Dermatitis, atopic

Untitled Document

Art dictionary
Financial dictionary
Hollywood dictionary
Insurance dictionary
Literature dictionary
Medical Glossary
Real Estate dictionary
Tourism dictionary

Dermatitis, atopic

Dermatitis, atopic

A skin disease characterized by areas of severe itching, redness, scaling, and loss of the surface of the skin (excoriation). When the eruption (rash) has been present for a prolonged time, chronic changes occur due to the constant scratching and rubbing known as lichenification (thickening of the skin with accentuation of the skin lines to form a crisscross pattern). This disorder usually affects young children on the face and extensor surfaces of the arms and legs (elbow and knee sides). Older children and adults are usually affected on the sides of the neck and on the inside of the elbow and knee. Atopic dermatitis is frequently associated with other atopic (allergic) disorders, especially asthma and allergic rhinitis (hayfever). A defect of the immune system within the skin has been shown, but the reason for this is unknown.

RELATED TERMS
--------------------------------------

Skin
Skin is an organ of the integumentary system; which is composed of a layer of tissues that protect underlying muscles and organs. Skin is used for insulation, vitamin D production, sensation, and excretion (through sweat).

Disease
Illness or sickness often characterized by typical patient problems (symptoms) and physical findings (signs). Disruption sequence: The events that occur when a fetus that is developing normally is subjected to a destructive agent such as the rubella (German measles) virus.

Eruption
Process of teeth protruding through the gums

Chronic
Ongoing or recurring. Chronic medical conditions include diabetes, epilepsy, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Arms
An appendage in anatomy and in clinical trials. See: Arm.

Knee
The complex hinge joint of the upper and lower leg involving the femur, tibia and patella.

Elbow
The juncture of the long bones in the middle portion of the arm. The bone of the upper arm (humerus) meets both the ulna (the inner bone of the forearm) and radius (the outer bone of the forearm) to form a hinge joint at the elbow. The radius and ulna also meet one another in the elbow to permit a small amount of rotation of the forearm. The elbow therefore functions to move the arm like a hinge (forward and backward) and in rotation (outward and inward). The biceps muscle is the major muscle that flexes the elbow hinge, and the triceps muscle is the major muscle that extends it. The primary stability of the elbow is provided by the ulnar collateral ligament, located on the medial (inner) side of the elbow. The outer bony prominence of the elbow is the lateral epicondyle, a part of the humerus bone. Tendons attached to this area can be injured, causing inflammation or tendonitis (lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow). The inner portion of the elbow is a bony prominence called the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Additional tendons from muscles attach here and can be injured, likewise causing inflammation or tendonitis (medial epicondylitis, or golfer's elbow).

Atopic
Prone to allergies or characterized by allergy.

Dermatitis
Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a skin irritation characterized by red, flaky skin, sometimes with cracks or tiny blisters. Dermatitis is extremely itchy, but scratching damages the fragile skin and exacerbates the problem so it is important for people with eczema to try to leave the area alone.

Asthma
Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems. People with asthma have acute episodes or when the air passages in their lungs get narrower, and breathing becomes more difficult. Sometimes episodes of asthma are triggered by allergens, although infection, exercise, cold air and other factors are also important triggers.

Rhinitis
An inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose, often due to allergy to pollen, dust or other airborne substances, which causes sneezing, itching, a runny nose and nasal congestion.

Immune
Resistant to a particular disease.

SIMILAR TERMS
--------------------------------------

Derma
Skin.

Derma-smoothe-fs
Derma-smoothe-fs is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluocinolone acetonide.

Dermabet
Dermabet is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betamethasone valerate.

Dermabrasion
A procedure that removes scars, tattoos or other skin defects with fine sandpaper or a high-speed brush.

Dermacort
Dermacort is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydrocortisone.

Dermal
Pertaining to the skin.

Dermatan sulfate
An glycosaminoglycan (formerly called a mucopolysaccharide) found mostly in skin but also in blood vessels, the heart valves, tendons, and the lungs. Dermatan sulfate accumulates abnormally in several of the mucopolysaccharidosis disorders.

Dermatitis
Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a skin irritation characterized by red, flaky skin, sometimes with cracks or tiny blisters. Dermatitis is extremely itchy, but scratching damages the fragile skin and exacerbates the problem so it is important for people with eczema to try to leave the area alone.

Dermatitis and diarrhea, zinc deficiency
Among the consequences of zinc deficiency, dermatitis (skin inflammation) and diarrhea are particularly prominent features.

