Medical Terminology Simplified

Fungal infection whose name commonly indicates the body part affected; also called

ringworm

Examples of tinea include tinea barbae (beard), tinea corporis (body), tinea pedis (ath-

lete’s foot), tinea versicolor (skin), and tinea cruris (jock itch).

Lesion of the skin or mucous membranes marked by inflammation, necrosis, and

sloughing of damaged tissues

Ulcers may be the result of trauma, caustic chemicals, intense heat or cold, arterial or ve-

nous stasis, cancers, drugs, and infectious agents.

Skin ulceration caused by prolonged pressure, usually in a person who is bedridden;

also known as decubitus ulcer or bedsore (See Fig. 3–12.)

Pressure ulcers are most commonly found in skin overlying a bony projection, such as the

hip, ankle, heel, shoulder, and elbow.

Allergic reaction of the skin characterized by eruption of pale red elevated patches

that are intensely itchy; also called wheals or hives

Rounded epidermal growths caused by a virus; also called wart

Types of warts include plantar warts, juvenile warts, and venereal warts. Warts may be

removed by cryosurgery, electrocautery, or acids; however, they may regrow if the virus

remains in the skin.

Localized loss of skin pigmentation characterized by milk-white patches; also called

leukoderma (See Fig. 3–13.)

Additional Medical Terms • CHAPTER 3 89

Figure 3-12 Pressure ulcer. (A)Deep pressure ulcer over a bony prominence in a bedridden
patient. (B)Common sites of pressure ulcers. From Goldsmith, Lazarus, and Tharp: Adult and
Pediatric Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment. F. A. Davis, Philadelphia,
1997, p 445, with permission.

tinea

TĬN-ē-ă

ulcer

ŬL-sĕr

pressure ulcer

urticaria

ŭr-tĭ-KĀ-rē-ă

verruca

vĕ-ROO-kă

vitiligo

vĭt-ĭl-Ī-gō