Dictionary

eczema, dyshidrotic Irritation of the skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet that is characterized by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn.

eczema, nummular Coin-shaped patches of irritated skin that may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy. Nummular eczema appears most commonly on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs.

eczema, seborrheic See seborrhea.

ED Erectile dysfunction.

EDC Estimated date of confinement. See due date.

edema The swelling of soft tissues as a result of excess fluid accumulation. Edema is often most prominent in the lower legs and feet toward the end of the day because fluid pools while people maintain an upright position.

edema, hereditary angioneurotic Localized skin swelling that results from an inherited deficiency of the C1 esterase inhibitor protein, which normally prevents activation of a cascade of proteins that leads to the occurrence of angioedema. Patients can develop recurrent attacks of swollen tissues, pain in the abdomen, and swelling of the voice box (larynx) that can…

edema, periorbital Swelling around the eyes due to excess water accumulation.

ear ringing See tinnitus.

ear infection Infection of the ear by bacteria or viruses. Ear infections are the most frequent diagnosis in sick children. Ear infections occur less commonly in adults. Almost every child has one or more bouts of middle ear infection (otitis media) before age 6. The Eustachian tube is shorter in children than in adults, allowing…

ear infection, external Infection of the skin covering the outer ear canal that leads in to the ear drum, usually due to bacteria such as streptococcus, staphylococcus, or pseudomonas. External ear infection is usually caused by excessive water exposure. When water pools in the ear canal (frequently trapped by wax), the skin will become soggy…

ear tag A rudimentary tag of ear tissue, often containing a core of cartilage, usually located just in front of the ear (auricle). This minor anomaly is common and harmless. However, the presence of two or more minor anomalies such as this one in a child increases the probability that the child has a major…