AcnePain Definitions
Some words have more than one meaning. Only those meanings relating to this site will be used.
A
AbscessA pocket of pus (anywhere in the body) that forms as the body's defenses attempt to wall off infection-causing germs.
Acne
Pronounced - ak-nee
Also called Acne Vulgaris. Acne is a disease involving the oil glands and hair follicles of the skin which is manifested by blackheads, whiteheads, acne pimples, and acne blemishes.
Acne Blemish
A flaw in the skin resulting from acne.
Acne Conglobata
A very severe type of acne in which nodules are connected beneath the skin surface to other nodules or acne lesions.
Acne Drug Product
A drug product used to reduce the number of acne blemishes, acne pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Acne Vulgaris
Commonly known as acne.
Adolescence
Pronounced - add-ul-ess-ence
The period of life from puberty to adulthood when a young person grows up.
Androgen
Hormones that stimulate sebaceous glands in addition to other effects on the body. Present in both males and females, androgens are responsible for physical maturation in males and therefore occur in much higher levels in males. Males tend to have more severe acne than females.
Antibiotic
Pronounced - an-ty-by-ah-tik
An antibiotic is a drug used to fight many infections caused by bacteria. Some antibiotics are effective against only certain types of bacteria, which are called Narrow-Spectrum Antibiotics. Other antibiotics can effectively fight a wide range of bacteria, which are called Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics.
Antibiotics are a substance produced by bacteria or fungi that destroys or prevents the growth of other bacteria and fungi. Antibiotics fight bacterial infections by killing bacteria or stopping it from growing. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, like colds and flu. It may surprise you to know that they also don't work on most ear infections and bronchitis.
Antibiotics can help your body's immune system fight off infections. If you have ever had strep throat, your doctor probably gave you an antibiotic drug to take. Remember, only take antibiotic drugs when they are prescribed by your health care provider. Taking them when they are not needed can create stronger germs, like MRSA. And if you get a prescription drug from your doctor, always finsih the whole bottle, (unless your doctor tells you to stop taking it) the last few pills kill the toughest germs. Do not save antibiotics for later use. Do not use someone else's antibiotics, or give your antibiotics to someone else. Antibiotics can sometimes cause side effects and/or allergic reactions. You should always discuss this with your doctor.
Antibodies
Pronounced - an-ty-bod-eez
Proteins produced by white blood cells to fight bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances.
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B
BacteriaPronounced - bak-teer-ee-uh
Bacteria is plural (more than one) for bacterium. More about Bacteria
Bacterium
Pronounced - bak-teer-ee-um
Bacterium - A tiny, living, single-cell microorganism (requires a microscope to be seen) that reproduces by cell division and usually has a cell wall. Bacterium can be shaped like a sphere, rod, or spiral, can be found in virtually any environment, and can be beneficial or cause infection and disease. Good bacteria aid in pollution control by consuming and breaking down organic matter and other pollutants in septic systems, sewage, oil spills, and soils. Bad bacteria in soil, water, or air can cause human, animal, and plant health problems. Examples of bacterial disease include diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenza and pneumococcus (pneumonia).
Blemish
A flaw in the skin resulting from acne.
Blackhead
An open comedo, a non-inflammatory with a dark top and firmly packed contents. These pimples rise to the skin's surface and look black. The black color is not from dirt.
Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics
Antibiotics that fight against a wider range of bacterial types. Narrow-Spectrum Antibiotics are antibiotics that affect only a select group of bacterial types.
C
CellThe smallest unit of life - the basic living unit that makes up tissues.
Chronic
Pronounced - KRAW-nik
A term that refers to disorders that last a long time, often years. A chronic condition is one lasting 3 months or more, by the definition of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics.
Closed Comedo
A whitehead, a non-inflammatory with white center.
Comedo
Pronounced - KOM-e-do
An acne lesion. plural: comedones.
Comedogenic
Likely to cause acne lesions (comedones).
Comedones
Acne lesions. singular: comedo.
Congenital
A condition that is congenital is one that is present at birth.
Cryotherapy
Pronounced - KRY-oh-THAYR-uh-pee Any method that uses extreme cold temperature to treat disease.
