Glossary

 Here is a list of acne-related terms and their definitions, to help you better understand medical jargon. To find the definition of a specific term, press "Ctrl" and "F", that will bring up a box that you can use to search for that word.

 A

Accutane® - a brand of Isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is an alternative to oral antibiotics that is sometimes effective for severe outbreaks of papules and pustules, although it is extremely harmful and has a whole load of side effects and should only be taken as a last resort.

Achromycin V® - Used to treat acne rosacea and is a oral medication.

Acne Conglobata - A very severe kind of acne in which nodules are linked under the skin surface to other nodules or acne lesions, this can often be very painful.

Acne Mechanica: It's a type of acne which develops in reaction to;

• heat
• constant pressure
• covered skin
• continuous friction against the skin.

Acne rosacea - Acne that affects the skin and the eye area, for more information on this, click here; Acne Rosacea.

Acne vulgaris - An alternative name for acne. It is the type of acne that occurs around hair follicles and is shown by inflammatory skin eruptions.

Acute - The direct definition of this word is; severe and sudden, this best describes a certain type of acne that comes about and develops rapidly.

AHA - Alpha Hydroxy Acid - Found in organic fruits.

Aknemycin®- Bought "over-the-counter", topical antibiotic used on the skin to treat acne.

Androgenic - This refers to the hormones which stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce sebum, which in turn can cause acne breakouts.

Antibiotics - substances derived from a microorganism that is able to inhibit or kill another microorganism. A term used to describe a range of drugs, normally oral, which are used to treat conditions involving bacterial infections.

Antihistamine - a substance, normally cream or oral medication, capable of reducing inflammation, swelling and other effects often experienced as an allergic reaction.

B

Bacteria - A type of microorganisms that have the potential to cause infections

Benzoyl Peroxide - a common product with antibacterial properties commonly used to treat acne. Sold under a large variety of names.

BHA - Beta Hydroxy Acid - Found in organic fruits.

Blackhead - A non-inflammatory acne lesion that is filled with excess oil and dead skin cells, when oxidised, the pigment changes to a black colour, click here for more information; Blackheads.

C

Comedo - An acne lesion.

Closed comedo - Better known as a "whitehead" - For more information on whiteheads, click here; Whiteheads. It is normally non-inflammatory and displays a white centre.

D

Dermatologic surgery - Deals 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. The person who runs the surgery is normally called a Dermatologist.

F

Follicle - The tiny pore in which a hair grows through to the surface of the skin. This is also the passage in which sebum is excreted.

H

Hormones - One of the main contributing factors to acne. Hormones are chemical substances that are released from the body to make decisions with many body processes. The ones that cause acne are also the ones that cause physical maturity.

I

Inflammatory - This word is used to describe when a lesion is inflamed by chemical reactions within the body.

Isotretinoin - Potent systemic medication used to treat severe forms of acne. NOT TO BE USED WITH PREGNANT WOMEN, as this could cause birth defects and deformaties.

L

Lipids - Lipids make up the substance called sebum.

M

Macule - This is a flat spot or patch found on the skin that is a different colour pigment than the surrounding skin.

Microcomedo - This is the first stage of the formation of a comedo.

N

Nodulocystic acne - This is a type of acne that is displayed by deep and inflamed nodules and and large, pus-filled lesions. It gives the impression that the skin is red or purple.

O

Open-comedo - Otherwise known as a blackhead. This is a non-inflammatory commedo that had a black colour pigment. For more information on blackheads, click here; Blackheads.

P

Papule - An inflammed comedo that displays a small and red bump.

Papulopustular - A type of acne characterized by the presence of papules and pustules.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - Also known as PIH, this is excessive skin darkening at places where the skin was inflamed, often connected with scarring.

Pustule - The most common kind of acne-eruption, a white or yellow head with a ring of red around it.

S

Sebaceous glands - Glands in the skin that produce an oily substance called sebum, these glands are the sites of acne lesions. Sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles and are found mostly on the face, neck, back and chest.

Sebum - The oily substance produced by sebaceous glands, often linked to acne outbursts.

Systemic acne - This is the fighting of acne from within, usually via oral medication.

W

Whitehead - Otherwise known as a closed comedo. This is formed when a hair follicle or pore is clogged with oil or dead skin cells.

If you wish to contribute to this glossary, please e-mail this address;