Print pageGlossary
Psoriasis is a complex disease, which means that sooner or later, as you explore the condition and ways to treat it, you're likely to come across terms you're unfamiliar with. Be sure to bookmark this glossary to keep it handy while you conduct your on- or off-line research.
A
AAD: The abbreviation for the American Academy of Dermatology, a dermatology professional association.
Acitretin: The generic name for the prescription brand Soriatane®. A synthetic derivative of vitamin A that is taken orally. It is indicated for severe psoriasis in adults.
Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting needles at specific points on the body to help treat pain and illness. It is one of the alternative therapies sometimes used to treat psoriasis.
Aerobic exercise: Brisk exercise that promotes the circulation of oxygen through the blood. Examples include running, swimming, and biking.
Aloe: A fluid, usually in gel form, that is derived from the aloe plant.
Alternative medicine: Any system of medical diagnosis and treatment that is different from the conventional Western approach (use of drugs or surgery).
Anthralin: A prescription drug that is used topically in the treatment of psoriasis. When used in combination with UV light and coal tar, it is known as the Ingram method.
Ayurvedic medicine: India's traditional, natural system of medicine that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. Based on the theory that all disease begins with an imbalance or stress in the individual's consciousness, lifestyle interventions and natural therapies are used to prevent and treat illness.
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The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
B
Bacteria (plural of bacterium): Any of numerous unicellular microorganisms.
Biofeedback: A relaxation process in which people are taught to control some body functions such as blood pressure or heart rate, which are usually considered involuntary.
Biologic medicines: Biologics are made from living organisms and work on specific cells or proteins of the immune system. Because these types of biologics suppress the immune system, they may reduce the ability to fight infections.
Biopsy: The removal of a small piece of body tissue for examination under a microscope.
Broadband light therapy: The type of light therapy available at some dermatologists' offices for the treatment of psoriasis. As the name suggests, it offers a broad range of UVB light (280 to 315 nm).
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
C
Calcipotriene: (Dovonex®): The generic name for the prescription brand Dovonex®, a synthetic form of vitamin D3, used topically to treat plaque psoriasis.
Chronic condition: A condition that is marked by long duration or frequent recurrence.
Coal tar: Tar derived from coal applied to the skin to treat psoriasis. Can be used in the Goeckerman regimen with UVB light therapy.
Corticosteroid: A hormone similar to that produced by the adrenal glands that is used to treat psoriasis.
Cyclosporine: The generic name for the prescription brands Neoral® and Sandimmune®. A medication originally developed to prevent the immune system from rejecting transplanted organs, which has also proved helpful in treating psoriasis.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
D
Dermatologist: A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the skin, hair and nails.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
E
Erythrodermic psoriasis: This form of psoriasis can cover the entire body. The skin appears bright red with extensive fine scaling. It can be quite painful and severe itching may also be present. Because symptoms are so widespread over the body, this form can be extremely serious.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
G
Gene: A unit of inheritance that contains the instructions, or code, that a cell uses to make a specific product, usually a protein. Genes are made of a substance called DNA. They govern every body function and determine inherited traits passed from parent to child.
Genetics: The study of how diseases, conditions, and traits are inherited and affected by genes.
Guttate psoriasis: Appears as small, reddish dots. Typically seen on the upper body, legs, and arms, but it can occur on any area. This type of psoriasis commonly appears in adolescence. It often occurs suddenly and sometimes in response to a respiratory infection such as a streptococcal infection ("strep throat").
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
H
Heredity: The transmission of traits from one generation to the next.
Homeopathy: A practice of administering tiny doses of a substance that would ordinarily cause certain symptoms in order to help prevent the same symptoms.
Hydrate: To supply with ample fluid or moisture.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
I
Immune response: The reaction of the immune system to foreign substances.
Immune system: An intricate network of specialized cells and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses.
Immunosuppressive drug: A medication that depresses or halts immune system activity.
Infection: The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body.
Inflammation: The protective response of the body to injury, marked by four signs: swelling, redness, heat, and pain.
Inverse psoriasis: Appears in the folds of the skin as smooth, red lesions without the scale found in plaque psoriasis. May appear in the genital area as well as under the breasts and in the armpits.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
K
Keratin: Any of a group of proteins that form the basic components of the skin, hair, and nails.
Keratinocytes: The cells in the epidermis that manufacture the fibrous protein called keratin.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
L
Lesion: An abnormal change, usually well defined, in the structure of an organ or part of the body; caused by injury or disease.
Ligament: A tough band of tissue that connects various structures, such as two bones.
Lubricate: To make smooth or slippery.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
M
Massage: The therapeutic practice of manipulating the muscles and limbs to ease tension and reduce pain.
Meditation: A typically self-directed practice for relaxing the body and calming the mind.
Methotrexate: Prescription drug used to treat inflammatory diseases, including severe psoriasis.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
N
Narrow-band UVB: Ultraviolet light in an optimal wavelength of 311 nm. Used to treat psoriasis.
National Psoriasis Foundation: A nonprofit organization committed to educating and empowering people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Neuropeptides: A type of molecule found in nerve tissue (eg, endorphins).
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
O
Occlusion: In psoriasis, covering an area of skin to which topical treatment has been applied.
Oral: Relating to the mouth.
