Glossary "B"

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BAY sal CAR sih NO muh):
Malignant neoplasm that arises from the basal cells. Most often caused by ultraviolet radiation.

BASEMENT MEMBRANE ZONE:
The intersection of the epidermis and dermis. Compound of over 50 different proteins and glycoproteins that act as glue to bind the epidermis and dermis together.

BENZOYL PEROXIDE (BEN zoil pur ROKS ide):
A topical treatment for acne. Benzoyl peroxide is antibacterial, comedolytic, and keratolytic.

BID (Abbreviation from the Latin):
Twice a day.

BIOCHEMISTRY:
The study of the chemical substances and processes in living organisms.

BIOPSY (BY op see):
The removal of tissue for study and diagnosis, usually under a microscope.

BIOPSY PUNCH:
A circular instrument with a sharp cutting edge and a handle. Used in the biopsy technique called punch biopsy.

BLACKHEAD:
Also known as an open comedone; the sine qua non of acne, a collection of sebum and keratin in persons with acne that plugs the opening of the pilosebaceous unit (pore) and looks like dirt.

BLEPHARITIS (BLEF ah RYE tis):
Inflammation of the eyelids.

BLUSH/BLUSHING:
A bright red appearance of the face and chest produced by intermittent dilatation of the small blood vessels of skin caused by emotional stimulation, i.e., embarrassment.

BULLA (BULL ah), singular; plural, bullae (BULL ee):
A blister filled with clear fluid and larger than a pea. (A blister smaller than a pea is called a vesicle.) Bullae can be provoked by physical or chemical damage, infection, or immunologic responses.

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