Medical Terminology 2 Flashcards

Skin Infections and Conditions

• Furnucle (Boil): Abscess formed in a hair follicle and surrounding subcutaneous tissue.
• Carbuncle: Collection of multiple furuncles within subcutaneous tissue.
• Impetigo: Contagious skin infection characterized by pustules that rupture, forming a yellow crust.
• Scabies: Skin disease caused by an itch mite, transmitted through direct contact.

Skin Disorders

• Psoriasis: Chronic inflammatory skin disease with red patches covered by thick, dry, silvery scales.
• Eczema (Dermatitis): Inflammatory condition marked by erythema, papules, pustules, scales, crusts, and intense itching (pruritus).
• Vitiligo: Localized loss of skin pigmentation resulting in milk-white patches.

Skin Symptoms and Reactions

• Petechia: Small pinpoint hemorrhages under the skin, smaller than ecchymosis.
• Pallor: Unnatural paleness or lack of skin color.
• Pruritus: Intense itching sensation.
• Urticaria (Hives): Allergic reaction presenting as pale red, elevated patches on the skin.

Skin Lesions and Infestations

• Comedo: Medical term for blackheads/whiteheads, caused by keratin, bacteria, and sebum clogging skin ducts.
• Dermatomycosis: Fungal skin infection, with ringworm as a common type.
• Alopecia: Loss or absence of hair, commonly resulting in baldness.
• Pediculosis: Infestation with lice, spread through personal contact or common grooming tools.

Medical Procedures and Treatments

• Debridement: Surgical removal of dead tissue to promote healing and prevent infection.
• Biopsy: Extraction of tissue for microscopic examination.
• Skin Graft: Transplantation of healthy tissue to an injured area, using human, animal, or artificial skin.
• Allograft: Tissue transplantation from one person to another, often from cadavers, to protect against infection.
• Autograft: Use of a person's own tissue for transplantation to another body site.
• Xenograft: Temporary tissue transfer from a foreign donor, commonly pig, to a human.

Diagnostic Tests

• Culture & Sensitivity: Laboratory test to identify bacteria from an infected site and test antibiotic efficacy.
• Scratch Test: Identifies allergens by lightly scratching the skin and observing reactions.
• Intradermal Test: Allergen identification via subcutaneous injection of extracts, used for immunity assessment.

Surgical Techniques

• Cryosurgery: Destruction of abnormal tissue using subfreezing temperatures, such as liquid nitrogen.
• Dermabrasion: Mechanical scraping method to remove layers of skin for cosmetic purposes, including acne scars and tattoos.

Pharmacological Treatments

• Antifungal Agents: Medications that disrupt fungal cell walls or enzyme activity to treat infections like ringworm.

Test your knowledge of medical terminology with this set of flashcards. Each card presents a term followed by its definition, focusing on conditions and treatments related to skin and abscesses. Perfect for medical students and professionals enhancing their vocabularies.