Glossary for Skin infections

Medical terms related to Skin infections or mentioned in this section include:

• ADULT syndrome: A rare syndrome characterized by nail abnormalities, abnormal teeth development, tear duct obstruction, pigmentation anomalies and hand and foot abnormalities.
• Acute erythroleukemia: A rare condition characterized by the presence of abnormal blood cells (erythroblastic precursors) in the bone marrow and blood. The condition is characterized by anemia and generally leads to the development of acute myelogenous leukemia. The acute form has more severe symptoms than the chronic form.
• Anthrax: A serious infectious bacterial disease that can be fatal.
• Aspergillosis: Infection with a fungus called Aspergillus.
• Atopic dermatitis: Skin disorder characterized by chronic inflammation, and pruritis. Often hereditary and associated with allergic rhinitis and asthma.
• Atopic dermatitis 1: Atopic dermatitis is a skin disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and itching. Dry, red, itchy patches of skin tend to develop most often in the folds of the arms and knees, wrists, face and hands. Atopic dermatitis often runs in a family which means that a genetic anomaly may increase a person's susceptibility to developing the skin condition. Type 1 is linked to a defect on chromosome 3q21. The genetic anomaly means that the patient is more susceptible to developing atopic dermatitis. The condition is often associated with hay fever and asthma.
• Atopic dermatitis 2: Atopic dermatitis is a skin disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and itching. Dry, red, itchy patches of skin tend to develop most often in the folds of the arms and knees, wrists, face and hands. Atopic dermatitis often runs in a family which means that a genetic anomaly may increase a person's susceptibility to developing the skin condition. Type 2 is linked to a defect on chromosome 1q21. The genetic anomaly means that the patient is more susceptible to developing atopic dermatitis. The condition is often associated with hay fever and asthma.
• Atopic dermatitis 3: Atopic dermatitis is a skin disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and itching. Dry, red, itchy patches of skin tend to develop most often in the folds of the arms and knees, wrists, face and hands. Atopic dermatitis often runs in a family which means that a genetic anomaly may increase a person's susceptibility to developing the skin condition. Type 3 is linked to a defect on chromosome 20p. The genetic anomaly means that the patient is more susceptible to developing atopic dermatitis. The condition is often associated with hay fever and asthma.
• Atopic dermatitis 4: Atopic dermatitis is a skin disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and itching. Dry, red, itchy patches of skin tend to develop most often in the folds of the arms and knees, wrists, face and hands. Atopic dermatitis often runs in a family which means that a genetic anomaly may increase a person's susceptibility to developing the skin condition. Type 4 is linked to a defect on chromosome 17q25.3. The genetic anomaly means that the patient is more susceptible to developing atopic dermatitis. The condition is often associated with hay fever and asthma.
• Atopic dermatitis 5: Atopic dermatitis is a skin disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and itching. Dry, red, itchy patches of skin tend to develop most often in the folds of the arms and knees, wrists, face and hands. Atopic dermatitis often runs in a family which means that a genetic anomaly may increase a person's susceptibility to developing the skin condition. Type 5 is linked to a defect on chromosome 13q12-q14. The genetic anomaly means that the patient is more susceptible to developing atopic dermatitis. The condition is often associated with hay fever and asthma.
• Atopic dermatitis 6: Atopic dermatitis is a skin disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and itching. Dry, red, itchy patches of skin tend to develop most often in the folds of the arms and knees, wrists, face and hands. Atopic dermatitis often runs in a family which means that a genetic anomaly may increase a person's susceptibility to developing the skin condition. Type 6 is linked to a defect on chromosome 5q31-q33. The genetic anomaly means that the patient is more susceptible to developing atopic dermatitis. The condition is often associated with hay fever and asthma.
• Aureobasidium pullulans exposure: Aureobasidium pullulans is a species of fungus which is capable of causing a variety of diseases in humans. The fungus is most often found in damp places either inside the home or in the environment. It is often pinkish or blackish. It is a rare cause of disease and is more likely to occur in immunosuppressed patients. It can cause infection in just about any part of the body depending on the nature of the exposure (inhalation, wound, ingestion etc.) and as such the type and severity of symptoms can vary considerably.
