Glossary "H"

HALOGENATION (HAL oh jen AY shun):
A method of manipulating the steroid molecule to increase potency. Halogenation involves inserting some portion of the steroid molecule to increase the steroid’s chlorination (adding a chlorine ion) are two specific methods of halogenation.

HAND DERMATITIS:
A common pruritic disorder with many possible causes. Can be a form of primary irritant contact dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, or nummular dermatitis. The primary symptom is pruritis. In the early stages, the skin is dry and inelastic. As the condition advances there may be bullae, fissuring, and lichenification.

HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION:
An approach to the delivery of medical care in which comprehensive health care is provided to members at a fixed monthly premium.

HEPARIN (HEP ah rin):
Substance released by mast cells; important in the inflammatory response. Prevents plasma from clothing.

HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA:
A chronic inflammatory disease of the skin that is composed of pus-draining nodules and cysts in the axillae, under the breast, in the scalp and perianal area.

HISTAMINE (HISS tuh min or HISS tuh mean):
Substance released by mast cells; important in the inflammatory response. Triggers vascular changes, including dilation of the blood vessels.

HORMONE:
A chemical messenger released into the bloodstream to deliver instructions to organs and tissues. The corticosteroids are hormones.

HUMECTANT (hew MECK tant):
A substance that attracts and holds water. Used in dry skin preparations.

HYDRATE (HIGH drate):
Add water to.

HYDRATION (HIGH dray shun):
Water content.

HYDROCORTISONE (HIGH droh KOR tih ZONE):
A corticosteroid produced by the adrenal glands or synthetically. Hydrocortisone is topically active.

HYDROPHILIC (HIGH droh FILL ik):
Having an attraction for water molecules.

HYGROSCOPIC (HIGH grow SKOP ik):
Capable of absorbing and retaining moisture.

HYPERKERATOSIS (HIGH pur KER ah TOH sis):
Excessive growth and accumulation of the cells of the stratum corneum.

HYPERKERATOTIC (HIGH pur KER ah TOT ik):
Characterized by excessive growth and accumulation of the cells of the stratum corneum.

HYPERPIGMENTATION (HIGH pur PIG men TAY shun):
Excessive pigmentation.

HYPERTRICHOSIS (HIGH pur trih KOH sis):
Excessive hair growth.

HYPERTROPHY (HIGH PUR troh fee):
Excessive development of the soft tissues. Hypertrophy of the soft tissue of the nose can occur in rosacea.

HYPHAE (HIGH fee):
Plural; Branched filaments of a fungus.

HYPOPIGMENTATION (HIGH poh PIG men TAY shun):
Diminished pigmentation.

HYPOTHALAMIC-PITUITARY-ADRENAL AXIS (HIGH poh THAL ah mik-pih TWO ih TER ee-ah DREEN al AK sis):
Composed of the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands. Regulates the secretion of cortisol.

HYPOTHALAMUS (HIGH poh THAL ah muss):
Part of the brain involved in endocrine mechanisms. Part of HPA axis.

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