Dermatology
is the branch of medical science that studies and treats the skin and its disorders and diseases
Dermatologist
is a physician who treats these disorders and diseases
Dermatologists and physicians
are qualified to treat skin problems, but estheticians may not diagnose or treat disorders and diseases of the skin beyond their scope of practice, however, estheticians can help clients with many common disorders and conditions such as rosacea, minor acne, and sensitive skin
Lesions
are structural changes in the tissues causes by damage or injury
Primary lesions
are lesions in the early stages of development or change
Bulla
A large blister containing watery fluid. It is similar to a vesicle, but larger
Cyst
A closed, abnormally developed sac containing fluid, infection, or other matter above or below the skin. An acne cyst is one type of cyst
Cysts are nodules
made up of deep pockets of infection
Macule
A flat spot or discoloration on the skin, such as a freckle or a red spot, left after a pimple has healed. They are neither raised nor sunken
Nodules
these are often referred to as tumors, but they are smaller bumps caused by conditions such as scar tissue, fatty deposits, or infection
Papule
A small elevation on the skin that contains no fluid, but may develop into a pustule. It is less than half an inch (1.25 cm) in diameter and may have varied appearance in color and are either rounded, smooth, or rough
Pustule
An inflamed papule with a white or yellow center containing pus, a fluid consisting of white blood cells, bacteria and other debris; a small pus-containing blister that may or may not be caused by an infection. Acne pustule in hair follicles are not infectious
Tubercle
An abnormal rounded, solid lump, larger than a papule
Tumor
a large nodule, an abnormal cell mass resulting from excessive cell multiplication, varying in size, shape, and color
Vesicle
A small blister or sac containing clear fluid. Poison ivy and poison oak produce vesicles
Wheal
An itchy, swollen lesion caused by a blow, insect bite, skin allergy reaction, or stings. Hives and mosquito bites are wheals. Hives are called urticaria and can also be caused by exposure to allergens used in products
Secondary lesions
of the skin develop in the layer stages of disease and change the structure of tissues and organs
Crust
Dead cells formed over a wound or blemish while it is healing, resulting in an accumulation of sebum and pus, sometimes mixed with epidermal material. An example is the scab on a sore
Excoriation
A skin sore or abrasion produced by scratching or scraping
Acne excoriee
A disorder where clients purposely scrape off acne lesions, causing scarring and discoloration
Fissure
A crack in the skin that may penetrate into the dermis. Chapped lips or hands are examples
Keloid
A thick scar resulting from excessive growth of fibrous tissue (collagen). Usually found in those that are genetically predisposed to them and may occur following an injury or surgery
Scale
Excessive shedding of dead skin cells; flaky skin cells; any thin plate of epidermal flakes, dry or oily. Example is abnormal or excessive dandruff or psoriasis
Scar
discolored, slightly raised mark on the skin formed after an injury or lesion of the skin has healed. The tissue hardens to heal the injury. Thick elevated scars are hypertrophic
Ulcer
an open lesion on the skin or mucous membrane of the body, accompanied by pus and loss of skin depth; a deep erosion or depression in the skin, normally due to infection or cancer. Requires medical referral
Acne
A chronic inflammatory skin disorder of the sebaceous glands characterized by comedones and blemishes.
Common acne
is known as acne simplex and acne vulgaris
Asteatosis
dry, scaly skin from sebum deficiency; can be due to aging, internal disorders, alkalies of harsh soaps, or cold exposure
Comedo
A non-inflamed buildup of cells, sebum, and other debris inside follicles.
Open comedo
is a blackhead open at the surface and exposed to air. When the follicle is filled with an excess of oil a blackhead forms. It is dark because it is exposed to oxygen and oxidation occurs
Closed comedo
forms when the openings of the follicles are blocked with debris and white cells. Also referred to as whitehead
Furuncle
also known as a boil. A subcutaneous abscess filled with pus. Furuncles are caused by bacteria in glands or hair follicles
Carbuncles
groups of boils
Milia
these epidermal cysts are small, firm white papules. Milia are whitish, pearl-like masses of sebum and dead cells under the skin with no visible opening often mistakenly called whiteheads ( whiteheads look similar but are soft)
Seborrhea
severe oiliness of the skin; an abnormal secretion from the sebaceous glands
Steatoma
A sebaceous cyst or subcutaneous tumor filled with sebum and ranging in size from a pea to an orange. It usually appears on the scalp, neck and back; also called a wen
Andidrosis
a deficiency in perspiration due to failure of the sweat glands; often results from a fever or skin disease.