• Biotin deficiency: Vitamin H deficiency
• Blisters: Blistering of the skin.
• Bluefarb-Stewart syndrome: A rare disorder where blood vessel defects in a limb causes skin lesions. It most often occurs in one leg. The blood vessel defects involves abnormal connections between arteries and veins.
• Boil: Infected puseous hair follicle on the skin
• Bristleworm poisoning: Bristleworms are a type of marine worm covered in bristles which they can use to sting. The bristles are strong enough to break human skin and cause symptoms.
• Bullous pemphigoid: An autoimmune disease characterized by chronic itchy blistering of the skin. Also called pemphigoid.
• Candida: Fungal infection often called thrush
• Candidiasis: Fungal infection of moist areas such as mouth or vagina
• Carbuncle: Group of multiple boils
• Cellulitis: inflammation of the subcutaneous fat
• Century Plant poisoning: The Century Plant contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause abrasive injuries to the eyes or mucosal linings. It can also cause skin inflammation. The sap is the most toxic part of the plant all though other parts such as the thorns can also cause symptoms.
• Chemical poisoning - Acrylic acid: Acrylic acid is a chemical used mainly in the production of resins and acrylic acids which are usually used in adhesives and coatings. It is also used in water treatment and in the production of plastics and detergents. Ingestion and other exposures to the chemical can cause various symptoms. The type and severity of symptoms varies depending on the amount of chemical involved and the nature of the exposure.
• Chemical-related eczema: Chemical-related eczema is a form of eczema that results from exposure to a chemical. Eczema is a type of skin inflammation or irritation that manifests as a skin rash. The amount of skin involved may vary considerable from a single small patch to widespread large areas of the body. The eczema may result from irritation due to the chemical or from an allergic response to the chemical.
• Chrome contact allergy: Chrome contact allergy usually refers to an allergic response to chromium salts which are found in a wide range of products such as leather, paint and cement. Sensitization usually occurs in a workplace settings.
• Chrysanthemum poisoning: Contact with Chrysanthemum plants can cause a variety of skin symptoms in susceptible people. Repeated exposure increases the risk of developing symptoms.
• Cobalt allergy: Cobalt chloride allergy usually refers to an allergic response to cobalt which is found in things such as belt buckles, buttons, zips and wet cement. Symptoms usually occur when the article comes into contact with the skin and hence usually results in skin symptoms. Exposure to cobalt can also occur in an occupational setting.
• Cyclic neutropenia: A rare blood disorder characterized by recurrent periods of extremely low blood levels of neutrophils which results in frequent infections. The low level usually occurs for about 7 days every 21 days. Levels of other blood components may also be affected.
• Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin.
• Diabetes-like symptoms: Symptoms similar to those of diabetes
• Dyshidrotic dermatitis: A skin disorder (eczema) that affects the soles of the feet, the palms of the hands and the sides of the fingers. There is no known cause but contributing factors include stress, hot or cold weather, pre-existing atopic condition, metal implants, smoking, and aspirin and oral contraceptive use.
• Ectodermal dysplasia: A group of rare inherited conditions which affect the ectodermal skin layer which includes the skin, hair, teeth and nails.
• Eczema: Skin rash usually from allergic causes.
• Environmental allergen related eczema: Environmental allergen related eczema is a form of eczema that results from exposure to an environmental allergen such as moulds, pollens or dust mite. Environmental allergens are more likely to cause allergic conditions such as hay fever and asthma but can cause eczema in some cases or exacerbate pre-existing cases. Eczema is a type of skin inflammation or irritation that manifests as a skin rash. The amount of skin involved may vary considerable from a single small patch to widespread across large areas of the body.
• Eosinophilic fasciitis: A rare disorder where the skin on the limbs become painfully inflamed and looses it's elasticity.
• Epidermolysis bullosa intraepidermic: A rare inherited skin disorder characterized by separation of the layers within the skin which results in fragile, blistered skin. The blisters usually heal without scarring and the skin that is most often placed under trauma (feet and hands) is the most affected.
