Glossary

A description of the medical terms used in this cradle cap guide.

A

Acne

This skin condition is caused by an over-production of sebum (oil) in the skin. This combines with dead skin cells and bacteria to form clusters of spots or pimples. These acne outbreaks can develop on the face, back, chest and shoulders. The common version is called ‘acne vulgaris’.  

Allergen

A substance which is likely to trigger an allergic reaction. There are allergens in certain shampoos which can cause an allergy.

Alopecia

A skin disorder which results in a loss of hair.

B

Birthmark

A mark or blemish which forms on the skin at birth. There are different types of birthmarks which include ‘strawberry birthmark’ and ‘port wine’ stain.

C

Camomile

A plant extract which has anti-inflammatory properties. Used to treat eczema and other skin conditions. It is often added to tea as a means of aiding with sleep.

Collagen

A protein found within connective tissues which ensures that skin is strong and flexible.

Cradle cap

A common skin condition in babies which takes the form of greasy yellow or white patches of skin that appears on the scalp.

D

Dermabrasion

A skin care treatment which involves using a hand held device to remove the top layer of skin. This is performed to remove wrinkles and fine lines.

Dry skin

A very common condition which occurs if the natural oil coating is removed from the skin. The skin dries out and cracks which leads to inflammation.

E

Eczema

A skin rash which produces red, itchy and scaly patches on part so the body. This can be a short term or long term condition and is treated with anti-inflammatory medicines which are applied to the skin.

Evening primrose

A plant extract which is used to make an essential oil. This helps to ease any skin irritation as well as reducing pre-menstrual tension (PMT).

F

Fixed oil

Another name for vegetable oils. These are used as part of a massage (lubricant) or as part of an essential oil. An example of this is almond oil.

G

None at present.

H

Hives

These are small, itchy sores or bumps which suddenly appear on the skin and can remain there for up to several hours.

Hyaluronic acid

A naturally occurring acid in the skin which helps to keep it moist and supple.

I

Impetigo

This is an extremely contagious skin infection, caused by bacteria, which occurs in babies and children. Small red spots form on the face although these can develop on any part of the body. These spots can become infected (pus) and lead to further infection. Impetigo often occurs when there is another skin condition such as eczema or cradle cap (babies).

J

None at present.

K

Keloid

A type of scar tissue which is red and angry looking, that forms over a wound or surgical incision.

L

Leiner’s disease

This is a serious disorder which presents itself as severe seborrhoeic dermatitis, diarrhoea and a failure to thrive (babies).

It first appears on the scalp and face but can spread to other parts of the body.

Lichen Simplex Chronicus

A form of eczema: this itchy skin rash often develops in people with sensitive skin.

M

Milia

The medical name for ‘heat rash’  which is caused when sweat is retained on the body.

N

None at present.

O

None at present.

P

Psoriasis

A skin condition which is characterised by scaly, red patches of skin which form on the elbows, knees and scalp. It can start at any age and ranges from mild through to severe.

Q

None at present.

R

Rosacea

A common skin condition in adults. This rash affects the face which causes it to assume a flushed appearance and often appears similar to sunburn.

S

Scabies

A very itchy skin rash which is caused by a tiny bug that lives in the skin. This rash develops around the waist, genitals, hands and wrists and is almost impossible to view without a microscope.

Sebaceous glands

Sac-like structures which are attached to the hair follicles and secrete an oil called sebum. This oil helps to nourish the follicles and also keeps the hair and skin soft and smooth.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

A skin rash which has a red, crusty, scaly appearance, that develops in adults from 18 to 40. Men more than women are affected. It takes on the appearance of severe dandruff and is a chronic condition which comes and goes.

Sebum

The oil produced by the sebaceous glands which helps to lubricate the hair follicles and skin.

It is comprised of wax, fats and dead fat producing cells.

T

None at present.

U

Urticaria

A skin rash which is also known as hives or nettle rash.  There are three different versions of this condition which include acute urticaria, chronic urticaria and physical urticaria. An itchy rash which has the appearance of pale, raised bumps surrounded by red areas of skin.

Urticaria pigmentosa often develops in young children.

V

Vitiligo

This condition affects both sexes and appears as a series of tiny, white spots on the skin. 

W

Warts

These are small raised skin growths which appear on any part of the body, e.g. back of the hand. They are usually caused by a virus. Warts affect both adults and children.

X

None at present.

Y

None at present.

Z

Zinc pyrthione

A colourless chemical which is added to medicated shampoos as an antifungal agent.