Glossary of Terms (M-Z)
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Macules - patch of skin that is altered in color but usually not elevated and that is a characteristic feature of various diseases
Maxiflor® - (Diflorasone) topical high to very high potency corticosteroid, used to treat a variety of skin conditions. Also sold under the brand name(s): Florone®; Florone E®; Psorcon™
MetroCream® – a topical treatment for rosacea.
MetroGel® – Metronidazole; a topical treatment for rosacea.
MetroLotion® – Metronidazole; a topical treatment for rosacea.
Metronidazole - a topical treatment for rosacea. It has been proved as effective against rosacea. Is the active ingredient in Metrogel, Metrocream, Metrolotion, Rozex gel and Noritate.
Milia - a small pearly firm non-inflammatory whitehead. Milia are due to retention of keratin in an oil gland duct blocked by a thin layer of epithelium.
Minocin® (Oral) - Oral antibiotic used to treat infections that are caused by bacteria. Belongs to a class of drugs called tetracycline antibiotics. Also sold under the brand name(s): Minocycline, Dynacin®
Minocycline – Oral antibiotic used to treat infections that are caused by bacteria. Belongs to a class of drugs called tetracycline antibiotics. Also sold under the brand name(s): Minocin® (Oral), Dynacin®
Mometasone furoate - a cortisone-like steroid available in cream, ointment, and lotion form. It is used to treat certain itchy rashes and other inflammatory skin conditions. Also sold under the brand name(s): Elocon®
Monodox® - an oral antibiotic which is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is often prescribed for rosacea. Also sold under the brand name(s): Vibra-Tabs®, Vibramycin®, Doxycycline®, Doryx®, Novodoxylin®
NeoDecadron® - by Merck, (Neomycin Sulfate-Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate) is a topical corticosteroid-antibiotic solution for ophthalmic use.
Nicotinamide Papulex® - (Pharmagenix) Gel, nicotinamide 4%. A topical treatment for inflammatory acne vulgaris
Nizoral® - a cream which contains as its active ingredient ketoconazole which is an antifungal preparation. It is used to treat sebborrheic dermatitis with the rationale that sebborrheic dermatitis is caused by a fungus which lives on everyone's skin and is normally non-pathological.
Nodules - Nodules are solid, raised bumps on the skin, greater than 10 millimeters in diameter
Non-Comedogenic - (pronounced non-coh-me-dough-jen-ic) refers to anything that will not clog pores or produce comedones, commonly called blackheads
Noritate® – a topical treatment for rosacea which works due to the anti-inflammatory action of Metronidazole (an antibiotic) which is its active ingredient. Noritate is meant to help reduce the spots and redness of rosacea through its anti-inflammatory action. Thus it may help to control rosacea, but not cure it. Metronidazole is also the active ingredient in Rozex gel, Metro cream and Metrolotion, but Noritate is less irritating. Its name is short for "no-irritate" (non-irritating).
Novodoxylin® - An oral antibiotic which is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is often prescribed for rosacea. Also sold under the brand name(s): Vibra-Tabs®, Vibramycin®, Monodox®, Doxycycline®, Doryx®
Nutracort ® - (Hydrocortisone) a low potency steroid. Also sold under the brand name(s): Cetacort®, Anusol-HC®, Hytone®, Cort-Dome®, Cortenema®, Cortifoam®, Cortaind®, Lanacort®, Locoid®, Westcort®
Ocular –meaning of the eye.
Ocular Rosacea – rosacea affecting the eye causing redness, irritation and gritty feeling.
Ophthacet® - Ophthalmic antibiotic used to treat eye infections. Also sold under the brand name(s): Isopto-Cetamide®, Sulfair®, Ak-Sulf®, Cetamide®, Sulfair Forte®, Sodium Sulamyd®, Sulten-10®, sulfacetamide.
Pandel® - by Savage, (hydrocortisone probutate) is a medium potency topical corticosteroid
Panmycin® - an oral antibiotic often prescribed for rosacea. Also sold under the brand name(s): Tetracycline, Tetracyn®, Robitet®, Achromycin V®, Sumycin®
Papule - A papule is a skin lesion that is small, solid, and raised frequently red in color
Pediamycin® - Oral antibiotic used to treat infections. Also sold under the brand name(s): Erythrocin® (Oral), Eryc®, E.E.S.®, E-Mycin®, Erythromycin® (Oral), Ilosone® , Robimycin®
Peri-oral dermatitis - a common skin problem that mostly affects young women. Occasionally men or children are affected. Perioral refers to the area around the mouth, and dermatitis indicates redness of the skin. In addition to redness, there are usually small red bumps or even pus bumps and mild peeling.
