| lateral border of nail | The sides of the nail extending from the proximal to the free borders. Synonym: margo lateralis unguis. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| free border of nail | The distal border of the nail that overhangs the tip of the digit. Synonym: margo liber unguis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| fungal nail infection | The most common fungus infection of the nail is onychomycosis. Onychomycosis makes the nails look white and opaque, thickened, and brittle. Older women (perhaps because oestrogen deficiency may increase the risk of infection) and men and women with diabetes or disease of the small blood vessels (peripheral vacscular disease) are at increased risk. Artificial nails (acrylic or wraps ) increase the risk because when an artificial nail is applied, the nail surface is usually abraded with an emery board damaging it, emery boards can carry infection, and water can collect under the nail creating a moist, warm environment for fungal growth. Alternative names include tinea unguium and ringworm of the nails. (12 Dec 1998) |
| 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) |
| galvanic skin reaction | A change in electrical resistance of the skin, occurring in emotion and in certain other conditions. (12 Dec 1998) |
| galvanic skin reflex | A change in electrical resistance of the skin, occurring in emotion and in certain other conditions. (12 Dec 1998) |
| galvanic skin response | A change in electrical resistance of the skin, occurring in emotion and in certain other conditions. (12 Dec 1998) |