Glossary "L"

LACTIC ACID:
One of the alpha hydroxy acids. A naturally occurring humectant.

LAMELLAR GRANULE (lah MEL lar or LAM me lar):
Small oval granule that contains mainly lipids; produced in the prickle cell layer.

LANGERHANS CELL (LANG er hanz):
Epidermal cell which is an important immunologic defender.

LASER SURGERY:
Surgical technique which uses lasers. Laser is an acronym for light amplication by stimulated emission of radiation. A laser is a device that concentrates high energies into an intense narrow beam of electromagnetic radiation. Used in surgical procedures and cauterization.

LESION:
Any detectable change from normal structure and/or function.

LEUKOCYTE (LOO koh SITE):
White blood cell.

LEUKOTRIENE (LOO koh TRY een):
Chemical mediator which participates in the inflammatory response.

LICHENIFICATION (lye KUN if ih KAY shun):
Thickening of the epidermis. Lichenified skin looks dry and leathery, and the normal skin markings are exaggerated. Repeated rubbing and scratching can produce lichenification.

LICHEN SIMPLEX CHRONICUS (LYE kin):
Chronic disorder produced by the patient’s repeated scratching and rubbing. Lichenified plaques appear on the ankles, sides of the neck, genital areas, scalp, and upper back.

LIPID-FREE CLEANSER:
One of the three basic types of skin cleansers. Cleanses without soap and water. Leaves a thin moisturizing film and is especially useful for patients with sensitive or irritated skin.

LIPOPHILIC (LIP oh FILL ik):
Having an affinity for lipids.

LIPOSOME (LIP oh zohm or LYE poh zohm):
Multi-layered vesicle used in the delivery of medications.

LOTION:
A dermatologic vehicle. Either a suspension of insoluble powder in a liquid or a pourable emulsion of oil in water. Pourable emulsions are often called creamy lotions.

LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (LOO pus ERR ih THEM ah TOH sis):
An autoimmune disorder in which a variety of skin lesions appear.

LYMPHOCYTE (LIM foh SITE):
White blood cell manufactured in the bone marrow, lymph, nodes, and spleen. There are two types: B cells and T cells.

LYMPHOKINES (LIM foh KINES):
Substances released by sensitized lymphocytes on contact with specific antigen. Lymphokines help affect cellular immunity by stimulating macrophages.

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