Combining Forms
This combining form means “red.”
erythr/o?
This suffix means “skin condition.”
-derma
This prefix means “under” or “below normal.”
hypo‑
Another word for a hardened plug of sebum, commonly called a “blackhead.”
comedo
The thin, outer layer of the skin.
epidermis
This combining form means “nail.”
onych/o?
This suffix means “inflammation.”
-itis
This prefix also means “under,” as in “pertaining to under the skin.”
sub-
Another name for the fungal infection called “ringworm.”
tinea
Another name for the corium, the “true skin” layer below the epidermis.
Dermis
This combining form means “fat.”
What is lip/o?
This suffix means “abnormal condition.”
‑osis?
This prefix means “within.”
intra-
A condition of having scaly, dry skin (literally “fish‐like skin”).
ichthyosis
Glands that produce an oily substance to lubricate hair and skin.
sebaceous glands
This combining form means “profuse sweating.”
diaphor/o?
This suffix means “eating” or “swallowing.”
‑phagia?
This prefix means “dry.”
xero‑?
The abnormal condition of producing no sweat.
anhidrosis
The layer beneath the dermis, made of lipocytes, also called the hypodermis.
subcutaneous layer?
This combining form means “cold.”
cry/o?
This suffix means “abnormal softening.”
‑malacia?
This prefix means “other” or “different from usual.”
allo‑
A highly infectious bacterial infection with pustules that rupture and form crusts.
impetigo
The small muscle attached to a hair follicle that causes hair to stand on end.
arrector pili