Medical Dermatology Glossary

Thickening and hardening of the skin with exaggerated skin markings, resulting from prolonged rubbing or scratching.

Describing a histopathological pattern or clinical morphology resembling lichen planus, characterised by band-like lymph...

A pigment-producing cell found in the basal layer of the epidermis that synthesises melanin and transfers it to surround...

An early-stage melanoma confined entirely to the epidermis with no invasion of the dermis, also referred to as stage 0 m...

Brown or black longitudinal pigmentation of the nail plate caused by increased melanin deposition, which may be benign o...

Small, keratin-filled epidermal cysts that appear as firm, white or yellowish papules, most commonly on the face.

A microscopically controlled surgical technique for the excision of skin cancer in which successive horizontal tissue la...

Abbreviation for Narrowband Ultraviolet B phototherapy, a targeted light-based treatment using a 311–313 nm wavelength b...

A clinical examination finding in which gentle lateral pressure on apparently normal skin produces shearing and blister...

A chronic eczematous condition characterised by coin-shaped (discoid) plaques of inflamed, itchy skin, most commonly on...

The painless separation of the nail plate from the underlying nail bed, beginning at the free edge and progressing proxi...

A fungal infection of the nail unit, affecting the nail plate, nail bed, or both, commonly caused by dermatophytes.

Longitudinal ridging and splitting of the nail plate, resulting in a brittle nail appearance often associated with agein...

The dermoscopic examination of the nail unit, including the nail plate, bed, and folds, to aid diagnosis of nail disorde...

A histopathological finding characterised by the retention of nuclei in cells of the stratum corneum, indicating abnorma...

Psoriasis Area and Severity Index; a composite scoring tool measuring the extent and severity of psoriasis across four b...

A diagnostic procedure in which standardised concentrations of potential allergens are applied to the skin under occlusi...

A serious autoimmune blistering disorder in which IgG autoantibodies target desmoglein-3 (and sometimes desmoglein-1), c...

An abnormal cutaneous reaction to ultraviolet or visible light, either from endogenous conditions or exogenous agents su...

A self-limiting inflammatory skin eruption characterised by a solitary herald patch followed by a secondary eruption of...

Abbreviation for prurigo nodularis, a chronic neuroimmune skin disorder characterised by intensely pruritic hyperkeratot...

A pattern of skin change combining atrophy, reticulate pigmentation, and telangiectasia, describing a triad of findings...

A chronic, intensely pruritic skin condition characterised by firm, dome-shaped nodules distributed symmetrically, typic...

Resembling psoriasis in clinical or histological appearance, used to describe eruptions or tissue changes that mimic but...