Dermatology Glossary C

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Catagen
The declining phase of the hair follicle. During catagen, the hair follicle shrinks. Each hair follicle goes through a growth phase (anagen) that last several years, before a resting phase (telogen) that last several months. Finally there is the declining phase (catagen).

Cellulite
Affecting a majority of women over the age of eighteen, cellulite appears when the fat just below the skin begins to pucker between the vertical bands of fibrous tissue that contain it. It’s usually resistant to exercise and is found even in physically fit women who are at their ideal body weight.

Cellulitis
An infection of the skin, usually by bacteria (staph and strep).

Chemical peel

Chemical Peel Before Chemical Peel After

Before

After

Acid peel solutions are designed to remove the upper layers of the skin’s surface and enhance the deeper skin layers.

Chemical peels are categorized by how deeply the chemicals penetrate the skin: superficial, medium, or deep. Superficial peels use mild chemicals, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, which penetrate only the uppermost layer of the epidermis. Medium and deep peels use stronger agents and require a longer recovery time.

 

Chronic
Long-lasting. The opposite of “acute”.

Cleanser
Available in a variety of formulations, cleansers remove excess dirt, debris, and product residue from the skin. These make the skin appear more radiant and helps prepare the skin for the application of additional skin care products. For instance, a cleanser may be used before applying a topical acne medication.

Collagen
A protein in the dermis layer of skin that provides the skin with its bulk and strength. This protein is a major structural component of the skin, the ligaments, the tendons, and the bones. In the skin, it degrades from years of sun damage and age, which causes skin to lose its fullness, resulting in yellowing, wrinkling, and sagging.

Since the 1970s, dermatologists have been injecting lips, fine lines, and wrinkles with synthetic collagen derived from cattle, sold under the names Zyderm and Zyplast, a thicker version. In early 2003, the FDA approved two fillers made of human tissue, Cosmoderm and the thicker Cosmoplast. Unlike bovine collagen, the latter two don't cause allergic reactions; thus skin tests prior to treatment are unnecessary.

Comedo
A comedo is a plug that consists of dead skin cells, sebum, and other debris. It forms inside a hair follicle, causing a blackhead (an open comedo) in which the sebum is exposed to the air causing the sebum inside to turn dark or black, or a whitehead (a closed comedo) in which the sebum inside remains white.

Comedones
Plural of comedo.

Compression sclerotherapy
This variation of standard sclerotherapy entails wrapping the legs in pressure stockings for 2-3 days after the injection. It may be used for the treatment of larger, ropy varicose veins.

Corticosteroid
A family of medications used to control inflammation. These are different from the "steroids" (anabolic steroids) used by athletes and body builders. Corticosteroids may be taken by mouth (prednisone) or applied topically to the skin (1% hydrocortisone cream).

Topical corticosteroids may be ranked on their strength. Group 1 (I) corticosteroids are "super potent" and have the greatest risk of side effects if used for prolonged periods. Group 7 (VII) corticosteroids are "low potency" and include 1% hydrocortisone that can be purchased over the counter.

Cosmeceutical
This is a term used to describe skin care products that are thought to improve the function of skin, leading to long-term cosmetic benefits. They differ from standard cosmetics, such as eyeliners and foundation, that alter skin’s appearance only when present on the skin.

Cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery is a term used to describe a variety of procedures that are performed to improve a person’s appearance. They range from minor, minimally invasive procedures, such as microdermabasion, superficial chemical peels and botulinum toxin (Botox) to more invasive procedures such as face-lifts and breast augmentation.

Crow's Feet
This is a term given to the wrinkles that appear around the eyes. These are due to smiling and activity of the eyelid muscles.

Cryotherapy
A cold substance, such as liquid nitrogen, is used to remove skin lesions, such as actinic keratoses.

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Last updated November 25, 2009

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