Glossary

We’ve created this glossary as a constant companion to your researches online and off—including psoriasisconnect.com. Bookmark this page now to have the explanations you need right there when you need them.

A

AAD:
The abbreviation for the American Academy of Dermatology.

Accutane^® (isotretinoin):
A synthetic derivative of vitamin A that is taken orally. It is indicated for severe recalcitrant nodular acne. Though not FDA approved for psoriasis, this medication has been used for psoriasis, particularly in its pustular form.

Acitretin (Soriatane^®):
A synthetic derivative of vitamin A that is taken orally. It is indicated for severe psoriasis.

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.

Aloe:
A moisturizer, 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.

Anthralin:
A substance that is used topically in the treatment of psoriasis. It is often used in combination with UV light.

Antibody:
Any of a large number of proteins, also called an immunoglobulin, which is produced in response to a specific antigen; part of the body’s disease-fighting mechanism.

Antigen:
A substance, usually a protein, which causes the formation of an antibody.

Apoptosis:
Orderly cell death that is programmed by the body.

Arachidonic acid:
A fatty acid found in high concentrations in the skin of people with psoriasis, suggesting that it could be one of the factors that contributes to inflammation and cell proliferation.

Autoimmune disease:
A disease in which autoantibodies or lymphocytes attack other molecules, cells, or tissues within the body; the body launches an immune response against its own tissue. Psoriasis is widely believed to be an autoimmune disease, as is psoriatic arthritis.

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B

Bacteria (plural of bacterium):
Any of numerous unicellular microorganisms.

Bacterial toxin:
A poisonous substance produced by a bacterium.

Basal cell carcinoma:
The most common form of skin cancer. Commonly associated with overexposure of the skin to ultraviolet light, and/or other contributing factors.

Basal cell layer:
The lowest layer of the epidermis, where skin cells develop.

Beta-blockers:
Medications that are commonly prescribed for lowering blood pressure, relieving angina, or treating congestive heart failure. These drugs are thought to trigger or aggravate psoriasis in some people.

Biofeedback:
A relaxation technique in which people are taught to control some body functions such as blood pressure or heart rate, which are usually considered involuntary.

Biologic therapies:
Medical preparations derived from living organisms. In psoriasis, this category of pharmaceuticals may target the immune system.

Biopsy:
The removal of a small piece of body tissue for examination under a microscope.

Bitumen:
A form of natural tar which may be used to treat psoriasis.

Broadband light therapy:
The type of light therapy available at many dermatologists’ offices for the treatment of psoriasis. As the name suggests, it offers a broad range of UVB light (280 nm to 315 nm). Another form of UVB therapy also available from dermatologists emits a narrower band in the upper range of UVB light (311 nm to 313 nm), which has been proven more effective than broadband.

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C

Calcipotriene:
(Dovonex^®): A synthetic form of vitamin D₃, used topically to treat plaque psoriasis.

Cataract:
Clouding of the lens of the eye, which leads to vision loss. Patients receiving PUVA treatment must be especially careful to protect their eyes during and immediately after treatments.

Chromosome:
One of the threadlike proteins in the nucleus of a cell that transmits genetic information and that can pass along traits from one generation to subsequent ones.

Chronic:
A condition that is marked by long duration or frequent recurrence.

Cirrhosis:
A disease characterized by the buildup of scar tissue and nodules in the liver that interfere with its function.

Clobetasol propionate:
Corticosteroid applied topically for relief of inflammation and itching.

Coal tar:
Tar distilled from bituminous coal applied to the skin to treat psoriasis. Often used with UV light therapy.

Collagen:
The fibrous protein that makes up skin, cartilage, bone, and other connective tissue in the human body.

Corticosteroid:
A synthetic hormone similar to that produced naturally by the adrenal glands that is available in pill, topical, and injectable forms.

Cyclosporine:
A medication originally developed to prevent the immune system from rejecting transplanted organs, which has also proved helpful in treating psoriasis. The brand names are Neoral^® and Sandimmune^®.

Cytokines:
Proteins secreted by various types of cells and involved in cell-to-cell communication.

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D

Dead Sea:
An inland body of water in Israel that has been known for centuries for its beneficial effects on disease, including psoriasis.

Denial:
A defense mechanism in which the existence of unpleasant realities is kept out of conscious awareness.

Depression:
Persistent feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, despair, and, in some cases, thoughts of suicide.

Dermatologist:
A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes.

Dermis:
The layer of skin that is just below the epidermis.

Desensitization:
The process of rendering an individual insensitive to physical or emotional stimuli.

Disability:
A physical or psychological impairment that affects a person’s ability to perform everyday functions.

Distal interphalangeal joints:
The small joints of the fingers closest to the nails.

