Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy > Conditions and therapies > Psoriasis > Glossary
Psoriasis glossary
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
anemia: A condition where the blood is low in red blood cells that carry oxygen to the tissues
antibody: A protein secreted by cells of the immune system in response to an infection
antigen: A substance that causes the body to create antibodies against it; can be a foreign substance from outside of the body or a substance created in the body
B
biologics: A new class of medications that specifically targets parts of the immune system
C
chronic: Long-lasting, long-term, or recurring frequently
coal tar: Tar distilled from coal, which is applied to the skin to treat psoriasis
corticosteroid: Medication that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation
cytokine: A protein released by many cells that controls the body’s immune response
D
disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): A type of medication that has the potential to reduce or prevent joint damage, and preserve joint function
DNA: A substance in each cell that carries genetic information
E
erythrodermic psoriasis: The least common form of psoriasis. It causes widespread reddening and scaling of the skin and may be a reaction to severe sunburn or to taking corticosteroids (cortisone) or other medications. It also can be caused by a long period of increased activity of psoriasis that is poorly controlled.
F
flare-up: A worsening of a disease
G
gene: The functional and physical unit of heredity that is passed from parent to child
goekerman regimen: A psoriasis treatment using coal tar together with UVB phototherapy
guttate psoriasis: Characterized by small, drop-shaped spots, which appear on the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis is most often triggered by upper respiratory infections (for example, a sore throat caused by bacteria).
I
immune response: The reactions of the immune system to foreign substances
immune system: The body's defense against infection and disease
infection: Invasion of the body by organisms that can cause disease
inflammation: Swelling, part of the body’s protective response to injury or tissue damage
interleukin-1: A type of cytokine, or protein, involved in regulating the immune system
intramuscular: An injection into the muscle
intravenous: An injection into a vein
inverse psoriasis: A type of psoriasis with smooth, red patches occurring in the folds of the skin near the genitals, under the breasts, or in the armpits. Symptoms may be worsened by friction and sweating.
J
joint: The connecting point of two or more bones
L
lesion: A visible sore or wound
N
narrowband UVB: Short wavelength ultraviolet light, which is more effective than standard ultraviolet treatment
P
photosensitivity: Oversensitivity of the skin to sunlight or other forms of light. It sometimes follows exposure to certain chemicals or drugs, resulting in accelerated burning of the skin.
phototherapy: The use of natural or ultraviolet light to treat disease
plaque psoriasis: The most common form of psoriasis defined by skin lesions that are red at the base and covered by silvery scales
plaques: Patches of thickened and reddened skin covered by silvery scales
platelets: A part of blood that causes clotting
psoriasis: A chronic skin disease of scaling and inflammation
psoriatic arthritis: Joint inflammation that occurs in some people with psoriasis
pus: A thick, yellowish-white fluid discharge that escapes from blood vessels in a skin lesion or area of inflammation
pustular psoriasis: A form of psoriasis in which blisters of pus appear on the skin. Attacks may be triggered by medications, infections, stress, or exposure to certain chemicals.
PUVA: A treatment involving skin application or ingestion of a medicine called psoralen combined with exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light
R
retinoids: A form of vitamin A used in skin or oral psoriasis treatment
rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic disease involving the joints of the body, leading to swelling, stiffness, pain, and difficulty moving
S
synthetic: Manufactured
systemic: Affecting the entire body
systemic treatment: A treatment, such as a tablet or capsule, taken internally
T
t-cell: A type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system and normally helps protect the body against infection and disease. In psoriasis, it also can trigger inflammation and overgrowth of skin cells.
topical agent: A treatment, such as an ointment or cream, which is applied to the skin rather than taken internally
tumor necrosis factor (TNF): A type of protein released from cells after exposure to an antigen; causes an inflammatory response
U
UV: Ultraviolet light
UVA phototherapy: Artificial light treatment with a long wavelength that penetrates deeper into the skin than UVB for the treatment of psoriasis
UVB phototherapy: The more common of the two forms of artificial light treatment used for mild psoriasis to slow the abnormal growth of skin cells
W
white blood cells: A type of cell that helps the body fight infection
Information provided does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional.