Commonly Used Dermatological Terms in Simplified Language

As a dermatology writer focused on making skin health accessible to everyone, I know how overwhelming medical jargon can be. Terms like "urticaria" and "keratosis" can seem intimidating, especially when you're trying to address common skin conditions such as acne or eczema. Understanding dermatological terminology is crucial for effective communication with your dermatologist and for taking charge of your skincare routine.

To help you navigate this complex language, I’ve created a comprehensive guide that pairs 100 common dermatological terms with simpler, more relatable alternatives. This table serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to demystify skin health. Whether you're researching symptoms, exploring treatment options, or just curious about your skin, this guide will make it easier for you to grasp key concepts in dermatology.

By breaking down this complexity, I aim to empower you with the knowledge needed to engage confidently in discussions about your skin. Understanding these dermatological terms enhances your ability to communicate with healthcare providers and equips you to make informed decisions about your skincare journey. Let’s dive in and explore the essential terminology that can help you achieve healthier skin!

Here are some common dermatological terms alongside their more easily understood alternatives:

Dermatological Term - Commonly Used Alternative

Acne - Pimples, Zits, Black heads, White heads.

Eczema - Skin rash, Skin inflammation

Psoriasis - Scaly patches

Dermatitis - Skin inflammation

Rosacea - Facial redness

Urticaria - Hives

Folliculitis - Hair follicle infection

Melanoma - Skin cancer

Basal cell carcinoma - Skin cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma - Skin cancer

Tinea - Fungal infection

Tinea Cruris - Fungal infection of the genital region (private parts), Jock itch

Tinea Corporis - Ring worm of the body, Fungal infection of the body

Tinea Capitis - Fungal infection of the scalp / hair

Tinea Manuum - Fungal infection of the hand

Tinea Pedis - Fungal infection of the foot, Athlete's foot

Onychomycosis - Fungal infection of the nails

Ringworm - Fungal skin infection

Vitiligo - Skin discoloration, Leukoderma, Loss of skin pigment

Hyperpigmentation - Dark spots

Hypopigmentation - Light spots

Keratosis Pilaris - Chicken skin, Rough skin patches

Nevus - Mole

Seborrheic dermatitis - Oily dandruff rash

Contact dermatitis - Allergy rash

Scabies - Itchy skin rash

Herpes Zoster - Shingles

Impetigo - Bacterial skin infection

Psoriatic arthritis - Joint pain with psoriasis

Lichen planus - Skin rash with purple itchy flat bumps

Keloid - Raised scar

Warts - Skin growths

Cysts - Fluid-filled lumps

Chalazion - Eyelid lump, Stye

Acne vulgaris - Common acne

Pityriasis Rosea - Rash with a herald patch, Rash with rose-colored scale

Nummular eczema - Coin-shaped eczema

Angioma - Red birthmark, non-cancerous tumors made of blood vessels.

Melasma - Facial brown patches, Chloasma, mask of pregnancy

Actinic keratosis - Sun damage patches

Keratosis pilaris - Chicken skin

Lichen simplex Chronicus - Chronic itchy rash, dry areas of skin which are scaly and thick

Erythema - Redness

Candidiasis - Yeast infection

Dermatofibroma - Fibrous skin growth

Hidradenitis suppurativa - Painful lumps in skin

Pustule - Blister with pus

Vesicle - Small fluid-filled blister

Plaque - Raised flat area

Bullae - Large blisters

Alopecia - Hair loss

Chilblains - Cold and sore skin

Melanocytic nevi - Moles

Cystic acne - Deep acne, acne with cysts under the skin

Follicular occlusion - Blocked hair follicles

Scleroderma - Hardening of skin

Xanthoma - Fatty skin growths

Porphyria - Skin sensitivity to light

Asteatotic eczema - Dry eczema

Intertrigo - Rash in skin folds

Stasis dermatitis - Swelling-related rash, Skin inflammation due to compromised blood flow

Dermal filler - Cosmetic injections

Laser resurfacing - Skin treatment with lasers

Microneedling - Tiny needle skin treatment

Hyperkeratosis - Thickened skin

Cheilitis - Chapped lips

Acne scars - Marks from acne

Pruritus - Itching

Erythroderma - Severe skin redness

Sebaceous cyst - Oil-filled lump

Lipoma - Fatty mass in the skin

Papule - Small raised bump

Telangiectasia - Tiny red blood vessels in the skin

Erythema multiforme - Target-shaped rash

Drug eruption - Skin reaction to medication

Scaly scalp - Dry, flaky scalp

Non-melanoma skin cancer - Other types of skin cancer

Skin biopsy - Skin sample test

Antihistamine - Allergy medicine

Topical steroid - Skin cream for inflammation

Sunscreen|- Sunblock

Varicella - Chicken Pox