Dermatology Glossary E

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - PQ - R - S - T - UV - WXYZ

Ecchymoses
Bruises

Eczema
The terms dermatitis and eczema are used interchangeably to describe inflamed and irritated skin. The terms apply to a variety of persistent skin problems with symptoms that range from redness, swelling, itching, dryness, blistering, and oozing. (see dermatitis)

Elastin
A protein found in the dermis layer of skin that provides skin its elasticity. Elastin begins to degrade with age, but other factors, like cigarette smoke, stress, and ultraviolet light, can injure it, leading to premature skin aging, in which the skin loses its shape.

Electrodessication and curettage (ED&C)
The removal of skin growth with a rounded knife (curette). The wound is heated to prevent bleeding. May be used to treat certain types of skin cancer or precancerous lesions. A local anesthetic is injected before the procedure.

Endoscopic brow lift
This is a less invasive alternative to the traditional brow lift. 4 to 6 tiny incisions are made in the scalp, and a small stainless-steel viewing probe is inserted under the skin that will pulls the sagging areas of skin until they are tight. The muscles that lead to frown lines may also be clipped. The recovery time and postoperative numbness is generally less after the endoscopic procedure, but the lift tends to be less pronounced and the results shorter-lived.

Epidermis
This is the tough, protective top or outer layer of skin that lies above the dermis. Its uppermost cells are constantly shedding, bringing new cells to the surface. Its main purpose is to protect the body from external toxins, poisons, germs, and injury.

It is composed primarily of a type of squamous cell called a keratinocyte. Cells at the base of the epidermis (basal cells) generate keratinocytes that grow to the surface. The epidermis replaces itself every 12-14 days. There are no blood vessels in the epidermis so a cut or scrap of the epidermis does not bleed

Erysipelas
A type of cellulitis.

Erythema
Redness of the skin that is greater than the surrounding skin. May be a sign of inflammation from flushing, infection, sunburn, or other conditions.

Exanthem
An acute rash that results from an infection, particularly viruses.

Excision
The removal of a skin growth with a scalpel. The wound is usually closed with stitches. If done for purposes of a biopsy, the tissue may be sent to a laboratory for further examination under a microscope.

Exfoliant
This is the name for any cleanser or treatment that physically or chemically removes the uppermost layer of skin cells to reveal younger, healthier, and more radiant skin underneath. Scrubs, microdermabrasion, vibradermabrasion, and acid peels all fall into this category.

Exfoliation
The removal of the top layer of skin. This may occur naturally as the result of a skin disease, such as sunburn. Or it may result from an elective procedure such as dermabrasion or microdermabrasion.

Return to Top

Last updated November 25, 2009

This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.

Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
View Content Policy