DNA:
The abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, which carries genetic information in cells.

Dovonex^® (calcipotriene):
A synthetic form of vitamin D₃, used topically to treat plaque psoriasis.

Durable medical equipment:
A term for medical apparatuses that may appear in certain health insurance policies. In the case of psoriasis, for instance, some policies may classify phototherapy equipment for home use in this category.

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E

Eczema:
An inflammatory disease of the skin, characterized by oozing, crusting, and/or scaling. There is also an eczema-type psoriasis, which is most common on the hands and feet and is characterized by itchiness, inflammation, and painful cracks in the skin.

Emollient:
An agent that holds moisture in the skin, and by doing so softens or soothes it.

Empathy:
The ability to recognize and share the emotions of another person.

Endorphins:
A group of proteins released by the brain, often in response to stress or exercise, that reduce the perception of pain.

Epidermis:
The superficial layers of the skin, consisting of an outer, dead layer and a deeper, living, cellular zone.

Eruptions:
Lesions on the skin that are usually red, raised, and easily visible.

Erythrodermic psoriasis (see also exfoliative psoriasis):
The least common form of psoriasis in which the skin of almost the entire body becomes red and fiery, and may cause difficulty regulating the body’s temperature and heart rate. People with this type of psoriasis may require hospitalization.

Exfoliative psoriasis (see also erythrodermic psoriasis):
The least common form of psoriasis in which the skin of almost the entire body becomes red and fiery, and may cause difficulty regulating the body’s temperature and heart rate. People with this type of psoriasis may require hospitalization.

Exotoxin:
A poison released from a living microorganism.

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F

FDA:
Food and Drug Administration. One of its responsibilities includes making sure drugs are safe and efficacious before being cleared for sale to the public.

Fish oils:
Oils derived from fish that are rich in omega-3, a polyunsaturated fat often missing from many people’s diets.

Flexural psoriasis (also known as inverse psoriasis):
Psoriasis that occurs in the skin folds, such as the underarm or groin area, that can cause significant discomfort when one part of the skin rubs against another. When this occurs in the genital area, it can cause difficulty with sexual activities.

Focus meditation:
Engaging in extended thought or contemplation; a method for reducing stress.

Folklore:
A body of popular but unsubstantiated or false beliefs.

Food supplements:
Substances added to the diet with supposed health benefits.

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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.

Gene therapy:
The injection of healthy genes into the bloodstream for the purpose of curing a hereditary disease.

Genetics:
The study of how diseases, conditions, and traits are inherited.

Goeckerman regimen:
A psoriasis treatment consisting of crude coal tar together with UVB phototherapy, usually administered in a hospital or a psoriasis clinic.

Gold:
This is a precious metal that can also be in drug form: either oral or injectable. It is sometimes used in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. Careful monitoring is required.

Guided imagery:
A way to reduce stress by focusing on suggested mental visualizations.

Guttate psoriasis:
A type of psoriasis characterized by drop-like lesions on the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Symptoms may be triggered by viral respiratory infections or certain bacterial (streptococcal) infections.

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H

Hand/foot therapy:
A treatment for psoriasis that uses specialized ultraviolet light units on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Herbalism:
The practice of using medicinal herbs to treat disease.

Heredity:
The transmission of traits from one generation to the next.

HLA:
Human leukocyte antigen, one of four genetic markers used to assess tissue compatibility.

HMO:
Health maintenance organization, providing people with financial alternatives to fee-for-service health care.

Holistic medicine:
Natural healing directed at an individual’s physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.

Homeopathy:
A medical practice that activates one’s own healing process by using tiny doses of substances in order to stimulate the body’s natural defenses.

Home phototherapy:
The therapeutic use of an ultraviolet light source in the home, as prescribed by a doctor.

Hormone:
A chemical substance that the body produces to regulate the activity of organs(s) or tissue(s).

Hydroxyurea:
One of the older anti-cancer drugs that is sometimes used in the treatment of psoriasis. When combined with acitretin, it can become more effective. Either in combination or alone, its use requires careful blood monitoring.

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I

Idiosyncrasy:
In terms of medications: an individual’s unique reaction to a particular drug.

IL-2 fusion toxins:
Toxins that selectively bind to activated T cells and destroy them.

Immune deficiency:
The body’s inability to maintain an intact immune system.

Immune response:
The reactions 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.

Immunologic:
Pertaining to the immune system.

Immunomodulator:
A substance that alters the body’s immune response.

Inflammation:
The protective response of the body’s tissue to irritation or injury, marked by four signs—swelling, redness, heat, and pain.

Interferons:
Proteins formed when cells are exposed to a virus or another particle of nucleic acid. Interferons can be used therapeutically for certain diseases such as psoriasis.

