| autoerythrocyte sensitization | See: autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome | <syndrome> A condition, usually occurring in women, in which the individual bruises easily (purpura simplex) and the ecchymoses tend to enlarge and involve adjacent tissues, resulting in pain in the affected parts; so-called because similar lesions are produced by inoculation of the individual's blood or various components of red blood cells and it is thought to be a form of localised autosensitization, although no specific antibodies have been demonstrable; in some individuals, there seems to be a psychogenic mechanism. Synonym: Gardner-Diamond syndrome, psychogenic purpura. (05 Mar 2000) |
| repression-sensitization | Defense mechanisms involving approach and avoidance responses to threatening stimuli. The sensitizing process involves intellectualization in approaching or controlling the stimulus whereas repression involves unconscious denial in avoiding the stimulus. (12 Dec 1998) |
| photodynamic sensitization | The action by which certain substances, notably fluorescing dyes (acridine, eosin, methylene blue, rose bengal) absorb visible light and emit the energy at wavelengths that are deleterious to microbes or other organisms in the dye-containing suspension, or selectively destroy cancer cells sensitised by intravenous porphyrin and exposed to red laser light. Synonym: photosensitization. (05 Mar 2000) |
| covert sensitization | Aversive conditioning or training to rid onself of an unwanted behaviour during which the patient is taught to imagine unpleasant and related aversive consequences while engaging in the unwanted habit. (05 Mar 2000) |
| sensitization | Immunization, especially with reference to antigens (immunogens) not associated with infection; the induction of acquired sensitivity or of allergy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| abscess, skin | Medical term for a common boil. (12 Dec 1998) |
| allergy skin test | Test done on the skin to identify the allergy substance (allergen) triggering the allergic reaction. A small amount of the suspected allergy substance is placed on the skin. The skin is then gently scratched through the small drop with a special sterile needle. If the skin reddens and, more importantly, swells, then allergy to that substance is probable. (12 Dec 1998) |
| alligator skin | <dermatology> A group of cutaneous disorders characterised by increased or aberrant keratinisation, resulting in noninflammatory scaling of the skin. Many different metaphors have been used to describe the appearance and texture of the skin in the various types and stages of ichthyosis, for example alligator, collodion, crocodile, fish and porcupine skin. most ichthyoses are genetically determined, while some may be acquired and develop in association with various systemic diseases or be a prominent feature in certain genetic syndromes. The term is commonly used alone to refer to i. Vulgaris. (18 Nov 1997) |
| appendages of skin | The hairs, nails, and sweat, sebaceous, and mammary glands. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aspergillus antigen skin test | <investigation> An antigen, prepared from aspergillus, is injected into the skin. In 48 to 72 hours the site is read as positive or negative. A positive skin test (inflammation at the test site) indicates prior exposure to aspergillus and therefore a risk for developing aspergillosis. (27 Sep 1997) |
| bronzed skin | The dark skin in Addison's disease. (05 Mar 2000) |
| calipers, skin | Calipers are instruments used to measure the diameter of an object. (The word calipers is a corruption of caliber ). The skin fold thickness in several parts of the body can be measured with calipers, a metal or plastic tool similar to a compass. This is done in medicine and physical anthropology. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cancer, skin | Cancer of the outer surface of the body. The most common cancer in the U.S. There are many types of skin cancer. Ultraviolet light from sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer. Unexplained changes in the appearance of the skin, lasting longer than 2 weeks, should be evaluated by a doctor. The cure rate for skin cancer could be 100% if all skin cancers were brought to a doctor's attention before they had a chance to spread. (12 Dec 1998) |
| carcinoma, skin appendage | A malignant tumour of the skin appendages, which include the hair, nails, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and the mammary glands. (12 Dec 1998) |