• Epidermolysis bullosa simplex with mottled pigmentation: A variant of a skin blistering disease which also involved a skin pigmentation anomaly.
• Epidermolysis bullosa with pyloric atresia: A rare inherited blistering skin disorder which also involves a defect where the digestive system is closed off in the pyloric area. Death generally occurs even if the defect is corrected.
• Epidermolysis bullosa, dermolytic: A rare genetic syndrome characterized by fragile skin which blisters easily due to defective skin collagen. The mucosal lining of the mouth and even intestines may be effected in severe cases.
• Epidermolysis bullosa, generalized atrophic benign: A rare inherited skin disorder characterized by fragile skin which blisters easily and often results in scars after healing. The condition is generally quite mild compared to other skin disorders involving fragile blistering skin.
• Erythema: Skin redness caused by congestion of capillaries such as in blushing.
• Erythrodermic eczema: Erythrodermic eczema is a severe condition that results from worsening eczema.
• Eschar: The slough that may be produced by a thermal burn
• Folliculitis: An inflammatory reaction which occurs in the follicles
• Group A Streptococcal Infections: "Strep" bacteria responsible for strep throat, impetigo and some other strep conditions.
• Hand eczema: Hand eczema is characterized by inflammation and irritation of the skin on the hands. It is usually the result of frequent hand contact with an irritating substance such as dishwashing detergent. Hand eczema tends to occur more often in patients who have a history of atopic eczema.
• Herpes: Virus with one subtype causing cold sores and another causing genital herpes.
• Hobo spider poisoning: The Hobo spider is a type of funnel web spider which can deliver a painful bite. Their bite can cause localized tissue necrosis which can take a long time to heal. Systemic symptoms may occur in severe cases but this is rare.
• Human Papillomavirus: Very common sexually transmitted disease causing genital warts and associated with certain cancers.
• Human bite: Bite from a human
• Hypopigmented lesions in children:
• Impetigo: Contagious skin rash from bacteria
• Infection: Infections as a symptom.
• Irritant contact eczema: Irritant contact eczema is a form of eczema that occurs when an irritating substance comes into direct contact with the skin. Eczema is a type of skin inflammation or irritation that manifests as a skin rash. This form of eczema often occurs in occupational settings.
• Lamellar ichthyosis: A very rare disorder where an infant is born covered with a transparent membrane which sheds to reveal red scaly skin patches of varying sizes.
• Lamellar ichthyosis, autosomal dominant form: A very rare dominantly inherited disorder where an infant is born covered with a transparent membrane which sheds to reveal red scaly skin patches of varying sizes.
• Lamellar ichthyosis, type 1: A very rare disorder where an infant is born covered with a transparent membrane which sheds to reveal red scaly skin patches of varying sizes. Type 1 is distinguished by the location of the genetic defect - chromosome 14q11.2.
• Lamellar ichthyosis, type 2: A very rare disorder where an infant is born covered with a transparent membrane which sheds to reveal red scaly skin patches of varying sizes. Type 2 is distinguished by the location of the genetic defect - chromosome 2q34.
• Lamellar ichthyosis, type 3: A very rare disorder where an infant is born covered with a transparent membrane which sheds to reveal large dark, plate-like scales. Type 3 is distinguished by the location of the genetic defect - chromosome 19p12-q12. This type also affects the ears and face to a greater degree than other types.
• Lamellar ichthyosis, type 5: A very rare disorder where an infant is born covered with a transparent membrane which sheds to reveal red scaly skin patches of varying sizes. Type 5 is distinguished by the location of the genetic defect - chromosome 17p13.2-p13.1.
• Leukocyte Adhesion Defect: A rare inherited disorder characterized by abnormal neutrophil functioning which reduces the body's immunity. The abnormal neutrophils are unable to be transported to sites of infection due to their inability to adhere to certain blood vessel components which would normally lead them to the infection site. Infections may be life-threatening as the body is unable to destroy bacteria effectively.