Bromhidrosis
foul-smelling perspiration, usually in the armpits or on the feet. It is caused by bacteria and yeast that break down the sweat on the surface of the skin
Hyperhidrosis
Excessive perspiration caused by heat, genetics, medications, or medical conditions. Also called diaphoresis
Miliaria rubra
also known as prickly heat. Acute inflammatory disorder of the sweat glands; results in the eruption of red vesicles and burning, itching skin from excessive heat exposure
Dermititis
an inflammatory condition of the skin; various forms include lesions such as eczema, vesicles, or papules. Three main categories are atopic, contact, and seborrheic
Atopic dermatitis
chronic, relapsing form of dermatitis [atopic is "excess inflammation from allergies"]. Irritants and allergens trigger reactions that include dry, cracking skin.
Contact dermatitis
An inflammatory skin condition caused by an allergic reactions from contact with a substance or chemical. It can be caused by either an allergic reaction or contact with an irritant
Perioral dermatitis
Acne-like condition around the mouth, consists mainly of small clusters of papules
Eczema
Inflammatory, painful, itching disease of the skin; acute or chronic in nature, with dry or moist lesions
Edema
swelling from a fluid imbalance in the cells or from a response to injury, infection, or medication
Erythema
redness caused by inflammation
Folliculitis
Hair growth under the surface instead of growing up and out of the follicle, causing a bacterial infection. These ingrown hairs are common in men, usually from shaving [referred to as barbae folliculitis, sycosis barbae, or barber's itch]
Pseudofolliculitis
also known as razor bumps, resembles folliculitis without the pus or infection
Pruitis
medical term for itching, persistant itching
Psoriasis
Itchy skin disease characterized by red patches covered with white-silver scales; caused by an over-proliferation of skin cells that replicate too fast
Psoriasis usually is found
in patches on the scalp, elbows, knees, chest and lower back. If patches are irritated, bleeding can occur. It is not contagious but can be spread by irritating the affected area
Urticaria
also known as hives, an allergic reaction by the body's histamine production
Rosacea
inflammation of the skin characterized by extreme redness, dilation of blood vessels, and in severe cases formation of papules and pustules. It is a chronic congestion primarily on the cheeks and nose
Vasodilation
[vascular dilation] of the blood vessels makes rosacea worse.
Spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, temperature extremes, heat, sun, and stress
aggravate rosacea
Telangiectasia
a vascular lesion, describes capillaries that have been damaged and are not larger, or distended blood vessels. Commonly referred to couperose skin and characterized by redness
Varicose veins
vascular lesions that are abnormally dilated and twisted veins which can occur anywhere in the body.
There are two pigmentation disorders
hyperpigmentation & hypopigmentation
Hyperpigmentation
overproduction of pigment; increased melanin causes excess pigment. Sun exposure, acne, medications, and post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation from skin damage can cause darkened pigmentation
Hypopigmentation
lack of pigment
Chloasma
also known as liver spots. Increased pigmentation; from sun exposure or pigmentation from other causes. They can be helped by exfoliation treatments or can be treated by a dermatologist
Melasma
is a type of chloasma, which appears during pregnancy.
Nevus
also known as birthmark. A malformation of the skin from abnormal pigmentation or dilated capillaries
Stain
Abnormal brown or wine-colored skin discoloration with a circular or irregular shape. A port wine stain is a birthmark, which is a vascular type of nevus. Stains may also occur after certain diseases
Albinism
A rare genetic condition characterized by the lack of melanin pigment in the body including the skin, hair, and eyes. The person is at risk for skin cancer, is sensitive to light, and ages early without normal melanin protection. Technical term is congenital leukoderma
Leukoderma
Loss of pigmentation; light, abnormal patches of depigmented skin; congenital, acquired due to immunological and post-inflammatory causes. Vitiligo and albinism are examples
Vitiligo
a pigmentation disease characterized by white irregular patches of skin that are totally lacking pigment. The condition can worsen with time and sunlight. The disease can occur at any age and is believe to be an autoimmune disorder causing an absence of melanocytes
Hypertrophy
abnormal growth; Keloids are examples of hypertrophies
Hypertrophic
is used to describe thickening of a tissue. The opposite of hypertrophy is atrophy, which means "wasting away or thinning
Actinic keratoses
pink or flesh-colored precancerous lesions that feel sharp or rough that are a result of sun damage
Hyperkeratosis
thickening of the skin caused by a mass of keratinocytes
Keratoma
An acquired, thickened patch of epidermis. A callus caused by pressure or friction is an example. If the thickening also grows inward, it becomes a corn
Keratosis
abnormally thick buildup of skin cells
Keratosis pilaris
redness and bumpiness in the cheeks upper arms; caused by blocked follicles. exfoliation can help unblock follicles and alleviate the rough feeling
Mole
a pigmented nevus; a brownish spot ranging in color from tan to bluish black. Some are flat, resembling freckles; other are raised and darker. Most are benign, but changes in mole color or shape should be checked by a physician.