Dermatitis, stasis
A skin irritation on the lower legs, generally related to circulatory problems. Stasis refers to a stoppage or slowdown in the flow of blood (or other body fluid such as lymph). A stasis ulcer is an ulcer (a crater) that develops in an area in which the circulation is sluggish and the venous return (the return of venous blood toward the heart) is poor. A common location for stasis ulcers is on the ankle.

Dermatofibroma
A common type of benign skin tumor that is small, slow-growing, typically firm, red-to-brown and most often on the legs. Also called a fibrous histiocytoma. They can grow up to about 1 cm (less than a half inch) in diameter. A dermatofibroma consists of a proliferation of scar-like tissue within the deeper layers of the skin (dermis). The cause of dermatofibromas is unknown. They are usually single but sometimes may be multiple. Simple excision is curative.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
(DFSP) A type of skin tumor that begins as a hard nodule and grows slowly. DFSP is usually found in the dermis of the limbs or trunk of the body. (The dermis is the inner layer of the two main layers of tissue that make up the skin.) DFSP can grow and invade surrounding tissues but typically it does not metastasize (spread) to other more distant parts of the body. The cytogenetic hallmark of DFSP is an extra ring chromosome containing material from chromosomes 17 and 22, or, less frequently, a translocation between chromosomes 17 and 22. These chromosome rearrangements in DFSP fuse the COL1A1 gene on chromosome 17 to the PDGFB gene on chromosome 22. COL1A1 is type 1 alpha-1 chain of collagen while PDGFB is platelet-derived growth factor receptor B. Gleevec (imatinib), a targeted-gene drug which was developed to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), is reportedly effective in slowing the growth of DFSP in most cases. Gleevec acts in this regard by inhibiting the PDGFB receptor.

Dermatoglyphic
Pertaining to dermatoglyphics -- the study of dermal ridges on the fingers, palms, toes, and soles.

Dermatoglyphics
The study of the patterns of ridges on the skin of the fingers, palms, toes, and soles. Dermatoglyphics are of interest in anthropology, criminology, and medicine, including dysmorphology (the study of congenital malformations) and the study of chromosome abnormalities such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome).

Dermatographism
A common form of hives that follows the repeated stroking, rubbing or scratching of the skin, or when tight-fitting clothes rub the skin. Dermatographism occurs in about 5% of the population.

Dermatologic
Having to do with the skin.

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.

Dermatologist
A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin problems.

Dermatology
The branch of medicine that is concerned with the physiology and pathology of the skin.

Dermatome
1. A localized area of skin that is has its sensation via a single nerve from a single nerve root of the spinal cord. Shingles (herpes zoster) typically affects one or several isolated dermatomes. 2. A dermatome is also a cutting instrument used for skin grafting or slicing thin pieces of skin.

Dermatomyositis
A connective tissue disorder in which a rash and muscle inflammation are the predominant features.

Dermatop
Dermatop is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): prednicarbate.

Dermatop e emollient
Dermatop e emollient is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): prednicarbate.

Dermatopathy
Any disease of the skin. Synonymous with dermopathy.

Dermatophytic onychomycosis
Ringworm of the nail, the most common fungus infection of the nails (onychomycosis). Onychomycosis makes the nails look white and opaque, thickened, and brittle. Older women (perhaps because estrogen deficiency may increase the risk of infection), and men and women with diabetes or disease of the small blood vessels (peripheral vascular disease) are at increased risk. Artificial nails (acrylic or "wraps") increase the risk because when an artificial nail is applied, the nail surface is usually abraded with an emery board damaging it, emery boards can carry infection, and water can collect under the nail creating a moist, warm environment for fungal growth. Alternative names include tinea unguium.

Dermatoscopy
A noninvasive diagnostic technique for the early diagnosis of melanoma and the evaluation of other pigmented and non-pigmented lesions on the skin that are not as well seen with the unaided eye. Also known as surface microscopy, dermoscopy, and epiluminescence microscopy.

Dermicidin
A potent anti-infective agent that is a natural component of sweat. The first antimicrobial agent found that is produced by cells in the skin, dermicidin is reportedly active against many different types of bacteria (including Escherichia coli (E. coli), Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus (Staph) aureus) and the common fungus Candida albicans. B102Dermicidin is also the name of the gene that encodes the protein product, dermicidin.