Pimples - an inflammatory skin condition characterized by superficial skin eruptions around hair follicles also called acne vulgaris and/or cystic acne.
Photophobia - the discomfort of the eyes to light.
Alternative names Light sensitivity; Light hurts the eyes; Sensitivity to sunlight
Photoderm - an intense light source, fired at the facial skin to reduce flushing associated with rosacea.
Pityriasis Rosea - A skin disease. Because of the similar spelling, this disease is sometimes confused with rosacea. (Note: There is no such thing as Pityriasis Rosacea.)
Plexion Cleanser - Manufactured by Medicis; combines sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur to control rosacea symptoms
Prednicarbate - emollient cream0.1% is a medium-potency steroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and itching. Also sold under the brand name(s): Dermatop®
Proactiv® Solution - combines Benzoyl Peroxide and sulfur, to treat acne.
Protopic® - (tacrolimus) Ointment Manufactured by Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc. for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis
Psorcon® - manufactured by Dermik; (diflorsone diacetate) topical high to very high potency corticosteroid, cream or ointment recommended for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. Also sold under the brand name(s): Florone®; Florone E®; Maxiflor®.
Psoriasis - a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by frequent episodes of redness, itching, and thick, dry, silvery scales on the skin.
Pruritus or pruritic – the medical word for itch.
Pulsed dye laser - used to treat various cancers as well as port wine stains and other vascular lesions.
Pustules - small, inflamed, pus-filled, blister-like lesions on the skin surface. Pustules on the skin surface are relatively common occurrences. Pustules are common in acne and are the yellowish topped small, pus-filled lesions that adolescents are notorious for picking and squeezing.
Renova® – also known as Retin-A is used to improve the appearance of the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing roughness and improving coloration. This can also be used to treat acne.
Retin-A® - whose generic name is tretinoin, is a topical Vitamin A acid.
Retinoids - a synthetic derivative of Vitamin A, which are taken orally. These drugs have been very successful in treating severe cases of ichthyosis. The two most common retinoids are Accutane (isotretinoin) and Soriatane (acetretin).
Retinol - (retinyl acetate, retinyl alcohol) is a naturally occurring form of vitamin A and is found in many fruits and vegetables with an orange, yellow, or red color.
Rhinophyma - (rye-no-feye-muh) - Nasal bumps. When rosacea is not treated, some people develop bumps on the nose. As more bumps appear, the nose looks swollen.
Alternative names Bulbous nose; Nose - bulbous
Roaccutane® - a brand of Isotretinoin, which is an alternative to oral antibiotics which is sometimes effective for severe outbreaks of papules and pustules.
Robimycin® - Oral antibiotic used to treat infections. Also sold under the brand name(s): Erthromycin®, Eryc®, E.E.S.®, E-Mycin®, Erythrocin® (Oral), Pediamycin®, Ilosone®
Robitet® -an oral antibiotic often prescribed for rosacea. Also sold under the brand name(s): Panmycin®, Tetracyn®, Tetracycline, Achromycin V®, Sumycin®
Rosacea - Pronounced rose-ay-shah. A chronic inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids; it may cause redness, vascularity (increased prominence of the blood vessels), swelling or hyperplasia (increase in size of the tissue), or skin eruptions similar to acne.
Alternative names Acne rosacea
Rosacea Cream - by Zenmed is an all natural topical treatment containing manuka and other botanical extracts, essential oils and therapeutic ingredients
Rosacea-Ltd IV™ - designed specifically for skin that is sensitive or inflamed due to rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and acne. Manufactured by Bass and Boney.
Rosecea - Common mis-spelling of rosacea
Rozex Gel® - also known as Metronidazole is used for the treatment of rosacea.
Salicylic Acid - considered a Beta Hydroxy acid. This occurs in nature in sweet birch and in wintergreen leaves. Its effects on the epidermis and upper dermis are similar to those of Retin-A, but with less irritation.
Seborrhea dermatitis - A skin condition characterized by loose, greasy or dry, white to yellowish scales, with or without associated reddened skin. Cradle cap is the term used when seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp of infants.
Alternative names Dandruff; Seborrheic eczema; Cradle cap
Seborrheic dermatitis - A skin condition characterized by loose, greasy or dry, white to yellowish scales, with or without associated reddened skin. Cradle cap is the term used when seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp of infants.