Hairs in moles
are common and should not be removed unless by a physician because it may irritate or cause structural changes to the mole
Skin tag
Small outgrowths or extensions of the skin that look like flaps; they are benign and are common under the arms or on the neck from fiction or where skin is rubbed together
Verruca
also known as wart. A hypertrophy of the papillae and epidermis caused by a virus. Infectious and contagious, and can spread
The term contagious disease
is used interchangeably with the terms infectious or communicable disease. Do not perform services on anyone with a contagious disease because it can spread and infect others. Refer them to a physician
Conjunctivitis
also known as pinkeye. Inflammation of the mucous membrane (conjunctiva) around the eye due to chemical, bacterial, or viral causes; very contagious; treated with antibiotics
Herpes simplex virus 1
Fever blisters or cold sores; recurring viral infection. A vesicle or group of vesicles on a red, swollen base. The blisters usually appear on the lips or nostrils. It causes cold sores and lesions around the mouth; it is a contagious disease
Herpes simplex virus 2
Genital herpes; never work on clients with a current herpes lesion. Peels, waxing, or other stimuli may cause a breakout, even if the condition is not currently active. The virus can be spread to other areas on the person that is infected or to other people.
Herpes zoster
also known as shingles. A painful skin condition from the reactivation of the chicken pox virus; also known as the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Shingles is a viral infection of the sensory nerves characterized by groups of red blisters that form a rash that occurs in a ring or line. The rash is typically confined to one side of the body. VZV can cause nerve and organ damage and severe pain that can last for months or years. Treated with antiviral drugs
Impetigo
A bacterial infection of the skin that often occurs in children; characterized by clusters of small blisters or crusty lesions filled with bacteria. It is extremely contagious
Tinea
fungal infections. Fungi feed on proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in the skin. Tinea pedis, athlete's foot, is a fungal infection
Tinea corporis
also known as ringworm. Highly contagious; it forms a ringed red pattern with elevated edges
Wart
verruca; a hypertrophy of the papillae and epidermis caused by a virus. Infectious and contagious, verrucas can spread.
Tinea Versicolor
also called pityriasis versicolor, is a fungal condition that inhibits melanin production. It is not contagious because it is caused by yeast, a normal part of the human skin. It is characterized by white, brown, or salmon-colored flaky patches from the yeast on the skin.
Basal cell carcinoma
is the most common and the least severe type of carcinoma. Typical characteristics include open sores, reddish patches, or a smooth growth with an elevated border. It often appears as shiny bumps that are either colored or as light, pearly nodules. Sometimes blood vessels run through the nodules
Squamous cell carcinoma
is more serious condition than basal cell carcinoma. It is characterized by red or pink scaly papules or nodules
Malignant melanoma
is the most serious form of skin cancer. Black or dark patches on the skin are usually uneven in texture, jagged or raised. It can be tan and even white.
Melanomas
may have surface crust or bleed. Many appear in preexisting moles. It is not always found on areas exposed to sunlight and is often found on feet, toes, backs and legs
ABCDE's of Melanoma Detection
Asymmetry: the two sides of the lesion are not identical. Border: the border is irregular on these lesions. Color: melanomas are usually dark and have more than one color or colors that fade into one another. Diameter: the lesion in a melanoma is usually at least the size of pencil eraser. Evolving: melanoma as a lesion often changes appearances.
Causes of Acne
• Genetics/heredity. • Clogged follicles. • Bacteria. • Triggers include hormones, stress, cosmetics, skin care products, and foods
Bacteria
in the follicles are anaerobic. This means it cannot live in the presence of oxygen.
Androgens
male hormones, stimulate sebaceous glands. High levels of the male hormone testosterone cause an increase in oil production, which leads to oily skin and possible acne
Comedogenic
Fatty ingredients such as waxes and some oils can clog or irritate follicles. These ingredients can block follicles, which causes cell buildup, resulting in comedones.
Grade I of Acne
Minor breakouts mostly open comedones, some closed comedones, and a few papules
Grade II of Acne
Many closed comedones, more open comedones, and occasional papules and pustules
Grade III of Acne
Red and inflamed, many comedones, papules, and pustules
Grade IV of Acne
Cystic Acne. Cysts with comedones, papules, pustules, and inflammation are present. Scar formation from tissue damage is common.
Adapalene [differin]
A topical peeling agent similar to retinoic acid. May be less irritating than tretinoin. Drying, redness, and irritation; photosensitivity
Azelaic acid [Azelex]
A topical acidic agent that flushes out follicles. Drying, redness and irritation; photosensitivity
Clindamycin
Topical antibiotic; kills bacteria. Very drying
Isotretinoin [accutane]
An oral medication similar to retinoic acid; used for severe acne. Pulled from US market in 2009 for extreme side effects, but is still prescribed. Similar products may be harmful. Severe dryness, birth defects, other health problems, possible depression
Tazarotene [Tazorac]
Another retinoid; a topical peeling agent that may be less irritating than tretinoin. Drying, redness, and irritation; photosensitivity
Tretinoin [Retin-A]
A topical vitamin A acid. A strong peeling agent that is drying and also flushes out follicles. Very drying, causes redness and irritation; photosensitivity.