Abbreviations
This section introduces abbreviations related to the integumentary system and their meanings.
84 CHAPTER 3• Integumentary System
Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning
AIDS acquired immune deficiency Dx diagnosis
syndrome
BCC basal cell carcinoma FH incision and drainage
Bx, bx biopsy I&D incision and drainage; irrigation
and débridement
Derm dermatology PE physical examination; pulmonary
embolism; pressure-equilizing
tube
Additional Medical Terms
The following terms are additional terms related to the integumentary system. Recognizing and learning these terms
will help you understand the connection between common signs, symptoms, and diseases and their diagnoses, as well
as the rationale behind methods of treatment selected for a particular disorder.
Diseases and Conditions
Scraping, or rubbing away of a surface, such as skin, by friction
Abrasion may be the result of trauma, such as a skinned knee; therapy, as in dermabra-
sion of the skin to remove scar tissue; or normal function, such as wearing down of a
tooth by mastication.
Localized collection of pus at the site of an infection (characteristically, a staphylo-
coccal infection)
An abscess can occur in any body part. Treatment includes oral antibiotics and I&D to
drain the purulent material. (See Fig. 3–6.)
Abscess that originates in a hair follicle; also called boil
Cluster of furuncles in the subcutaneous tissue
Large furuncles with connecting channels to the skin surface form a carbuncle.
Inflammatory disease of sebaceous follicles of the skin, marked by comedos (black-
heads), papules, and pustules
Acne is especially common in puberty and adolescence. It usually affects the face, chest,
back, and shoulders. (See Fig. 3–7.)
abscess
ĂB-sĕs
furuncle
FŪ-rŭng-kl
carbuncle
KĂR-bŭng-kl
abrasion
ă-BRĀ-zhŭn
acne
ĂK-nē