Print pageGlossary
Psoriasis is a complex disease. Which means that sooner or later, as you explore the condition and ways to treat it, you're likely to come across terms you're unfamiliar with. Be sure to bookmark this glossary to keep it handy while you conduct your on- or off-line research.
A
AAD: The abbreviation for the American Academy of Dermatology, a health care professional association.
Acitretin: The generic name for the prescription brand Soriatane®. A synthetic derivative of vitamin A that is taken orally. It is indicated for severe psoriasis in adults.
Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting needles at specific points on the body to help treat pain and illness. It is one of the alternative therapies sometimes used to treat psoriasis.
Adalimumab: The generic name for HUMIRA®, a prescription biologic that is authorized for the treatment of adult patients with chronic moderate-to-severe psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy. For patients with chronic moderate plaque psoriasis, Humira should be used after phototherapy has been shown to be ineffective or inappropriate.
Aerobic exercise: Brisk exercise that promotes the circulation of oxygen through the blood. Examples include running, swimming, and biking.
Alefacept: The generic name for Amevive®, authorized for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.
Aloe: A moisturizer, usually in gel form, that is derived from the aloe plant.
Alternative medicine: Any system of medical diagnosis and treatment that is different from the conventional Western approach (use of drugs or surgery).
Anthralin: A prescription drug that is used topically in the treatment of psoriasis. It is often used in combination with UV light, which is known as the Ingram method.
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The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
B
Bacteria (plural of bacterium): Any of a variety of single-celled organisms which can exist either as independent (free-living) organisms or as parasites (dependent upon another organism for life), that are typically too small to be viewed without a microscope.
Biofeedback: A relaxation technique in which people are taught to control some body functions such as blood pressure or heart rate, which are usually considered involuntary.
Biologic medicines: Biologic medicines are developed from living sources, such as animal or human proteins, rather than combinations of chemicals like many drugs.
Biologic response modifier (BRM): These are prescription drugs available for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis that does not respond to medications or therapy.
Biopsy: The removal of a small piece of body tissue for examination under a microscope.
Broadband UVB: The type of light therapy available at many dermatologists' offices for the treatment of psoriasis. As the name suggests, it offers a broad range of wavelengths of UVB light (280 nm to 315 nm).
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The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
C
Calcipotriene: The generic name for the prescription brand Dovonex®, a synthetic form of vitamin D3, used topically to treat plaque psoriasis.
Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA): The CDA seeks to promote equal access for all Canadians to timely and high quality medical care for diseases of the skin, hair and nails. CDA undertakes advocacy in skin health issues, provides leadership in continuing medical and public education, and promotes and distributes dermatologic knowledge and research.
Chinese medicine: A health and lifestyle practice that people follow to treat and prevent disease. It includes massage, exercise, nutrition, acupuncture, and herbs, all of which can be tailored to suit a particular patient's needs by the practicing physician.
Chronic condition: A condition that is marked by long duration or frequent recurrence.
Coal tar: Tar distilled from bituminous coal applied to the skin to treat psoriasis. Often used with UV light therapy.
Corticosteroid: A synthetic hormone similar to that produced naturally by the adrenal glands that is available in pill, topical, and injectable forms.
Cyclosporine: The generic name for the prescription brands Neoral® and Sandimmune®. A medication originally developed to prevent the immune system from rejecting transplanted organs, which has also proved helpful in treating psoriasis.
Cytokines: Any of several regulatory proteins, such as the interleukins and lymphokines, that are released by cells of the immune system and act as messengers in the generation of an immune response.
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The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
D
Dermatologist: A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes.
All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
E
Efalizumab: The generic name for Raptiva®, a prescription biologic that is authorized for the treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
Erythrodermic psoriasis: Also known as exfoliative psoriasis, the least common form of psoriasis in which the skin of almost the entire body becomes red and fiery, accompanied with pain and itching, and may cause difficulty regulating the body's temperature and heart rate. People with this type of psoriasis are more likely to require hospitalization than people with other types of psoriasis.
Etanercept: The generic name for Enbrel®, a prescription biologic that is authorized for the treatment of adult patients with chronic moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. It is also authorized for reducing the signs and symptoms and inhibiting the progression of structural damage of active arthritis in adult patients with psoriatic arthritis. Enbrel can be used in combination with methotrexate in patients who do not respond adequately to methotrexate alone.
All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
F
FDA: Abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration.
Flexural psoriasis: A type of psoriasis that appears as smooth and shiny red lesions. It usually develops in the armpits, groin, buttocks, and in other folds of skin. It is also referred to as inverse psoriasis.
Focus meditation: Engaging in extended thought or contemplation; a method for reducing stress.