Intergluteal:
Between the buttocks.

Interleukins:
A group of cytokines produced mainly by T cells that direct other cells to divide and proliferate.

Inverse psoriasis (also known as flexural psoriasis):
Psoriasis that occurs in the skin folds such as the underarm or groin area, which can cause significant discomfort when one part of the skin rubs against another. When this occurs in the genital area, it can cause difficulty with sexual activities.

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K

Keratin:
Any of a family of proteins that form the primary chemical components of the skin, hair, and nails.

Keratinocytes:
The cells in the epidermis that manufacture the fibrous protein keratin.

Keratolytic:
A substance that promotes the softening and peeling of the epidermis.

Keys (disabling):
Special keys designed to prevent unauthorized use of home ultraviolet light units.

Koebner's phenomenon:
Psoriasis that develops at an injury site.

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L

LCD:
Liquor carbonis detergent, a tar preparation used to treat psoriasis.

Lesion:
An abnormal change, usually well defined, in the structure of an organ or part of the body; caused by injury or disease.

Lithium:
A substance used in the treatment of bipolar disorder that may possibly trigger or aggravate psoriasis.

Liver biopsy:
Taking a tiny specimen of liver for microscopic study by inserting a needle.

Liver dysfunction:
A condition in which the liver does not work normally.

Lymphocytes:
Cells of the body that form the basis of an individual’s immune system.

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M

Maintenance program:
A treatment program that is initiated to keep a disease in remission after an intensive course of therapy.

Malignant melanoma:
A potentially fatal form of skin cancer. Psoriasis patients receiving PUVA should be carefully screened for this, even after they’ve finished their therapy; usually treatable when detected early.

Methotrexate:
One of the oldest chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer; used in the treatment of psoriasis.

Milk thistle:
An herbal medicine believed to improve liver function.

Modified Goeckerman regimen:
An outpatient treatment that employs less tar or ointment than the standard Goeckerman regimen. (See Goeckerman regimen.)

Mohs' chemosurgery:
A technique for the removal of skin cancers by which the cancers could be excised under complete microscopic control.

Monoclonal antibody:
An antibody produced in a laboratory from a single clone that recognizes only one antigen.

Multifactoral:
Resulting from multiple factors interacting together.

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N

Narcissistic:
Being overly focused on one’s appearance.

Narrow-band UVB:
Ultraviolet light in a narrow band of 311 nm to 313 nm, thought to be faster acting, and possibly safer than other UV light treatments.

Naturopathy:
A form of therapy based on the belief that all disease is caused by excess toxins in the body.

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O

Occlusion:
Covering an area of skin to which topical treatment has been applied, usually with plastic wrap.

Opaque:
Blocking the passage of light.

Oral:
Relating to the mouth.

Oral medication:
Medication taken by mouth.

Oral tolerization:
A treatment in which a foreign protein is ingested in an attempt to develop a tolerance to it.

Over-the-counter (OTC):
Nonprescription medication.

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P

Palmar plantar psoriasis:
A form of psoriasis that is characterized by pustules on the palms and soles of the feet.

PASI score:
Psoriasis Area Severity Index score, a number representing the size, redness, thickness, and scaliness of a person’s psoriasis.

Photochemotherapy:
The addition of drugs to light therapy in order to intensify its effects.

Photosensitivity:
Increased sensitivity to the sun’s light or other UV sources.

Phototherapy:
The use of natural or artificial UV light to treat disease.

Placebo effect:
The positive reaction to a pharmacologically inactive or neutral substance by a recipient who believes it will work.

Plaque psoriasis:
The most common form of psoriasis, also known as psoriasis vulgaris, recognized by red, raised lesions covered by silvery scales. About 80% of psoriasis patients have this type.

Plaques:
Patches of thickened and reddened skin covered by silvery scales.

Plasminogen activator:
A substance that plays a role in the accumulation of white blood cells that is found at high concentrations in psoriatic skin.

Prograf^® (tacrolimus):
An immune suppressant similar to cyclosporine.

Prospective study:
An analytic study designed to determine the relationship between a condition and a characteristic shared by members of a group.

Psoralen:
A photosensitizing drug used in combination with UVA to treat psoriasis (also known as PUVA therapy).

Psoriasis:
A chronic skin disease characterized by inflammation and scaling. Scaling occurs when cells in the outer layer of skin reproduce faster than normal and pile up on the skin’s surface. It is understood to be a disorder of the immune system.

Psoriasis vulgaris:
See plaque psoriasis.

Psoriatic arthritis:
This disease is characterized by stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joints–especially of the hands and feet. It affects about 23% of people with psoriasis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help inhibit the progression of joint deterioration.

Psychodynamics:
The motivational and emotional forces, conscious and unconscious, that shape a person’s behaviors and attitudes.