Alternative names Dandruff; Seborrheic eczema; Cradle cap
Sodium Sulamyd® - Ophthalmic antibiotic used to treat eye infections. Also sold under the brand name(s): Isopto-Cetamide®, Sulfair®, Ak-Sulf®, Ophthacet®, Sulfair Forte®, Cetamide®, Sulten-10®, sulfacetamide.
Sodium Sulfacetamide (sull-fuh-SEET-uh-mide) Lotion®– Topical antibiotic used to treat acne. Also sold under the brand name(s): Klaron
Spider veins - small enlarged superficial blood vessels that appear red or blue. They commonly occur on the legs, but frequently occur on the face or elsewhere.
Staticin® - Topical antibiotic used on the skin to treat acne. Also sold under the brand name(s): Erymax®, Erygel®, A/T/S®, Erycette®, Ery-Sol®, Erythra-Derm®, T-Stat®, Eryderm®, Erythromycin
Steroids - used to treat the symptoms of eczema, a skin condition characterized by itchy, red, scaly skin. They are also used for other inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis. They don't cure the conditions but can ease the symptoms. They work by reducing inflammation of the skin and thus easing the symptoms of itching, redness and swelling that occur with many skin conditions.
Steroid rosacea - the name given to a rosacea-like condition on the face caused by potent topical steroids. After several weeks of applying a topical steroid to the eyelids, cheeks or chin the affected area becomes red (erythematous). Small bumps (papules) and pustules appear intermittently, and may paradoxically be especially severe when the topical steroid cream is discontinued.
Steronide–(Desonide) a low to medium-potency topical anti-inflammatory corticosteroid; reduces irritation and itching on the affected areas of the skin. Also sold under the brand name(s): DesOwen® Topical; Tridesilon® Topical, Desocort®
Stratum Corneum – the outermost layer of skin. Seals moisture in the skin and acts as a barrier against foreign chemicals, bacteria etc. from penetrating the skin.
Strontium Calming Lotion – By Rosacare; manufactured maintains it will relieve facial burning, stinging, itching or redness due to environmental or chemical irritants.
Styes - An infection of oil glands in the eyelid.
Alternative name: Hordeolum
Sulfacetamide – Ophthalmic antibiotic used to treat eye infections. Also sold under the brand name(s): Isopto-Cetamide®, Sulfair®, Ak-Sulf®, Ophthacet®, Cetamide®, Sulf-10®, Sulfair Forte®, Sodium Sulamyd®, Sulten-10®
Sulf-10® - Ophthalmic antibiotic used to treat eye infections. Also sold under the brand name(s): Isopto-Cetamide®, Sulfair®, Ak-Sulf®, Ophthacet®, Cetamide®, Sulfair Forte®, Sodium Sulamyd®, Sulten-10®, sulfacetamide.
Sulfair® - Ophthalmic antibiotic used to treat eye infections. Also sold under the brand name(s): Isopto-Cetamide®, Ak-Sulf®, Ophthacet®, Cetamide®, Sulfair Forte®, Sodium Sulamyd®, Sulten-10®, sulfacetamide.
Sulfair Forte® - Ophthalmic antibiotic used to treat eye infections. Also sold under the brand name(s): Isopto-Cetamide®, Sulfair®, Ak-Sulf®, Ophthacet®, Cetamide®, Sulf-10®, Sodium Sulamyd®, Sulten-10®, sulfacetamide.
Sulten-10® - Ophthalmic antibiotic used to treat eye infections. Also sold under the brand name(s): Isopto-Cetamide®, Sulfair®, Ak-Sulf®, Ophthacet®, Cetamide®, Sulf-10®, Sulfair Forte®, Sodium Sulamyd®, sulfacetamide.
Sumycin® - an oral antibiotic often prescribed for rosacea. Also sold under the brand name(s): Panmycin®, Tetracyline, Robitet®, Achromycin V®, Tetracyn®
Synalar® - by Medicis, (fluocinolone), a topical steroid. Also sold under the brand name(s): Derma-Smoothe/FS, Fluonid, Flurosyn, FS Shampoo, Synalar-HP, Synemol
Synemol® Cream (Medicis), a topical steroid. Also sold under the brand name(s): Derma-Smoothe/FS, Fluonid, Flurosyn, FS Shampoo, Synalar, Synalar-HP
T-Stat® - Topical antibiotic used on the skin to treat acne. Also sold under the brand name(s): Erymax®, Erygel®, A/T/S®, Staticin®, Erycette®, Ery-Sol®, Erythra-Derm®, Eryderm®, Erythromycin
Tazorac – a retinoid, made from vitamin A for treatment of acne. Also known as Tazarotene
Tazarotene® – a retinoid, made from vitamin A for treatment of acne. Also known as Tazorac
Telangiectasis: (pronounced tell-an-jek-taze-yah) damaged or dilated facial blood vessels, often visible on the surface of the skin.
