cap
Seborrheic dermatitis: a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting areas of the head and trunk where sebaceous glands are most prominent. The adult version may be caused by a yeast condition. Scalp seborrhea varies in intensity from mild dandruff to dense, diffuse, adherent scales. Facial and trunk seborrhea is characterized by powdery or greasy scales in skin folds and along hair margins. Same as seborrhea dermatitis
Seborrheic Eczema: A skin condition whose symptoms are characterized by areas of loose or flakey skin, presenting as either greasy or dry in texture with white to yellowish colored scales. Seborrheic eczema may or may not be associated with the appearence of reddened skin. Cradle cap is the term used when seborrheic eczema when it affects the scalp of infants. Alternative names Dandruff; Seborrheic dermatitis; Cradle cap.
Secondary infections: an infection that occurs during or after treatment of a primary infection. It may result from the treatments or from alterations in the immune system. For example, a yeast infection that occurs after antibiotic treatment of a bacterial infection is a secondary infection.
Shake lotions: A combination of a powder and liquid that must be shaken before application.
Shingles: water blisters that become filled with pus, scab over, and then heal. This is the same virus that causes chicken pox.
Sodium salicylate: belonging to the group of Beta Hydroxy Acids. Naturally ocurring plant based acid when applied to the skin acts as as skin exfolient.
Sodium Sulfacetamide (sull-fuh-SEET-uh-mide) Lotion®: Topical antibiotic used in the treatment of acne. Also sold under the brand name(s): Klaron
Spider veins: small enlarged superficial blood vessels that appear red or blue. They commonly occur on the legs, but frequently occur on the face or elsewhere.
Spondylitis Psoriatic Arthritis: defined by stiffness in the neck or spine, may also affect the hands and feet.
Squamous cell carcinoma: Comprises 16% of skin cancers, and attacks the mid-layers of the skin layer. Symptoms resemble those of basal cell cancer.
Stasis dermatitis: a skin condition which often occurs with varicose veins. Stasis dermatitis may cause the skin at your ankles and over your shins to become discolored (red or brown), thick and itchy. Stasis dermatitis can occur when fluid accumulates in the tissues just beneath your skin. Varicose veins and other chronic conditions in your legs can cause the fluid buildup.
Stasis Eczema: a rash of the lower legs, which is due to poor return of blood to the heart. The inner lower leg is generally more affected than the outer lower leg. In the early stages the main symptoms are orange-brown discoloration of the skin. Later the skin surface becomes scaly, itchy, and develops other symptoms of eczema. Weeping and infection are common symptoms in later stages.
Steroid: an abbreviated word for corticosteroids, which are powerful drugs, used to control inflammation and itching of the skin. They are also used for other inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis. They don't cure the conditions but can ease the symptoms. They work by reducing inflammation of the skin and thus easing the symptoms of itching, redness and swelling that occur with many skin conditions.
Steroid rosacea: the term used to describe a rosacea-like condition on the face caused by potent topical steroids. After several weeks of applying a topical steroid to the eyelids, cheeks or chin the affected area becomes red (erythematous). Symptoms inclding small bumps (papules) and pustules appear intermittently, and may paradoxically be especially severe when the topical steroid cream is discontinued.
Steronide: (Desonide) a low to medium-potency topical anti-inflammatory corticosteroid; reduces symptoms of irritation and itching on the affected areas of the skin. Also sold under the brand name(s): DesOwen® Topical; Tridesilon® Topical, Desocort®
Stratum Corneum: the outermost layer of skin. Seals moisture in the skin and acts as a barrier to prevent foreign chemicals, bacteria etc. from penetrating the skin.
Strontium Calming Lotion: By Rosacare; manufactured maintains it will relieve facial burning, stinging, itching or redness due to environmental or chemical irritants.
Styes: An infection of oil glands in the eyelid. Alternative name: Hordeolum
Sumycin®: an oral antibiotic often prescribed for rosacea. Also sold under the brand name(s): Panmycin®, Tetracyline, Robitet®, Achromycin V®, Tetracyn®
Superficial punctate keratitis: results from upper respiratory infections called adenoviruses. Superficial punctate keratitis can affect one or both eyes.
Synalar®: by Medicis, (fluocinolone), a topical steroid used in the treatment of skin conditions. Also sold under the brand name(s): Derma-Smoothe/FS, Fluonid, Flurosyn, FS Shampoo, Synalar-HP, Synemol
Symmetric Psoriatic Arthritis: sub-type most similar to rheumatoid arthritis which accounts for around 25% of the psoriatic arthritis occurrences.
Synemol® Cream: (Medicis), a topical steroid skin treatment. Also sold under the brand name(s): Derma-Smoothe/FS, Fluonid, Flurosyn, FS Shampoo, Synalar, Synalar-HP
Subcutaneous tissue: the deepest layer of skin, under the epidermis and dermis. Subcutaneous tissue is composed of fat, tissue that separates the fat in lobules (pockets), nerves and blood vessels. The fatty tissue is biologically active and subject to inflammatory processes.
Sunburn: skin burned by exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light.
Swimmer's itch: also called cercarial dermatitis, is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to infection with certain parasites of birds and mammals.
Systemic: affecting the entire body, rather than a single organ or body part.
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