Cyst
A closed sac or capsule, usually filled with fluid, pus, or semisolid material. Cysts may form within any tissue in the body.
Cystic Acne
Severe Acne - Cystic acne or nodulocystic acne, is a most severe form of acne. Both pustules and hard red bumps are present in the skin. Cystic acne can occur on the face, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. These deep, pus-filled pimples can be very painful. It is most common in the teenage years. Severe acne as this may have a profound psychological impact on a person. Cystic acne can cause permanent scarring in severe cases and in those who are prone to forming keloids. Keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue at the site of a healed skin injury.
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D
Dermatologic SurgeryDeals with the diagnosis and treatment of medically necessary and cosmetic conditions of the skin, hair, nails, veins, mucous membranes and adjacent tissues by various surgical, reconstructive, cosmetic and non-surgical methods. This includes laser surgery, cryosurgery, chemical surgery, aspirational surgery and excisional surgery. The purpose of dermatologic surgery is to repair and/or improve the function and cosmetic appearance of skin tissue.
Dermatologist
Pronounced - dur-muh-tol-uh-jist
A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin problems.
Disease
A state in which a function or part of the body is no longer in a healthy condition. A disease occurs when cells or molecules in your body stop working properly, causing symptoms of illness. Many things can cause a disease, including altered genes, chemicals, aging, and infections.
Doxycycline
An antibiotic drug used to treat infection.
E
EctoparasitesParasites such as ticks, fleas, lice, and mites that can attach or burrow themselves into the skin of their host, such as humans and animals. They can remain there for long periods of time - weeks to months - if not treated properly.
Eradicate
Eliminate, destroy completely.
Estrogen
Pronounced - es-tro-jin
A female hormone produced by the ovaries. Estrogen plays important roles in puberty, the menstrual cycle, and in reproduction.
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F
FetusUnborn baby in the mothers womb.
Follicle
Pronounced - fol-ih-kul
The tiny shaft in the skin through which a hair grows (the root of an individual hair), and sebum is excreted from sebaceous glands to the surface of the skin.
Fungi
Single-celled or multicellular organisms. A fungus is a primitive plant. Fungi can be found in air, in soil, on plants, and in water. Millions of different types of fungi exist on Earth. The most familiar are mushrooms, yeast, mold, and mildew, a group of organisms lacking in chlorophyll, (green plant enzyme, essential for photosynthesis). Fungi can be either opportunistic pathogens that cause infections in immunocompromised persons (including cancer patients, transplant recipients, and people with AIDS) or pathogens that cause infections in healthy persons. Fungi are also used for the development of antibiotics, antitoxins, and other drugs used to control various human diseases. More about Fungi
G
Generic DrugA generic drug is chemically identical to a brand name drug in dosage, safety, strength, how it is taken, quality, performance, and intended use. Before approving a generic drug product, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) requires many rigorous tests and procedures to assure that the generic drug can be substituted for the brand name drug. The FDA bases evaluations of substitutability, or "therapeutic equivalence," of generic drugs on scientific evaluations. By law, a generic drug product must contain the identical amounts of the same active ingredient(s) as the brand name product. Drug products evaluated as "therapeutically equivalent" can be expected to have equal effect and no difference when substituted for the brand name product.
Generic drugs are typically sold at substantial discounts from the brand name drugs price. According to the Congressional Budget Office, generic drugs save consumers an estimated 8 to 10 billion dollars a year at retail pharmacies. Even more billions are saved when hospitals use generics. More about Generic Drugs
Gentamicin
Gentamicin - (Garamycin® - brand name). Gentamicin is an antibiotic to help treat many kinds of infections, including lung, skin, bone, joint, stomach, blood, and urinary tract infections. Gentamicin can cause severe hearing and kidney problems. Gentamicin can harm the fetus. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses.
Gram Staining Method
A staining procedure used to classify and identify bacteria as either Gram-positive bacteria or Gram-negative bacteria. More about Gram Staining Method
H
Hair FolliclePronounced - fol-ih-kul
A tiny shaft or opening on the surface of the skin through which a hair grows.