Pus:
Thick, opaque, usually yellowish-white fluid made up of dead tissue, dead bacteria, and white blood cells.

Pustular psoriasis:
A type of psoriasis characterized by blisters of pus on the skin, usually on the palms or soles of the feet. The pustules are not infectious.

Pustule:
A small, circumscribed elevation of the skin containing pus.

PUVA:
Psoralen plus ultraviolet A is a treatment that combines exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light with a medicine called psoralen. Psoralen is believed to heighten photosensitivity and increase the skin’s response to UVA for people with moderate to severe psoriasis.

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R

Rebound:
In reference to skin psoriasis: A severe and sudden change that occurs in psoriasis when systemic therapy is suddenly halted. This change leaves the patient’s psoriasis in a significantly worse condition than before the treatment was started. Rebound may also include a change in the nature of the psoriasis, for example, from plaque to pustular form. In some cases, rebound may be recognized early as new onset, severe and extensive erythema.

Remission:
A lessening or abatement of the symptoms of a disease.

Retinoids:
Vitamin A derivatives often used in topical or oral psoriasis therapy.

Rheumatoid arthritis:
A chronic autoimmune disease characterized by pain, stiffness, inflammation, swelling, and, sometimes, destruction of joints.

Rheumatologist:
A specialist in the treatment of arthritis and related diseases.

Rotational therapy:
A strategy in which a doctor rotates a patient’s treatments periodically, from one to another, to reduce toxicity and to allow for longer periods of benefit from each agent.

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S

Scalp psoriasis:
Plaque psoriasis that appears on the scalp. It is often itchy and most visible around the ears and hairline. The constant flaking and shedding of dead skin cells give the appearance of severe dandruff.

SCAT:
Short-contact anthralin therapy.

Self-deprecation:
Belittling or undervaluing oneself.

Self-help:
Helping oneself to improve his or her quality of life.

Serendipity:
In medical usage, as in wider use, making a fortunate discovery by accident.

Shark cartilage:
A food supplement thought by some to be useful in treating psoriasis.

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 overuse of topical steroids.

Soriatane^® (acitretin):
A synthetic derivative of vitamin A that is taken orally. It is indicated for severe psoriasis.

Squamous cell carcinoma:
A form of skin cancer that is more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma. People who have received PUVA may be at risk of this type of skin cancer.

Steroids:
In reference to corticosteroids: A synthetic hormone similar to that produced naturally by the adrenal glands that is available in pill, topical cream, and injectable forms.

Streptococcal sore throat (also known as "strep throat"):
A type of bacterial infection of the throat that, in susceptible individuals, may trigger the onset of psoriasis, usually in a form called guttate psoriasis.

Stressors:
Any of a number of factors that can cause an individual to experience physical or emotional stress.

Support group:
A gathering of people who share a common concern and who meet regularly to offer one another emotional support and understanding.

Systemic:
Affecting the entire body internally.

Systemic treatment:
A treatment, such as a pill or an injection.

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T

Tacalcitol:
A vitamin D cream sold under the brand name Curatoderm^®.

Tacrolimus:
An immune suppressant similar to cyclosporine. Also known as Prograf^®.

Tars:
Natural, sticky substances used to treat psoriasis as in coal tar shampoos, topical creams, and ointments.

Tazorac^® (tazarotene):
Vitamin A topical medication for the treatment of 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.

Thrombocytopenia:
A disorder sometimes associated with abnormal bleeding in which the number of platelets (cells that help blood to clot) is abnormally low.

Topical agent:
A treatment such as a cream, salve, or ointment that is applied to the surface of the skin.

Toxicity:
The potential of a drug or treatment to cause harmful side effects.

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 the continuation of skin inflammation.

Type II collagen:
The kind of collagen found in joints in the human body.

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U

Ultraviolet (UV) light:
The type of light that emanates directly from the sun. 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 popular treatment for psoriasis.

UVB phototherapy:
Treatment involving measured doses of UV light in the UVB wavelength. Two types are broadband UVB, and the less common narrow-band UVB. Indicated for moderate to severe psoriasis, UVB treatment can reduce the abnormal growth of skin cells and can lessen inflammation.

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V

Visualization:
A technique thought to aid in self-relaxation and stress reduction that depends upon 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 its oral and topical forms to treat psoriasis.

Vitamin D₃:
A topical vitamin used to treat psoriasis.

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W,X,Y

Yoga:
A program of stretching and relaxation that can help reduce stress.

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Z

Zinc:
A natural element often found in multiple vitamin tablets or sold on its own for a variety of conditions, including psoriasis.

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All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.

The products referenced above are representative samples only and are not intended to be an endorsement by Amgen or Wyeth.