Glossary
Atopic dermatitis: An itchy inflammation of the skin.Catabolism: Also referred to as destructive metabolism, it involves the breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to form simpler ones, together with the release of energy.
Contact dermatitis: A skin rash caused by contact with a certain substance.
Melanin pigments: These pigments are produced in a specialized group of cells known as melanocytes and are responsible for imparting the skin tone as well as protecting the body by getting rid of over 99.9% of absorbed UV radiation.
Mycosis fungoides: Also known as Alibert-Bazin syndrome or granuloma fungoides, it is the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Hair follicles: The sheath of cells and connective tissue which surrounds the root of a hair and functions as a sensitive touch receptor.
Leukemia: A cancer of blood-forming tissues, hindering the body’s ability to fight infection.
Lichen planus: An inflammatory condition of the skin and mucous membranes.
Lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system.
Pityriasis rubra pilaris: The name given to a group of rare skin disorders that present with reddish-orange colored scaly patches with well-defined borders. They may cover the entire body or just parts of the body such as the elbows and knees, palms and soles.
Psoriasis: A condition in which skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches.
Sebaceous glands: These glands are present in the dermis of the skin and secrete an oily or waxy substance called sebum that lubricates the skin and hair shafts and makes them waterproof.
Seborrheic dermatitis: A skin condition that causes scaly patches, red skin and inflammation mainly on the scalp.
Sweat glands: These glands are present in the dermis of the skin and secrete a dilute watery fluid called sweat, which helps in excretion and temperature regulation by evaporating from the skin surface.
Vitamin D: Also known as the “sunshine vitamin”, it is synthesized primarily in the epidermis of the skin upon exposure to sunlight.
