The core vocabulary of the skin — defined in clear English for nursing and medical students.
Last updated: September 9, 2026
Dermatology is the study of the skin and its conditions. This page defines the essential terms in plain English, from skin anatomy to lesions, diseases and procedures.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Epidermis | The outermost layer of the skin. |
| Dermis | The layer beneath the epidermis, containing nerves and blood vessels. |
| Subcutaneous tissue | The fat layer under the dermis. |
| Melanin | The pigment that gives skin, hair and eyes their color. |
| Sebaceous gland | An oil-producing gland in the skin. |
| Macule | A flat, discolored spot on the skin. |
| Papule | A small, raised bump on the skin. |
| Vesicle | A small, fluid-filled blister. |
| Pustule | A small bump filled with pus. |
| Wheal | A raised, itchy welt, as seen in hives. |
| Erythema | Redness of the skin. |
| Pruritus | Itching. |
| Urticaria | Hives: raised, itchy welts, often from an allergy. |
| Eczema | An itchy, inflammatory skin condition (a form of dermatitis). |
| Psoriasis | A chronic disease with thick, scaly patches of skin. |
| Cellulitis | A bacterial infection of the skin and the tissue beneath it. |
| Melanoma | A serious skin cancer arising from pigment cells. |
| Dermatitis | Inflammation of the skin. |
| Alopecia | Hair loss. |
| Petechiae | Tiny red or purple spots from bleeding under the skin. |
| Biopsy | Removal of a small tissue sample for examination. |
| Excision | Surgical cutting out of tissue or a lesion. |
| Cryotherapy | A treatment that destroys tissue by freezing it. |
Quizzes, flashcards and spaced repetition — free to get started.
Start learning free →These terms help students and healthcare workers describe skin lesions accurately and understand common dermatological conditions and procedures.
Yes. This vocabulary is core to US health programs — nursing school and NCLEX prep, pre-med, and medical assistant training. MediLearn lets you drill these terms with quizzes and flashcards using spaced repetition.
The pigment that gives skin, hair and eyes their color.
Itching.
Hair loss.