Medical Terminology Simplified

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