Abscess: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue.1

Acne inversa: another term for hidradenitis suppurativa.2

Apocrine glands: one of two types of sweat glands found in areas such as the armpits and groin.3,4

Arthritis: a condition that causes pain and inflammation within a joint.5 For more information click here

Boils: a localized swelling and inflammation of the skin resulting from usually bacterial infection of a hair follicle and adjacent tissue, having a hard central core, and forming pus.6

Chronic disease: a disease or ailment of long duration or frequent recurrence .7

Crohn’s disease: a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes irritation of the digestive, or gastrointestinal (GI), tract.8 For more information click here

Depression: a medical condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest and hopelessness.9 For more information click here

Immune disorder: a large group of diseases characterized by abnormal functioning of the immune system that causes your immune system to produce antibodies against your own tissues.10

Immune system: the bodily system that protects the body from foreign substances, cells, and tissues by producing the immune response.11

Inflammatory disorder: a disease characterized by inflammation, where the body’s immune system thinks that its own cells are threats, attacking them like they would typically target external threats like foreign bacteria or a virus.12

Lesions: an abnormal change in structure of an organ or part due to injury or disease.13

Nodules: a small mass of rounded or irregular shape.14

Papules: Small, palpable skin changes.15

Progressive disease: a disease or physical ailment increasing in extent or severity. 16

Pus: Thick, yellowish-white fluid formed at the site of inflammation during infection17

Severe acne: comprise mainly of deeply embedded solid nodules, inflammation and extensive skin damage.18,19 For more information click here

Sinus tracts: A narrow, elongated channel in the body that allows the escape of fluid.20

Sweat gland tubes: A tubular gland of the skin that excretes perspiration.21

REFERENCES:

  1. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Abscess. Available at http://www.merriam-webster.com. Accessed August 2013.
  2. Mayo Health Clinic. Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hidradenitis-suppurativa/DS00818.  Accessed August 2013.
  3. Mayo Health Clinic. Sweating and Body Odor. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sweating-and-body-odor/DS00305/DSECTION=causes. Accessed August 2013.
  4. The British Association of Dermatologists. Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Available at:http://www.bad.org.uk/site/825/default.aspx. Accessed August 2013.
  5. The Mayo Clinic. Arthritis. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/arthritis/DS01122. Accessed August 2013.
  6. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Boils. Available at http://www.merriam-webster.com. Accessed August 2013.
  7. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Chronic Disease. Available at http://www.merriam-webster.com. Accessed August 2013.
  8. Baumgart D., Sandborn W. Crohn's disease. The Lancet. 2012; 380: 1590-1605.
  9. Mayo Health Clinic. Depression. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175. Accessed August 2013.
  10. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Immune Disorder. Available at http://www.merriam-webster.com. Accessed August 2013.
  11. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Immune System. Available at http://www.merriam-webster.com. Accessed August 2013.
  12. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Inflammatory Disorder. Available at http://www.merriam-webster.com. Accessed August 2013.
  13. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Lesions. Available at http://www.merriam-webster.com. Accessed August 2013.
  14. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Nodules. Available at http://www.merriam-webster.com. Accessed August 2013.
  15. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Papules. Available at http://www.merriam-webster.com. Accessed August 2013.
  16. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Progressive Disease. Available at http://www.merriam-webster.com. Accessed August 2013.
  17. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Pus. Available at http://www.merriam-webster.com. Accessed August 2013.
  18. American Academy of Dermatology. What Causes Acne? Available at: http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/acne.html Accessed August 2013.
  19. Torpy JM, Lynm C, Glass RM. Acne. JAMA.2004;292(6):764.
  20. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Sinus Tracts. Available at http://www.merriam-webster.com. Accessed August 2013.
  21. Gage, CH. The Radiological Exploration of Sinus Tracts, Fistulae, and Infected Cavities. Radiology. 1943: 41, 233-248.