G
Gene: A unit of inheritance that contains the instructions, or code, that a cell uses to make a specific product, usually a protein. Genes are made of a substance called DNA. They govern every body function and determine inherited traits passed from parent to child.
Genetics: The study of how diseases, conditions, and traits are inherited and affected by genes.
Guided imagery: A way to reduce stress by focusing on suggested mental visualizations.
Guttate psoriasis: A type of psoriasis characterized by drop-like lesions on the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Symptoms may be triggered by viral respiratory infections or certain bacterial (streptococcal) infections.
H
Health Canada: This Federal department is responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health, while respecting individual choices and circumstances. Health Canada supports activities that (1) preserve and modernize Canada's health care system (2) enhance and protect the health of Canadians (3) work in partnership with others, and (4) communicate health promotion and disease prevention.
Heredity: The transmission of traits from one generation to the next.
Hydrate: To supply with ample fluid or moisture.
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The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
I
Immune response: The reactions of the immune system to foreign substances.
Immune system: An intricate network of specialized cells and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses.
Immunosuppressive drug: A medication that depresses or halts immune system activity.
Infection: The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body.
Inflammation: The protective response of the body to irritation or injury, marked by 4 signs: swelling, redness, heat, and pain.
Infliximab: The generic name for Remicade®, a prescription biologic that is authorized for the treatment of adult patients with chronic moderate to severe (i.e. extensive and/or disabling) plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy. For chronic moderate plaque psoriasis, Remicade should be used after phototherapy has been shown to be ineffective or inappropriate. Also authorized for the reduction of the signs and symptoms, indication of major clinical response and inhibition of the progression of structural damage of active arthritis, and improvement in physical function in patients with psoriatic arthritis.
Inverse psoriasis: See Flexural psoriasis.
All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
K
Keratin: Any of a family of proteins that form the primary chemical components of the skin, hair, and nails.
Keratinocytes: The cells in the epidermis that manufacture the fibrous protein called keratin.
Keratolytic: Removes scales from skin; see also Salicylic acid.
All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
L
Lesion: An abnormal change, usually well defined, in the structure of an organ or part of the body; caused by injury or disease.
Ligament: A tough band of tissue that connects various structures, such as two bones.
Lubricate: To make smooth or slippery.
All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
M
Massage: The therapeutic practice of manipulating the muscles and limbs to ease tension and reduce pain.
Meditation: This practice involves focused thinking for a set period of time to promote relaxation, which results in decreased heart rate and muscle tension. This practice also improves the immune system, relaxes the body, and calms the mind.
Methotrexate: One of the oldest chemotherapy prescription drugs used to treat inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis.
Moisturizer: Keeps the skin lubricated and helps to decrease redness and itchiness. The greasiest creams and ointments keep the most water in the skin, which helps the skin heal.
All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
N
Narrowband UVB: Ultraviolet light in a narrow band of 311 nm to 313 nm, is the newest form of light therapy; thought to be more effective, faster acting, and may be safer than other UV light treatments.
National Psoriasis Foundation®: A consumer advocacy group known as the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Neuropeptides: A type of molecule found in brain tissue (e.g. endorphins).
All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
O
Occlusion: Covering an area of skin to which topical treatment has been applied, usually with plastic wrap.
Oral: Relating to the mouth.
Oral medication: Medication taken by mouth.
Over-the-counter (OTC): Non-prescription medication.
All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
P
Palmo-plantar psoriasis: : Any form of psoriasis that is only located on the palms and/or soles of the feet.
Petroleum jelly: An odorless, tasteless substance obtained from petroleum and used especially in ointments and dressings.
Photosensitivity: Increased sensitivity to the sun's light or other UV sources.
Phototherapy: The use of natural or artificial UV light to treat disease.
Plaque psoriasis: Also known as psoriasis vulgaris, the most common form of psoriasis, recognized by red, raised lesions covered by silvery scales. About 90% of psoriasis patients have this type.
Plaque psoriasis of the scalp: See scalp proriasis.
Plaques: Patches of thickened and reddened skin covered by silvery scales.
Psoralen: A photosensitizing prescription drug used in combination with UVA to treat psoriasis (also known as PUVA therapy).
Psoriasis: A chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation and scaling. Scaling occurs when cells in the outer layer of skin reproduce faster than normal and pile up on the skin's surface. While the exact cause is not fully understood, genetic, environmental and immune factors may be involved.
Psoriasis Society of Canada: A support group based in eastern Canada whose goal is to increase awareness of psoriasis among healthcare professionals and the public.
Psoriasis vulgaris: See plaque psoriasis.