Temovate® - by Glaxo Welcome, (Clobetasol) a corticosteroid used to reduce itching, redness, and swelling associated with many skin conditions. Also sold under the brand name(s): Cormax®, Embeline™ E.
Tetracycline - an oral antibiotic often prescribed for rosacea. Also sold under the brand name(s): Panmycin®, Tetracyn®, Robitet®, Achromycin V®, Sumycin®
Tetracyn® - an oral antibiotic often prescribed for rosacea. Also sold under the brand name(s): Panmycin®, Tetracyline, Robitet®, Achromycin V®, Sumycin®
Topical Steroids -Topical steroids are generally used to treat
the symptoms of eczema, a skin condition characterized by itchy, red,
scaly skin. They are also used for other inflammatory skin conditions
such as psoriasis and dermatitis. They don't cure the conditions but can
ease the symptoms
Topicort LP® - by Hoechst, (Desoximetasone), a high potency
steroid
Tretinoin – the generic name for Retin-A, a topical Vitamin A acid.
Trichloroacetic acid peel – a deep chemical peel consisting of a high concentration of trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which burns, when applied.
Tridesilon® - By Bayer, (Desonide) –a low to medium-potency topical anti-inflammatory corticosteroid; reduces irritation and itching on the affected areas of the skin. Also sold under the brand name(s): DesOwen® Topical; Desocort®
Ultravate® - By Westwood Squibb), (Halobetasol Propionate) very high potency steroid.
Ultra Pulse carbon dioxide laser - produces a beam which markedly reduces the risk of injury such as burns to the skin. It has been used for laser skin resurfacing, to improve facial wrinkles, aging signs, and acne scars.
Vanicream® – moisturizer recommended for dermatitis,
eczema, and psoriasis.
Vanoxide HC® - (Dermik), benzoyl peroxide acne lotion
Vascular – of or pertaining to the blood vessels.
Vascular Constriction - anything which causes the blood vessels to shrink or constrict resulting in a less ruddy complexion. May be caused by a variety of environmental, physical or emotional factors.
Vascular Dilation – anything which causes the blood vessels to enlarge or expand resulting in flushing or pink or red skin tone. May be caused by a variety of environmental, physical or emotional factors.
Vascularity - increased prominence of blood vessels
Vibramycin® - An oral antibiotic which is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is often prescribed for rosacea. Also sold under the brand name(s): Vibra-Tabs®, Monodox®, Doxycycline®, Doryx®, Novodoxylin®
Vibra-Tabs® - An oral antibiotic which is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is often prescribed for rosacea. Also sold under the brand name(s): Vibramycin®, Monodox®, Doxycycline®, Doryx®, Novodoxylin®
Vitamin C - an anti-oxidant applied topically which is theorized to help protect cells from the damage of free radicals, molecules resulting from environmental pollution and ultra-violet light rays.
Vita-Oil - by Linda Sy, a light, rapidly absorbed oil containing esters of vitamins A, C & D.
Vytone® - Cream by Dermik, (Hydrocortisone - Iodoquino – Topical) a low-potency steroid.
Westcort® - (Westwood Squibb), Hydrocortisone, a low- potency steroid. Also sold under the brand name(s): Cetacort®, Nutracort®, Anusol-HC®, Hytone®, Cort-Dome®, Cortenema®, Cortifoam®, Cortaind®, Lanacort®, Locoid®.
Whitehead - Whiteheads are small white spots (about the size of pinheads) which are caused by collections of oil and skin in pores.
Zenmed - skin care system promotes itself to limit the inflammatory process and decrease tissue swelling through a trans-dermal delivery system which is to heal and regenerate the skin.
ZincO Cream - SPF 20 by Linda Sy, a flesh-tinted cream, containing a physical sunscreen and a protective barrier.
Zineryt® – (Erythromycin/Zinc acetate) topical antibiotic for acne
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