Glossary of terms
16 results found begining with a
Ablation
(Adj: Ablative) Removal of the outermost layer of any biological tissue. The term is mostly used in reference to skin ablation (also called dermabrasion). Skin ablation is carried out by lasers or chemicals. The process helps in the removal of defects in the outermost skin tissues, such as spots and wrinkles. Ablation of brain tissues helps to remove neurological disorders.
Actinic Keratosis
Also called senile or solar keratosis. It is a common precancerous skin lesion. It occurs on sun-damaged skin of the face, forearms, hands and neck. Mostly, actinic keratosis begins between the age of 30 and 40. The problem aggravates with age. Exposure to the sun and the skin type contributes to their development.
Adipocytes
Also called lipocytes or fat cells. Adipocytes are body cells that compose adipose tissue. These tissues have the tendency to store energy as fat. Adipocytes are of two types - brown cells and white cells. The human body sets adipocytes levels between childhood and adolescence. About 10% of the fat cells are renewed every year to maintain the body mass index.
Adipose Tissue
Adipose tissue is a loose composition of adipocytes cells. In common language, adipose tissue is known as fat or body fat. The primary function of the tissue is to store energy as fat cells. It forms a layer of tissues beneath the skin to provide cushioning and also insulate against temperature changes.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy which deals in the creation and appreciation of beauty. In the medicinal field, the processes to improve the appearance or beauty of skin are called aesthetic procedures.
AHAs
Alpha Hydroxy Acids, or AHAs, are added to anti-aging and skin care products. They remove wrinkles, improve skin texture and cleanse pores.
Alopecia
Also known as Alopecia areata (AA). It is a condition where humans suffer the loss of hair in specific areas (usually the scalp) or all over the body. In common language, it is called baldness.
Antihistamines
These are anti-allergic drugs frequently used to cure hay fever. They combat histamine release during an allergy by blocking the influence of histamine on the tissue. They cause sleepiness and mouth dryness. Occasionally, antihistamines have side effects such as urine retention and fast heartbeat.
Antioxidant
A substance that reduces damage caused by the oxidation process (when oxygen burns to form free radicals). Oxidation is responsible for visible signs of ageing on the skin. Most common antioxidants are Pomegranate, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Garlic, Grape Seed and Green Tea.
Apraclonidine
This substance is used in ophthalmic drops to reduce excessive pressure in the eyes. It helps to control eye pressure during an eye surgery. Its trade name is Iopidine.
Areola
1. Dark brownish circular area of skin around the nipple of the breast. 2. Small circular colored part of the iris surrounding the pupil of the eye.
Arnica
A medicine used to cure swelling, soreness, sprains and bruises. It has been used in Europe for centuries. Medicine companies prepare different formulations of the Arnica tincture.
Ascorbic Acid
Chemical name for Vitamin C. It is an essential nutrient found in vegetables and fruits. Vitamin C intake helps to strengthen bone structure and maintain healthy skin.
Atopic Dermatitis
A type of dermatitis or Eczema. It is a skin infection marked by inflammation, intense itching and xerosis. It occurs chiefly in individuals with a family history of atopy.
Atrophy
Wasting away or shrinkage of body tissues. For example, muscle atrophy is a decrease in the muscle mass. Optic nerve atrophy may cause vision defects. Lipoatrophy is the loss of essential fat stored under the skin which causes indentations in cheeks.
Axillae
Plural for Axilla. It is the cavity where the arm and shoulder joins. Better known as armpit.