Oral medication: Medication taken by mouth.
Over-the-counter (OTC): Nonprescription medication.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
P
Palmoplantar psoriasis: Lesions localized to the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Typically seen as plaque or pustular psoriasis.
Petroleum jelly: An odorless, tasteless substance obtained from petroleum and used especially in ointments and dressings.
Photosensitivity: Increased sensitivity to the sun's light or other UV sources.
Phototherapy: The use of natural or artificial UV light to treat disease.
Plaque psoriasis: Also known as psoriasis vulgaris, the most common form of psoriasis. It typically appears as dry, slightly elevated, red patches, known as plaques, that are covered with a layer of silvery while scale.
Plaque psoriasis of the scalp: Affects at least half of all people who have psoriasis. Lesions appear on the scalp and may spread to the ears, forehead, and the back of the neck. Hair loss may occur. It can occur without skin changes on the rest of the body.
Plaques: Patches of thickened and reddened skin covered by silvery scales.
Psoralen: A photosensitizing prescription drug used in combination with UVA to treat psoriasis (also known as PUVA therapy).
Psoriasis: A chronic disease of the immune system which ultimately causes skin cells to reproduce faster than normal and pile up on the skin's surface.
Psoriasis vulgaris: See plaque psoriasis.
Psoriatic arthritis: People with psoriatic arthritis may experience inflammation, and swelling in and around the joints commonly affecting the hands, feet, wrists, ankles, knees, and lower back. Patients may also have skin symptoms similar to those of plaque psoriasis.
Pus: Thick, opaque, usually yellowish-white fluid made up of parts of dead tissue, dead bacteria, and white blood cells.
Pustular psoriasis: Appears as small, white, fluid-filled blisters (pustules) surrounded by swollen, reddish skin. It may be localized on the palms and soles of the feet. However, pustular psoriasis can cover the entire body and results in fever, fluid imbalances, and infection.
Pustule: A small, circumscribed elevation of the skin containing pus and having an inflamed base.
PUVA: Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (UVA) is a treatment that combines exposure to UVA light with a medicine called psoralen. Psoralen heightens photosensitivity and increases the response to UVA.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
R
Remission: Disappearance of the signs and symptoms of a disease.
Retinoids: Prescription vitamin A derivatives often used in topical or oral psoriasis therapy.
Rheumatologist: A medical doctor specializing in the treatment of arthritis and related diseases.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
S
Salicylic acid: An acid obtained from the bark of the white willow and wintergreen leaves. Prepared synthetically, it is used as a topical keratolytic to treat a variety of skin disorders.
Scale: A thin, compacted, flaky fragment of skin.
Skin biopsy: Taking a small piece of skin to be examined under a microscope. This procedure is usually performed with the aid of a local anesthetic, and helps a dermatologist diagnose the type of skin disorder a patient has.
Skin thinning: A condition in which the skin atrophies due to any variety of causes, including long-term use of topical steroids.
Soriatane®: See acitretin.
Steroid: See corticosteroid.
Strep throat: A type of bacterial infection (a type of streptococcal bacteria) of the throat that may trigger the onset of psoriasis, usually in a form called guttate psoriasis.
Systemic: Affecting the entire body.
Systemic treatment: A treatment, such as a pill or an injection, that affects cells by getting into the blood circulation.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
T
Tai Chi: Originating in China, a system of postures linked by elegant and graceful movements whose purpose is to balance yin and yang, creating inner and outer harmony.
Tars: Substances derived from coal or wood. Coal tar is used to treat psoriasis in forms that include coal tar shampoos, topical creams, and ointments.
Tazarotene: The generic name for the prescription brand vitamin A topical drug Tazorac®, used for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.
T cell: A type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system that normally helps protect the body against infection and disease.
Tendon: The soft tissue by which muscle attaches to bone.
Topical agent: A treatment such as a cream, salve, or ointment that is applied to the surface of the skin.
Toxicity: State of being poisonous.
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF): One of the cytokines, or messengers, known to be fundamental to the disease process that underlies psoriasis. It often plays a key role in the onset and continuation of inflammation in skin and other organs of the body.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
U
Ultraviolet (UV) light: Electromagnetic rays with wavelengths between 200-400 nm. It is classified into three categories according to wavelength: UVC, UVB, and UVA. Ultraviolet light can also be simulated using light panels and light boxes. This is a treatment for psoriasis.
UVB phototherapy: Treatment involving measured doses of UV light in the UVB wavelength. Two types are broadband UVB, and narrow-band UVB. UVB has been used to treat psoriasis.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
V
Virus: A microorganism that is smaller than a bacterium and that cannot grow or reproduce apart from a living cell.
Visualization: A technique thought to aid in self-relaxation and stress reduction that uses the ability to imagine oneself in a calmer, less stressful situation. In some cases, this can include picturing oneself in a symptom-free state.
Vitamin A: Derivatives of this vitamin, called retinoids, are used in their oral and topical forms to treat psoriasis.
Vitamin D3: A derivative of Vitamin D3 used to treat psoriasis.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
W, X, Y
White blood cell: A blood cell within the immune system that helps the body fight infections and other diseases.
Yoga: A program of stretching and relaxation that can help reduce stress.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by Amgen or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the producers of this website.
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