1
autograft
Surgical transfer of tissue from one part of a patient’s body to another part of the same body.
curettage
Removal of tissue by scraping the surface; a common treatment for removal of basal cell tumors.
laser therapy
The use of laser light waves to treat skin conditions. The number of tissue layers being treated determines the wavelength and power of the light beam. Commonly used to remove discolorations of the skin, including birthmarks, tattoos, and lesions.
tinea
A skin infection caused by a fungus.
psoriasis
A chronic disease marked by itchy, erythematous skin with silvery patches
blepharoplasty
Plastic surgery of the eyelid; also known as a lid lift
debridement
Removal of damaged tissue and foreign debris to prevent infection and promote healing; common treatment for bedsores and burns
lipectomy
Surgical removal of fat below the skin.
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
A chronic, inflammatory disease of collagen in the skin, joints, and internal organs. SLE is an autoimmune disease, one in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues.
petechia
Round, pinpoint spots on the skin caused by intradermal hemorrhage (bleeding into the skin).
cauterization
Destruction of tissue through the application of heat, cold, or an electrical current. Most commonly used to remove
dermabrasion
The use of abrasive materials, such as brushes and sandpaper, to remove layers of skin. Most often used to improve the appearance of acne scars and fine lines around the mouth.
vitiligo
Loss of pigment in one or more areas of the skin, creating the appearance of milky-white patches
scleroderma
A chronic, progressive disease of the skin marked by hardening and shrinking of connective tissue, which causes edema or pain in the muscles or joints.
wheal
A smooth, slightly swollen area that is redder or paler than the surrounding skin; a characteristic of hives
chemical peel
The use of chemicals to remove outer layers of the skin; common treatment for acne and wrinkle removal.
dermatoplasty
Replacement of damaged skin with donor skin from a different region of the body; skin graft.
varicose
Veins that have a twisting appearance due to loss of elasticity. Varicose veins may be deep or superficial (close to the surface). Superficial varicose veins are called “spider veins.”
scabies
A contagious, parasitic infection of the skin with intense pruritus (proo-RIGHT-tis), or itching.
vesicle
A small, raised skin lesion filled with clear fluid
cryosurgery
Destruction of abnormal tissue by freezing it with liquid nitrogen; common treatment for warts
incision and drainage (I&D)
Procedure in which an incision is made through the skin to drain fluid or an abscess. Commonly used on certain types of lesions.
urticaria
Hives with localized swelling and itching.
purpura
A purple or brownish-red rash in which blood leaks from vessels into the skin or mucous membranes.
ulcer
An open sore or an erosion of the skin or lining of a mucous membrane