Glossary "D"

DANDRUFF:
Common cosmetic condition characterized by excessive scaling of the scalp without inflammation.

DEMODEX FOLLICULORUM (DEM oh dex fo LIK you LOH rum):
A mite that researchers speculate may play a role in the pathogenesis of rosacea.

DERMABRASION (DUR muh BRAY zhun):
Surgical technique used to improve acne scarring. A sander-like implement is used to resurface the skin.

DERMAL PAPILLA (DUR mal pah PIL ah):
Singular; plural papillae (PAHPILL lee) Projection from the dermis which extends upward into the epidermis. Helps anchor the epidermis and dermis.

DERMATITIS (DUR muh TIE tis):
Inflammation of the skin.

DERMATOLOGY (DUR muh TOL oh jee):
The study of the skin, its structures, functions, and diseases.

DERMATOLOGIST (DUR muh TOL oh jist):
A physician who specializes in dermatology.

DERMATOPATHOLOGY (DUR muh TOH path OL oh jee):
The science that studies the causes and nature of dermatologic disease.

DERMATOSIS (DUR muh TOH sis) singular; plural, dermatoses (DUR muh TOH sez):
Non-specific term used to denote any skin disease.

DERMIS (DUR miss):
The tough, elastic second layer of the skin. Provides a flexible support structure and encloses blood vessels, nerves, and skin appendages.

DESQUAMATION (DEZ kwa MAY shun):
The sloughing of dead corneocytes from the stratum corneum. The final stage in the ongoing cycle of skin cell birth, maturation, and death.

DEWAR FLASK (de WAR):
Silver-lined vacuum flask designed to safely hold extremely cold liquids without excessive evaporation.

DIAPER DERMATITIS:
Diaper rash. A red, scaly rash under the diapers most commonly due to irritation from urine and feces.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS:
The process physicians use to make a diagnosis. In differential diagnosis the diseases that share the patient’s symptoms are systematically compared and contrasted with the clinical findings until an accurate diagnosis is reached.

DILATION (die LAY shun):
Enlargement of a cavity, canal, blood vessel, or opening.

DISCOID LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS:
A mild form of lupus that usually only affects the skin and one of the most common sites is the entrance to the ear canal.

DOUBLE-BLIND:
A clinical study design in which neither the investigators nor the subjects know what the medications being tested are. Sealed codes identify which products have been used on which patients, and products are placed in identical containers to further hide product identity.

DRAINING SINUS:
An elongated, serious acne lesion that tunnels through the skin.

DRUG REACTION:
Any adverse reaction to a medication whether it be allergic in nature, i.e., hives, difficulty breathing, total body skin rash or a non-allergic side effect, i.e., yeast vaginitis, upset stomach, etc.

DYSCRASIA (dis KRAY zee ah):
Any abnormal or pathologic condition of the blood.

DYSTROPHY (dis TRO fe):
A condition in which there has been a malformation through an error, possibly, in nutrition.

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