• Lyme disease: Lyme disease is an emerging infectious disease caused by at least three species of bacteria belonging to the genus Borrelia.
• Mac Duffie's syndrome: A rare syndrome characterized by immune system problems where immune system particles are deposited on amall blood vessel walls
• Mucormycosis: An infectious disease caused by fungus from the order Mucorales which is normally found in the soil and in decaying plant matter. Transmission is usually through the inhalation of spores. It is generally harmless to healthy individuals but can cause infection in patients who are immunocompromised or who have a serious chronic illness such as uncontrolled diabetes. Symptoms and severity can vary considerable depending on the part of the body the infection occurs in - gastrointestinal tract, skin, lungs, central nervous system, eye orbit and the paranasal sinuses.
• Mycobacterial infections: Any infection that is caused by a mycobacterial organisms
• Mycobacterium Fortuitum: An infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum which can be found in soil, dust and water. It usually causes infection of the skin and surrounding area usually after some sort of skin trauma such as an injury or surgery.
• Neuropathy, Hereditary Sensory, Type IV: A rare disorder characterized mainly by insensitivity to pain and inability to sweat.
• Nezelof's syndrome: An immune deficiency disorder where the cells that normally fight infection don't work properly and patients suffer frequent severe infections.
• Nickel contact allergy: Nickel contact allergy usually refers to an allergic response to nickel which is found in most jewellery. Even high carat gold has some nickel content which may pose problems for some people. Symptoms usually only involve the skin that is in contact with the jewellery. Nickel may also be found in watch straps, belt buckles and jeans studs.
• PUPPPS: Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy
• Pellagra: Dietary deficiency of vitamin B3 (niacin)
• Pemphigus Foliaceus: A relatively milder form of the autoimmune skin disorder called pemphigus. Blisters occur on the skin but usually the mucous membranes are unaffected.
• Phaeohyphomycosis: An opportunistic infection that is caused by dermatiaceous fungi
• Phototoxic eczema: Phototoxic eczema is skin irritation and inflammation which occurs as an abnormal response to exposure to UV light radiation. The cause of this sensitivity may result from the use of certain drugs or exposure various other photosensitizing substances such as certain plants.
• Polychondritis: A serious, progressive, episodic condition characterized by inflammation and degeneration of cartilage in the body. The duration and severity of the episodes can vary.
• Porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria: An inherited disorder that affects the nervous system and sometimes the skin. It occurs when a metabolic disorder results in excessive production of coproporphyrins which accumulate in body tissues and is excreted in large amounts.
• Postoperative Abdominal Wound Dehiscence: The breakdown of a postoperative abdominal wound
• Psoriasis: Chronic skin rash condition, usually red or silver and blistery.
• Purine nucleoside phosphorylase deficiency: A very rare genetic disease involving an enzyme (purine nucleoside phosphorylase - PNP) deficiency which causes a buildup of toxic metabolic products which in turn impairs the development of T-cells (part of the body's immune system). The condition is characterized primarily by frequent infections and various neurological symptoms.
• Pyridoxine deficiency: Deficiency of vitamin B6 which has many uses in the body.
• Rash: Rash of any type affecting the skin.
• Rat-bite fever: A disease caused by a rat bite where the patient becomes infected by a bacteria (causes skin ulceration and recurrent fever) or a fungus (causes skin inflammation, muscle pain and vomiting). Also called sodokosis.
• Rombo syndrome: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by
• SCID: Major failure of the immune system, usually genetic.
• Sacral hemangiomas - multiple congenital abnormalities: A very rare syndrome characterized by hemangiomas and other abnormalities involving the tailbone and anal area.
• Scabies: Mite infection of the skin common in institutions.
• Scleroderma: A rare, progressive connective tissue disorder involving thickening and hardening of the skin and connective tissue. There are a number of forms of scleroderma with some forms being systemic (involving internal organs).
• Serratia: An infectious disease caused by bacteria from the Serratia genus. The bacteria can cause urinary tract infection, pneumonia, respiratory tract infections, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, septicemia, eye infection, meningitis and wound infections. This type of bacterial infection shows some antibiotic resistance. Symptoms and severity depend on the location and extent of the infection.
