Acne
Vulgaris: A
chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands and hair
follicles of the skin characterized by comedones, papules,
and pustules. In severe acne, cysts and nodules may develop
and scarring is common.
Black
Head: (Open Comedo) A visible enlarged pore
filled with a plug of dead skin cells and skin oil. The dark
color results from materials in the follicle, not dirt.
Closed
Comedo (A whitehead): A compacted mass of dead
skin cells and skin oils. Visible as a small white bump under
the surface of the skin.
Cutaneous:
Pertaining to the skin.
Cyst:
A pocket-like structure, generally filled with fluid or semisolid
material.
Edema:
Swelling in tissue due to accumulation of fluid.
back to top Outer layer of skin. back to top Indentation of
epidermis containing hair shaft, sebaceous gland and adjacent
muscle. back to top A small, sac-like cavity for secretion
or excretion.
Epidermis:
Abnormally increased pigmentation. back to top Abnormally
diminished pigmentation, resulting from diminished melanin
(dark pigment) production. back to top A protein which is
found in hair, nails and the outermost skin layer.
Follicle:
The buildup of sebum and other materials from your skin (cells,
pigment and bacteria) under the skin's surface. This is how
acne begins. back to top A small knot, knob, protuberance,
or swelling.
Gland:
A small, sac-like cavity for secretion or excretion.
Keratin:
A protein which is found in hair, nails and the outermost
skin layer.
Microcomedo:
The buildup of sebum and other materials from your skin (cells,
pigment and bacteria) under the skin's surface. This is how
acne begins.
Papule:
A pimple, formed from a plugged follicle due to release of
its contents (cells, oils, bacteria) into the surrounding
tissue. Usually reddened, tender and swollen.
Pilosebaceous
unit: Located in all skin areas except the
palms of the hands and soles of the feet, pilosebaceous units
consist of sebaceous glands and hair follicles, which are
physically connected and usually vary inversely in size.
Pimple:
A small inflamed elevation of the skin.
Pustule:
Pus-filled inflammatory acne lesion caused
by the body's white cells attacking the plugged follicle.
Sebaceous
Gland:
Oil-producing gland.
Sebum:
Oil on the skin produced by sebaceous (oil-producing) glands.
Zit:
Slang for pimple (origin unknown, but it's been a while).
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let acne get out of control, then it is harder to treat. You
can have clearer skin with the right combination of treatments.
Remember: clean, prevent and treat.
This is a good start to a lifetime of healthy skin.