Psoriatic arthritis: A disease characterized by stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joints, especially of the fingers and toes; additionally presents psoriatic skin lesions. It affects 7% to 42% of people with psoriasis.
Pus: Thick, opaque, usually yellowish-white fluid made up of dead tissue, microorganisms, and white blood cells.
Pustular psoriasis: A type of psoriasis characterized by blisters of pus on the skin, usually, but not limited to, the palms or soles of the feet. The pustules are not infectious.
Pustule: A small, defined area of raised skin containing pus.
PUVA: Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (UVA) is a treatment that combines exposure to UVA light with a medicine called psoralen. Psoralen is believed to heighten photosensitivity and increase the skin's response to UVA for people with moderate to severe psoriasis.
All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
R
Remission: A disappearance or reduction of the symptoms and signs of a disease.
Retinoids: Prescription vitamin A derivatives often used in topical or oral psoriasis therapy.
Rheumatologist: A medical doctor specializing in the treatment of arthritis and related diseases.
All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
S
Salicylic acid: An acid obtained from the bark of the white willow and wintergreen leaves. It is used as a topical keratolytic to treat a variety of skin disorders.
Scale: A thin, compacted, flaky fragment of skin.
Scalp psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis that appears on the scalp. It is often itchy and most visible around the ears and hairline. The constant flaking and shedding of dead skin cells give the appearance of severe dandruff.
Skin biopsy: Taking a small piece of skin to be examined under a microscope. This procedure is usually performed with the aid of a local anesthetic, and helps a dermatologist diagnose the type of skin disorder a patient has.
Skin Care Guide Network: A network of dermatology-related websites founded by a prestigious group of international dermatologists, providing comprehensive information for patients and physicians about the skin, its care and various skin conditions, including psoriasis (www.psoriasisguide.ca).
Skin thinning: A condition in which the skin weakens or deteriorates due to a variety of causes, including overuse of topical steroids.
Soriatane®: See acitretin.
Steroids (or corticosteroids): A synthetic hormone (similar to that produced naturally by the adrenal glands) that is available in pill, topical (i.e. cortisone creams), and injectable forms.
Streptococcal sore throat (also known as "strep throat"): A type of bacterial infection of the throat that, in susceptible individuals, may trigger the onset of psoriasis, usually in a form called guttate psoriasis.
Systemic: Affecting the entire body internally.
Systemic treatment: A treatment, such as a pill or an injection, that gets into the blood circulation.
All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
T
T cell: A type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system that normally helps protect the body against infection and disease.
Tai Chi: Originating in China, a system of postures linked by elegant and graceful movements, whose purpose is to balance yin and yang, creating inner and outer harmony.
Tars: Natural, sticky substances used to treat psoriasis as in coal tar shampoos, topical creams, and ointments.
Tazarotene: The generic name for the prescription brand vitamin A topical drug Tazorac®, used for the treatement of psoriasis.
Tendon: The soft tissue by which muscle attaches to bone.
Topical agent: A treatment such as a cream, salve, or ointment that is applied to the surface of the skin.
Toxicity: The potential of a drug or treatment to cause harmful side effects.
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF): One of the cytokines, or messengers, in the immune system that causes inflammation is known to be fundamental to the disease process that underlies psoriasis. It often plays a key role in the onset and continuation of inflammation in skin and other organs of the body.
All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
U
Ultraviolet (UV) light: The type of light that emanates directly from the sun. It is classified into three categories according to wavelength: UVC, UVB, and UVA. Ultraviolet light can also be simulated using light panels and light boxes. This is a popular treatment for psoriasis.
UVB phototherapy: Treatment involving measured doses of UV light in the UVB wavelength. Two types are broadband UVB, and the less common narrow-band UVB. Used for moderate to severe psoriasis, UVB treatment can reduce the abnormal growth of skin cells and can lessen inflammation.
All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
V
Virus: A microorganism that is smaller than a bacterium that cannot grow or reproduce apart from a living cell.
Visualization: A technique thought to aid in self-relaxation and stress reduction that depends upon the ability to imagine oneself in a calmer, less stressful situation. In some cases, this can include picturing oneself in a symptom-free state.
Vitamin A: Derivatives of this vitamin, called retinoids, are used in its oral and topical forms to treat psoriasis.
Vitamin D3: A topical vitamin used to treat psoriasis.
All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsers, the producers of this website.
W, X, Y, Z
White blood cell: A blood cell within the immune system that helps the body fight infections and other diseases.
Yoga: A program of stretching and relaxation that can help reduce stress.
All brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsors, the producers of this website.
The products and treatments listed here are not endorsed by the sponsors, the producers of this website.
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