Helminth
A large, worm-like, multicellular organism that is generally visible to the naked eye in its adult stages. Helminths can be free-living or a parasite of humans and other animals. Helminths cannot multiply in humans in their adult form. There are three main groups of helminths that are human parasites: 1) Platyhelminths (flatworms)- these include trematodes (flukes) and cestodes (tapeworms), 2) Acanthocephalins (thorny-headed worms) - the adult forms of these worms live in the gastrointestinal tract, 3) Nematodes (roundworms) - the adult forms of these worms can live in the gastrointestinal tract, blood, lymphatic system or subcutaneous tissues.
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is a part of red blood cells that carries oxygen in the blood.
Hormone
Pronounced - HOR-moan
A hormone is a natural body chemical that has effects on or controls other parts of the body. For example, estrogen and progesterone in females, testosterone in males, and androgens in both males and females. Synthetic hormones, such as birth control pills, are drugs similar to human hormones.
Hospital-Acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA)
Staph infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis centers) who have weakened immune systems. These hospital and healthcare associated staph infections include surgical wound infections, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia.
Hygiene
Pronounced - HY-jeen
The science of health, and the conditions or practices of cleanliness that promotes good health and well-being to fight against illness and disease.
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I
Immune SystemThe collection of cells and organs whose role is to protect the body from foreign invaders. Includes the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, B and T cells, and antigen-presenting cells.
Infection
A state in which disease-causing microbes have invaded or multiplied in body tissues. An infection occurs when a microbe - such as a virus, bacterium, fungus, or parasite - enters your body and begins to reproduce. The invading microbe can directly damage cells, or the immune system can cause symptoms, such as fever, as it tries to rid your body of the invader. Some infections do not cause disease because the microbe is quickly killed or it remains dormant.
Inflame
To cause (the skin) to redden or grow hot.
Inflammation
A localized protective reaction of tissue to irritation, injury, or infection, characterized by pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes loss of function.
Inflammatory
Causing inflammation. In acne, inflammatory is usually used to describe lesions that are inflamed by chemical reactions or bacteria in clogged follicles.
Intestinal
Relating to the intestines, of the intestines, found in the intestines, or affecting the intestines.
Intestines
The small intestine and the large intestine are long, tube-shaped organs in the abdomen (area between the chest and the hips). The small intestine is about 20 feet long and includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The small intestine is where most digestion (the breaking down of food) and absorbtion of nutrients occurs. When the process of digestion is complete, the small intestine empties the residue into the large intestine. The large intestine starts at the end of the small intestine and ends at the rectum and anus. The large intestine is about 5 feet long and its main function is to store unabsorbed food waste and absorb water and other body fluids before the waste is eliminated as stool. The large intestine includes the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal. Also called colon or large bowel.
Intracellular
Occurring within or inside of a cell.
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Invasive
Penetration or insertion of an instrument or device into any part of the body by puncture, incision, tube or needle. Opposite non-invasive.
J
There are no entries for the letter J.K
Keratolytic AgentKeratolytic agents (such as salicylic acid 5% to 10% cream) soften and remove the horny or hard outer layer of the skin. A keratolytic agent is a peeling agent.
Keloid
Pronounced - KEY-loyd
A keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue at the site of a healed skin injury. Also called hypertrophic scar or keloid scar. More about Keloid
L
LesionsAn infected or diseased patch of skin. Doctors call acne "acne lesions".
Leukocyte
Pronounced - LOO-koh-site White blood cell.
Leukocytosis
Increase in total white blood cell count.
M
MetabolismThe conversion of a chemical from one form to another.
Microaerophilic
Requires reduced levels of oxygen to survive.
Microbes
Microbes are tiny microorganisms (too tiny to see without a microscope), such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa. Some microbes cause disease in humans, plants, and animals, and others are essential to us for a healthy life. These microscopic organisms are found in plants and animals as well as in the human body. More about Microbes
Microorganisms
Microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, plants, and animals.
Microscopic
Anything too small to be seen with the naked eye, but can be seen through a microscope.
Mineral
An element, such as calcium, iron, sodium, or potassium, that is obtained from food and is needed by the body.
