Glossar

Uncontrolled growth of body cells, can be lethal (lead to death) if undiscovered and/or untreated. Cancerous diseases usually lead to tumours which intrude into the normal tissue. In later stages of the disease the tumour cells will often form secondary tumours (metastases)

Very fine blood vessels

Tumour developing from epithelial tissue. Carcinomas come in many different forms in relationship to histological appearance and growth

Cells which produce keratin

Specific type of acne. Can occur after direct skin contact with chlorine or chlorine compounds and by ingesting or inhaling such substances. It is found especially in adults, for example in chemical workers. The symptoms are similar to those in puberty acne, however quite often untypical locations for acne are affected. This type of acne is often more severe and often leaves scars

Non-inflammatory comedo which has changed colour through melanin (black comedo or blackhead)

(plural comedos, comedones) Latin for glutton. Primary sign of acne consisting of a dilated (widened) hair follicle filled with keratin squamae (skin debris), bacteria, and sebum (oil).

Rubber (slang). Thin rubber sheath worn over the erect penis when having sex in order to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms should only come in contact with greaseless lubricants.

Type of body tissue (wide meshed cell groups); the connective tissue supports and connects the different body parts (organs, muscles)

Dermis: middle skin layer consisting of loosely interwoven connective tissue

It occurs when the skin is repeatedly irritated by aggressive substances causing the acid layer of the skin to loose its protective capability. Genetic disposition and allergies do not play a role. “Subtoxic” means the substance is not toxic, but an irritant to the skin”, “cumulative” means “increasing”, that is frequent contact with the substance triggers and worsens the disease.

Consultant/medical specialist who has specialized in diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. Subareas are among others sexually transmitted diseases, for which reason the name for a dermatologist in Germany (and also some other European countries) is specialist in “Dermatology and Venerology”