Dermoid
Also called a dermoid cyst of the ovary, this is a bizarre tumor, usually benign, in the ovary that typically contains a diversity of tissues including hair, teeth, bone, thyroid, etc. A dermoid cyst develops from a totipotential germ cell (a primary oocyte) that is retained within the egg sac (ovary). Being totipotential, that cell can give rise to all orders of cells necessary to form mature tissues and often recognizable structures such as hair, bone and sebaceous (oily) material, neural tissue and teeth. Dermoid cysts may occur at any age but the prime age of detection is in the childbearing years. The average age is 30. Up to 15% of women with ovarian teratomas have them in both ovaries. Dermoid cysts can range in size from a centimeter (less than a half inch) up to 45 cm (about 17 inches) in diameter.

Dermoid cyst
A congenital (born with) tumor present in infancy as a yellowish swelling on the surface of the eye. It may enlarge during puberty. The dermoid cyst can be surgically removed by an ophthalmologist.

Dermoid cyst of the ovary
A bizarre tumor, usually benign, in the ovary that typically contains a diversity of tissues including hair, teeth, bone, thyroid, etc. A dermoid cyst develops from a totipotential germ cell (a primary oocyte) that is retained within the egg sac (ovary). Being totipotential, that cell can give rise to all orders of cells necessary to form mature tissues and often recognizable structures such as hair, bone and sebaceous (oily) material, neural tissue and teeth. Dermoid cysts may occur at any age but the prime age of detection is in the childbearing years. The average age is 30. Up to 15% of women with ovarian teratomas have them in both ovaries. Dermoid cysts can range in size from a centimeter (less than a half inch) up to 45 cm (about 17 inches) in diameter. These cysts can cause the ovary to twist (torsion) and imperil its blood supply. The larger the dermoid cyst, the greater the risk of rupture with spillage of the greasy contents which can create problems with adhesions, pain etc. Although the large majority (about 98%) of these tumors are benign, the remaining fraction (about 2%) becomes cancerous (malignant). Removal of the dermoid cyst is usually the treatment of choice. This can be done by laparotomy (open surgery) or laparoscopy (with a scope). Torsion (twisting) of the ovary by the cyst is an emergency and calls for urgent surgery. Dermoid cysts of the ovary are also called simply dermoids or ovarian teratomas.

Dermopathy
Any disease of the skin. Synonymous with dermatopathy.

PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS
--------------------------------------

Depression, major
A disease that interferes with the ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities.

Dercum disease
A condition characterized by painful fatty tumors (lipomas) beneath the skin. The diseases tends to be associated with obesity and is about 5 times more frequent in females than in males. Onset of symptoms is generally in middle age. The fatty tumors are most often located on the trunk and limbs with sparing of the face and hands Also called adiposis dolorosa.

Dermal
Pertaining to the skin.

Dermatan sulfate
An glycosaminoglycan (formerly called a mucopolysaccharide) found mostly in skin but also in blood vessels, the heart valves, tendons, and the lungs. Dermatan sulfate accumulates abnormally in several of the mucopolysaccharidosis disorders.

Dermatitis and diarrhea, zinc deficiency
Among the consequences of zinc deficiency, dermatitis (skin inflammation) and diarrhea are particularly prominent features.

Dermatitis, atopic

Dermatitis, stasis
A skin irritation on the lower legs, generally related to circulatory problems. Stasis refers to a stoppage or slowdown in the flow of blood (or other body fluid such as lymph). A stasis ulcer is an ulcer (a crater) that develops in an area in which the circulation is sluggish and the venous return (the return of venous blood toward the heart) is poor. A common location for stasis ulcers is on the ankle.

Dermatofibroma
A common type of benign skin tumor that is small, slow-growing, typically firm, red-to-brown and most often on the legs. Also called a fibrous histiocytoma. They can grow up to about 1 cm (less than a half inch) in diameter. A dermatofibroma consists of a proliferation of scar-like tissue within the deeper layers of the skin (dermis). The cause of dermatofibromas is unknown. They are usually single but sometimes may be multiple. Simple excision is curative.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
(DFSP) A type of skin tumor that begins as a hard nodule and grows slowly. DFSP is usually found in the dermis of the limbs or trunk of the body. (The dermis is the inner layer of the two main layers of tissue that make up the skin.) DFSP can grow and invade surrounding tissues but typically it does not metastasize (spread) to other more distant parts of the body. The cytogenetic hallmark of DFSP is an extra ring chromosome containing material from chromosomes 17 and 22, or, less frequently, a translocation between chromosomes 17 and 22. These chromosome rearrangements in DFSP fuse the COL1A1 gene on chromosome 17 to the PDGFB gene on chromosome 22. COL1A1 is type 1 alpha-1 chain of collagen while PDGFB is platelet-derived growth factor receptor B. Gleevec (imatinib), a targeted-gene drug which was developed to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), is reportedly effective in slowing the growth of DFSP in most cases. Gleevec acts in this regard by inhibiting the PDGFB receptor.