Molecules
The smallest physical units of a chemical substance that still keep the chemical properties of that substance - molecules are the building blocks of a cell. Some examples are proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.
MRSA
MRSA - (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) - MRSA skin infections are serious and need to be treated. They are contagious and can be spread to other people through skin to skin contact. More about MRSA
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N
Narrow-Spectrum AntibioticsAntibiotics that affect only a select group of bacterial types. Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics are antibiotics that fight against a wider range of bacteria types.
Nodule
The most severe form of acne lesion, a nodule is a large, pus-filled, often painful lump deep in the skin. Acne with nodules often results in permanent scarring and requires treatment by a physician. Sometimes called an acne cyst. It may range in size from greater than 1.0 cm (3/8 inch) to somewhat less than 2 cm (13/16 inch) in diameter. A nodule may be present in the epidermis, dermis or subcutis - at any level in the skin.
Non-comedogenic
Pronounced - non-ka-mee-doh-jen-ick
Not likely to cause acne, which means it won't clog pores.
Non-inflammatory
In acne, comedones that are not associated with redness in the skin.
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Non-invasive
Without puncturing the skin; does not involve penetration or insertion of an instrument or device into any part of the body by puncture, incision, tube or needle. Opposite invasive.
O
Open comedoA blackhead, a non-inflammatory comedo with a dark top and firmly packed contents.
Oral
Pronounced - OR-ul By or having to do with the mouth.
Organism
Any living thing. Organisms include humans, animals, plants, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi.
Orifice
An opening into a cavity of the body, for example, the mouth, nose, ears, etc.
Origin
The beginning of existence of something.
Over-the-Counter (OTC)
Pronounced - oh-ver thuh kown-ter
Products you can buy at a pharmacy or on store shelves without a doctor's prescription, such as cold medicine, acne topical medicines, medicines for stomach pain, or pain relievers. A few examples - aspirin, advil (pain reliever), aleve (pain reliever), ibuprofen (pain reliever), antacids (heartburn, gas, indigestion), Monistat (treats yeast infections), laxatives (for constipation), and sleep aids.
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P
P. acnesP. acnes stands for Propionibacterium acnes. P. acnes is a major inhabitant of human adult skin, where it lives within sebaceous follicles. It is known to naturally produce high amounts of intracellular porphyrins. It is usually harmless, although it has been implicated in acne formation. P. acnes is a Gram-positive, microaerophilic bacterium that can cause skin wounds.
Papule
An inflammatory comedo (comedo: an acne lesion) that resembles a small, red bump on the skin.
Parasites
Single-celled, microscopic (seen through a microscope) organisms, such as protozoa, or larger, multi-cellular worms visible to the naked eye, such as helminths, or ticks and fleas called ectoparasites, that grow, feed, and seek shelter on or in other living organisms (known as the host - such as humans and animals), while contributing nothing to the survival of the host. They may be transmitted from humans to humans, from humans to animals, or from animals to humans. More about Parasites
Parasitic
Relating to a parasite, the characteristics of a parasite.
Pathogen
Any microorganisms, such as bacteria, parasites, viruses, and some fungi that can cause or is capable of causing disease or infection to humans or animals.
Pathogenesis
The origin and development of any disease condition.
Pathogenic
Causing disease or capable of doing so.
Paucity
Smallness or lower in number or quantity.
Pimple
Pronounced - pim-pul
A small, prominent, inflamed elevation of the skin resulting from acne.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
A mixture of individual chemicals which are no longer produced in the United States, but are still found in the environment. Health effects that have been associated with exposure to PCBs include acne-like skin conditions in adults and neurobehavioral and immunological changes in children. PCBs are known to cause cancer in animals.
Porphyrins
Porphyrins help form many important substances in the body including hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a part of red blood cells that carries oxygen in the blood.
Prescription Drug
A drug product that requires a doctor's written authorization to purchase it.
Progesterone
Pronounced - proh-jes-tuh-rone
A female hormone produced by the ovaries. Progesterone plays important roles in puberty, the menstrual cycle, and in reproduction.
