AcnePain Definitions
Some words have more than one meaning. Only those meanings relating to this site will be used.
All Definitions A - Z
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 pimple, or zit, is 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.
Pores
Pores are tiny holes in the skin. These pores connect to oil glands , called sebaceous glands, under the skin.
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).
Pubic Area
Pronounced - pyoo-bik air-eeh-uh
On and around the genitals. Genitals (pronounced - jen-ih-tuls). The external and internal sex organs of the male and female, the penis and testicles, vagina and uterus.
Pus
A thick, yellowish-whitish (somewhat white or very light gray) fluid made from inflamed tissues - dead white blood cells, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
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.
Back To Top