Dictionary of Medical Terms

Little scales or flakes of dead skin on the scalp. Also called seborrheic dermatitis.

Removal of foreign material or dead tissue.

Loss of calcium from the bones or teeth.

The mucus lining of the uterus that’s passed after childbirth or during the menstrual period.

A skin ulcer or bedsore.

A machine that delivers an electrical shock to an irregularly beating heart to restore normal rhythm.

A common form of arthritis in which tissue changes occur in one or more joints, such as swelling, lumps or…

Excessive loss of body water resulting in weakness, dizziness and other symptoms. It can be life-threatening if not treated, especially…

An abnormal mental state characterized by excitement and hallucinations.

The triangular muscle of the shoulder.

A false belief.

Progressive mental deterioration.

Arrangement of the teeth.

A state of absolute need, both physical and psychological.

A substance that temporarily removes hair from the skin.

Decreased functional activity. Sinking of spirits. Intense sadness, beyond what’s normally expected.

A procedure that removes scars, tattoos or other skin defects with fine sandpaper or a high-speed brush.

Inflammation of the skin.

A medical specialty that deals with the skin.

Reducing or eliminating sensitivity to a particular substance.

The shedding of cells from the surface of the skin or mucous membranes.