Dictionary

dermatologic Having to do with skin.

dermatographism A common form of hives that appears due to stroking, rubbing, or scratching of the skin, or when tight-fitting clothes rub the skin. Dermatographism occurs in about 5 percent of the population. Dermatographism is not a disease and requires no specific treatment.

dermatitis herpetiformis An intensely itchy skin inflammation caused by an immune reaction to dietary gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and related grains. Dermatitis herpetiformis is associated with a disorder of the small intestine called celiac sprue. See also celiac sprue.

dermatitis Inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis has many causes, including direct contact with an irritating substance; allergic reaction to an inhaled, ingested, or injected allergen; eczema; or underlying immune disease. Symptoms of dermatitis include redness, itching, and in some cases, blistering. Noneczematous dermatitis is usually caused by direct contact with an irritant. Frequent offenders include…

dermabrasion A surgical procedure that involves the controlled scraping away of the upper layers of the skin by using sandpaper or some other mechanical means. The purpose of dermabrasion is to smooth the skin and, in the process, remove small scars (as from acne), moles (nevi), tattoos, or fine wrinkles. Dermabrasion is performed by a…

Dercum disease A condition characterized by painful fatty tumors (lipomas) beneath the skin. The disease tends to be associated with obesity and is about five times more frequent in females than in males. Onset of symptoms generally occurs in middle age. The fatty tumors are most often located on the trunk and limbs. Also called…

depression, winter See seasonal affective disorder.

depression, unipolar Depressive disease without a manic phase. See depression.

depression, postpartum Severe depression presenting after childbirth. See also depression.

depression, manic See bipolar disorder.

depression, dysthymia See dysthymia.

depression, bipolar See bipolar disorder.