Dermatoglyphic
Pertaining to dermatoglyphics -- the study of dermal ridges on the fingers, palms, toes, and soles.

Dermatoglyphics
The study of the patterns of ridges on the skin of the fingers, palms, toes, and soles. Dermatoglyphics are of interest in anthropology, criminology, and medicine, including dysmorphology (the study of congenital malformations) and the study of chromosome abnormalities such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome).

We thank you for using the Health Dictionary to search for Dermatitis, atopic. If you have a better definition for Dermatitis, atopic than the one presented here, please let us know by making use of the suggest a term option. This definition of Dermatitis, atopic may be disputed by other professionals. Our attempt is to provide easy definitions on Dermatitis, atopic and any other medical topic for the public at large.

This dictionary contains 25007 terms.

dermatitis,atopic / ermatitis, atopic / drmatitis, atopic / dematitis, atopic / deratitis, atopic / dermtitis, atopic / dermaitis, atopic / dermattis, atopic / dermatiis, atopic / dermatits, atopic / dermatiti, atopic / dermatitis atopic / dermatitis,atopic / dermatitis, topic / dermatitis, aopic / dermatitis, atpic / dermatitis, atoic / dermatitis, atopc / dermatitis, atopi / ddermatitis, atopic / deermatitis, atopic / derrmatitis, atopic / dermmatitis, atopic / dermaatitis, atopic / dermattitis, atopic / dermatiitis, atopic / dermatittis, atopic / dermatitiis, atopic / dermatitiss, atopic / dermatitis,, atopic / dermatitis, atopic / dermatitis, aatopic / dermatitis, attopic / dermatitis, atoopic / dermatitis, atoppic / dermatitis, atopiic / dermatitis, atopicc / eermatitis, atopic / rermatitis, atopic / fermatitis, atopic / vermatitis, atopic / cermatitis, atopic / xermatitis, atopic / sermatitis, atopic / wermatitis, atopic / d3rmatitis, atopic / d4rmatitis, atopic / drrmatitis, atopic / dfrmatitis, atopic / ddrmatitis, atopic / dsrmatitis, atopic / dwrmatitis, atopic / de4matitis, atopic / de5matitis, atopic / detmatitis, atopic / degmatitis, atopic / defmatitis, atopic / dedmatitis, atopic / deematitis, atopic / de3matitis, atopic / dernatitis, atopic / derjatitis, atopic / derkatitis, atopic / der,atitis, atopic / der atitis, atopic / dermqtitis, atopic / dermwtitis, atopic / dermstitis, atopic / dermxtitis, atopic / dermztitis, atopic / derma5itis, atopic / derma6itis, atopic / dermayitis, atopic / dermahitis, atopic / dermagitis, atopic / dermafitis, atopic / dermaritis, atopic / derma4itis, atopic / dermattis, atopic / dermati5is, atopic / dermati6is, atopic / dermatiyis, atopic / dermatihis, atopic / dermatigis, atopic / dermatifis, atopic / dermatiris, atopic / dermati4is, atopic / dermatits, atopic / dermatitiw, atopic / dermatitie, atopic / dermatitid, atopic / dermatitix, atopic / dermatitiz, atopic / dermatitia, atopic / dermatitiq, atopic / dermatitis, qtopic / dermatitis, wtopic / dermatitis, stopic / dermatitis, xtopic / dermatitis, ztopic / dermatitis, a5opic / dermatitis, a6opic / dermatitis, ayopic / dermatitis, ahopic / dermatitis, agopic / dermatitis, afopic / dermatitis, aropic / dermatitis, a4opic / dermatitis, at9pic / dermatitis, at0pic / dermatitis, atppic / dermatitis, atlpic / dermatitis, atkpic / dermatitis, atipic / dermatitis, at8pic / dermatitis, ato0ic / dermatitis, ato-ic / dermatitis, ato[ic / dermatitis, ato;ic / dermatitis, atolic / dermatitis, atooic / dermatitis, ato9ic / dermatitis, atopc / dermatitis, atopix / dermatitis, atopis / dermatitis, atopid / dermatitis, atopif / dermatitis, atopiv / dermatitis, atopi /