Protozoa
Protozoa are a group of microscopic (need a microscope to see them) single-celled organisms, such as ameba, that mainly feed on bacteria, although some eat other protozoa and organic matter. While protozoa are many times larger than bacteria, you still need a microscope to see many of them, some protozoa can be seen without a microscope. A pinch of soil can contain thousands. In humans, protozoa usually cause disease. More about Protozoa
Puberty
Pronounced - pyoo-bur-tee
The process of developing from a child to sexual maturity, when a person becomes capable of having children. In a girl, puberty includes a growth spurt, development of breasts and hips, growth of body hair, and the beginning of menstruation (having periods).
Pustule
Acne pustules are small, white, pus-filled, blister-like lesions on the surface of the skin and are red at the base with surrounding inflammation.
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Q
There are no entries for the letter Q.R
RenalPronounced - REE-nul
Relating to the kidneys. A renal disease is a disease of the kidneys. Renal failure means the kidneys have stopped working properly.
Retinoid
Vitamin A or a vitamin A-like compound.
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S
ScabiesAn infestation of the skin with the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabei. More about Scabies
Sebaceous Glands
Pronounced -suh-bay-shus glands
Sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles just below the skin's surface and are found in hair-covered areas of our body, although they can be found in hairless areas of our body (except for our lips, palms of our hands, and the soles of our feet). Sebaceous glands produce an oily substance to lubricate the skin, keeping the skin soft and smooth. This oily substance is called sebum. If the sebaceous glands make too much sebum, mixed with dead skin cells, this can plug our pores and cause acne.
Sebum
Pronounced - see-bum
The oily substance produced by sebaceous glands.
Streptomycin
An injectable drug used to treat Tuberculosis (TB) disease and other bacterial infections. May cause hearing problems. Streptomycin should not be given to pregnant women.
Synthetic
Pronounced - sin-THEH-tik
Substances that are man made in the laboratory instead of taken from nature.
Systemic
Pronounced - sis-TEH-mik
Affecting the whole body.
Systemic Disease
Pronounced - sis-TEH-mik dih-ZEEZ
A disease that affects the entire body.
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T
TeratogenAgent that, when administered prenatally (to the mother), induces permanent structural malformations or defects in the offspring.
References: National Library of Medicine (NLM)
Teratogenicity
Potential to cause or the production of structural malformations or defects in offspring.
References: National Library of Medicine (NLM)
Testosterone
Pronounced - teh-stass-tuh-rone
A hormone made mostly by the testes of the male. This hormone causes many of the changes males deal with during puberty - deeper voices, body and facial hair, and the making of sperm.
Tetracycline
An antibiotic drug used to treat infection.
Topical
Applied directly on top of the skin.
Toxic
Harmful, poisonous, deadly.
U
There are no entries for the letter U.V
VectorA carrier, usually an inset, that carries and transmits disease-causing germs.
Virus
Pronounced - vy-rus
Extremely small microscopic organisms that often cause disease. More about Virus
Vitamins
Pronounced - vy-tuh-mins
Vitamins and minerals are complex organic micronutrient substances, naturally found in minute (Pronounced - mi-noot - meaning very tiny, small) quantities in some foods. Vitamins and minerals replace or fix low levels of important natural substances in your body that are essential to normal metabolism. Some types of food have more of these substances than others. If you need extra vitamins and minerals, you may have to take vitamin pills that have them.
Example: Vitamin D deficiency - (ricketts and osteomalacia) In children, the condition prevents normal bone development. In adults, a lack of vitamin D causes demineralization of bone, particularly in the spine, pelvis, and lower extremities.
Vitamin D intoxication - A disorder marked by weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and impaired renal function.
Vulgaris
Vulgaris, as in acne vulgaris, means ordinary, being of the usual type, common.
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W
White Blood CellPronounced - wite-blud-sel
One of the cells the body makes to help fight infections and help heal wounds.
Whitehead
A closed comedo, a non-inflammatory with white center. Whiteheads are made when a hair follicle (root) is plugged with oil and skin cells. These are pimples that stay under the surface of the skin.
X
There are no entries for the letter X.Y
There are no entries for the letter Y.Z
ZitA small, prominent, inflamed elevation of the skin resulting from acne.
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