• Shingles: Infectious viral infection occuring years after chickenpox infection.
• Skin allergies: A reaction to the exposure of the skin to an allergen
• Skin allergy: A skin allergy is an adverse response by the body's immune system to an allergen. The response may occur when the allergen comes into contact with the skin or when it is inhaled or ingested. A skin allergy manifests in skin symptoms such as hives and itchy skin. The severity of the response is variable.
• Skin color changes: Skin changes such as redness, blueness, or whitening.
• Skin conditions: Any condition that affects the skin
• Skin inflammation: The occurrence of inflammation that is located on the skin
• Skin problems: Any condition that affects the skin
• Skin symptoms: Symptoms affecting the skin.
• Sores: Sores affecting the skin.
• Spirurida Infections: Infection with a nematode (worm) from the spirurida order. Nematodes from this order include Loa eyeworm, wuchereria and mansonella. The symptoms are determined by which species is involved. Some cases can result in severe complication if the nematode invades and organ or compresses vital nerves or blood vessels.
• Staphylococcal infection: Any infection caused by the bacteria staphylococcal
• Streptococcal Infections: Various "strep" bacterial infections.
• Stress-related eczema: Stress-related eczema is chronic skin inflammation and irritation which is triggered by stress. The severity and extent of the skin involved is variable. Stress may trigger a flare up or may exacerbate existing eczema.
• Sulfone syndrome: A hypersensitivity reaction to sulfone which is a component of a drug called dapsone which is often used to treat skin conditions such as leprosy, vasculitis, dermatitis herpetiformis and Sweet disease. The reaction can result in death in some cases.
• Syphilis: A sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacteria (Treponema pallidum). The condition is often asymptomatic in the early stages but one or more sores may be present in the early stages. Untreated syphilis usually results in remission of visible symptoms but further severe damage may occur to internal organs and other body tissues which can result in death.
• Temperature-related eczema: Temperature-related eczema is chronic skin inflammation and irritation which is triggered by changes in temperature, excessive heat, excessive cold or humidity extremes. The severity and extent of the skin involved is variable. Excessive temperatures may trigger a flare up or may exacerbate existing eczema.
• Tinea: A condition which is characterized by an infection caused by a fungus
• Tuberculosis: Bacterial infection causing nodules forming, most commonly in the lung.
• Varicella - Teratogenic Agent: There is strong evidence to indicate that the development of Varicella during pregnancy may have a teratogenic effect on the fetus. A teratogen is a substance that can cause birth defects. The likelihood and severity of defects may be affected by the stage of pregnancy that the exposure occurred at.
• Varicose eczema: Varicose eczema is a chronic skin condition that involves the skin on or near varicose veins in the legs - usually the skin on the ankles are affected. Varicose veins occur when the valves in particular blood vessels malfunction and allow the blood to flow backwards. The condition is more likely to occur in people who are overweight.
• Warts: Wart growths on the skin or genital area.
• X-linked agammaglobulinaemia: A condition that is characterised by the x linked inheritance of the absence of all immunoglobulins in the blood
• Yellow sac spider poisoning: The yellow sac spider is a small spider found in Hawaii, eastern US, Utah and New England. The spider tends to hold on very tightly when it bites and often has to be physically removed. The venom contains a toxin which kills cells. Skin and sometimes systemic symptoms result - symptoms experience can vary amongst patients.
• Zygomycosis: An infectious disease caused by fungus from the orders Mucorales and Entomophthorales which are normally found in the soil and in decaying plant matter. The infection differs from mucormycosis which only involves the order Mucorales. Transmission is usually through the inhalation of spores. It is generally harmless to healthy individuals but can cause infection in patients who are immunocompromised or who have a serious chronic illness such as uncontrolled diabetes. Symptoms and severity can vary considerable depending on the part of the body the infection occurs in - gastrointestinal tract, skin, lungs, central nervous system, eye orbit and the paranasal sinuses.

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