Dermatoglyphics
Dermatoglyphics: The study of the patterns of ridges on the skin of the fingers, palms, toes, and soles. Dermatoglyphics are of interest in anthropology, criminology, and medicine, including dysmorphology (the study of congenital malformations) and the study of chromosome abnormalities such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome).
The term dermatoglyphics was coined in 1926 by Dr. Harold Cummins from derma, skin + the Greek glyphe, carve. He later wrote that: “The word is literally descriptive of the delicately sculpted skin surface, inclusive of single ridges and their configural arrangements.”
Read Also:
- Dermatographism
Dermatographism: A common form of hives that appears due to stroking, rubbing, or scratching of the skin, or when tight-fitting clothes rub the skin. Dermatographism occurs in about 5 percent of the population. Dermatographism is not a disease and requires no specific treatment.
- Dermatology
Dermatology: 1. The branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the skin, hair, nails, oral cavity and genitals. 2. Sometimes also, cosmetic care and enhancement. Dermatology is literally the study of the skin.
- Dermatome
Dermatome: (1) A localized area of skin that is has its sensation via a single nerve from a single nerve root of the spinal cord. Shingles (herpes zoster) typically affects one or several isolated dermatomes. (2) A dermatome is also a cutting instrument used for skin grafting or slicing thin pieces of skin.
- Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis: A chronic inflammatory disease of skin and muscle which is associated with areas of slightly raised reddish, scaly rash. The rash can be on the bridge of the nose, around the eyes, or on sun-exposed areas of the neck and chest. Classically, however, it is over the knuckles. When the characteristic inflammation of the […]
- Dermatophytic onychomycosis
Dermatophytic onychomycosis: Ringworm of the nail, the most common fungus infection of the nails (onychomycosis). Onychomycosis makes the nails look white and opaque, thickened, and brittle. Older women and men and women with diabetes or disease of the small blood vessels (peripheral vascular disease) are at increased risk. Artificial nails (acrylic or “wraps”) increase the […]