Dermatology Glossary S

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Sclerotherapy
A treatment of for  varicose veins. This procedure entails injecting glycerin, saline, or another sclerosing agent into visible veins to safely irritate the vessel wall, causing it to collapse and shrivel up.

Sculptra
Made from absorbable suture material (poly-L-lactic acid), this injectable dermal filler is used for facial contouring and to smooth deep lines, furrows, and depressions. Sculptra stimulates collagen production, so multiple treatments may be required for optimal results.

Sebaceous gland
These glands are attached to hair follicles in the dermis and produce sebum, an oily secretion the lubricates the skin. These glands are concentrated on the face, forehead, nose, and upper back, locations where acne most frequently arises.

Seborrhea
Excessively oily skin due to the overproduction of sebum. Increases the risk of acne or seborrheic dermatitis.

Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disorder that mainly affects the scalp, causing scaly, itchy, red skin and stubborn dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis may develeop on the scalp of infants, in such cases it is referred to as “cradle cap”.

Sebum
The oil produced by sebaceous glands in the skin. Protects and moisturizes the skin.

Shingles (see zoster)

Skin Tag
A skin tag is a small harmless, painless, skin-colored growth. It is commonly found on the neck and arm.

Skin Cancer
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells start growing abnormally, causing cancerous growths. Most skin cancers develop on the visible outer layer of the skin (the epidermis), particularly in sun-exposed areas (face, head, hands, arms, and legs). They are usually easy to detect by examining the skin, which increases the chances of early treatment and survival. There are different types of skin cancer, each named for the type of skin cell from which they originate. Basal cell carcinoma (also called BCC) comes from the basal cells in lowest part of the epidermis. 80-85% percent of skin cancers are BCCs.Squamous cell carcinoma (also called SCC) comes from the skin cells (keratinocytes) that make up the top layers of the skin. About 10% of skin cancers are SCC. Melanoma comes from skin cells called melanocytes, which create pigment called melanin that gives skin its color. 5% of all skin cancers are melanoma. Although less common, melanoma is a very dangerous type of skin cancer and is the leading cause of death from skin disease.

Learn more about skin cancer.

Skin type
This describes the qualities of a person's skin, including such individual traits as light colored vs. dark colored, dry vs. oily, and other factors.

SPF
This stands for “sun protection factor” and is followed by a number. The higher the number, the more the sunscreen will shield you from UVB rays, which penetrate the skin and cause tanning, burning, and increase the risk of developing skin cancer. The SPF does not reflect how well your sunscreen blocks UVA rays, which penetrate more deeply even through window glass. Exposure to UVA rays leads to premature aging of the skin , as well as some forms of skin cancer.

Spider leg veins
These are tiny red vessels, about the width of a strand of hair,  that usually show up on the thighs and upper calves and increase with age. They are often treated with sclerotherapy or lasers.

Squamous cell
A type of flat cell that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body (such as the bladder, kidney, and uterus), and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Keratinocytes that form the epidermis are a type of squamous cell.

Staph
Short for staphylococcus, this is a type of bacteria that is a common cause of skin infections, including folliculitis, impetigo and boils.

Steroids
(see corticosteroids)

Stratum corneum
The outermost layer of the epidermis that provides a protective barrier for the skin below.

Strep
Short for streptococcus, this is a type of bacteria that is a common cause of skin infections, including folliculitis and cellulitis.

Sunscreen
This lotion, cream, or spray is the single most important anti-aging weapon you can buy. Sunscreen uses chemicals or physical blockers to prevent a certain percentage of ultraviolet light from getting to the skin and attacking and damaging the skin cells.

In order to guard against both UVA and UVB, you must wear a sunscreen labeled broad spectrum. Most broad-spectrum sunscreens contain the powerful UVA blocker avobenzone. However, since this ingredient breaks down after exposure to sunlight, some companies are stabilizing it with additives like Helioplex, which dramatically prolong the life span of the sunscreen. The latest UVA blocker to hit the United States is Mexoryl, which remains stable and effective even after four hours of sunlight exposure.

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Last updated December 10, 2009

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