Dermatology Library
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B
Basal cell carcinoma:
A skin cancer that develops in the basal layer of the skin—deeper than the surface layer. It is associated with aging and years of chronic sun exposure. Basal cell carcinoma seldom spreads to other parts of the body, but can be disfiguring if not treated early. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of cancer worldwide. In the vast majority of cases, it is thought to be caused by exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. It is becoming more common, perhaps because people may be spending more time outdoors. Some believe that the decrease in the ozone layer is allowing more ultraviolet radiation from the sun to reach the earth's surface. Basal cell cancer does not usually metastasize or travel in the bloodstream; rather it infiltrates the surrounding area destroying tissue. For this reason, basal cell cancer should be treated promptly by your dermatologist with dermatologic surgical techniques.
Benzoyl peroxide:
A topical ointment with an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect, and is commonly used in acne treatment.
Biologics:
Most medicines are created by combining chemicals. In contrast, "biologic drugs" are made from human or animal proteins. The medications made from these proteins are specifically designed to help correct the body's process that causes psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Because of their recent use in treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, the long- term safety of biologics is not completely known.
Biopsy:
Removal and microscopic examination of tissue from the body for the purpose of establishing a precise pathologic diagnosis. Excisional biopsy is removal of a skin lesion for microscopic examination. Incisional biopsy is removal of a portion of a skin lesion. Skin biopsy is most frequently done to diagnose a skin growth such as a mole, or a skin condition such as a rash. A skin biopsy can also be used to diagnose a cancer of the skin.
Different techniques are used in different situations. Typically the biopsies are obtained using local anesthetics. A shave biopsy takes a thin slice and can be used to remove superficial lesions. A punch biopsy takes a core and can be used to remove small lesions and diagnose rashes and other conditions. Excisional biopsies are usually larger and deeper and used to completely remove an abnormal area of skin (lesion) such as a skin cancer.
Birthmarks (Hemangioma):
Many babies have what are called "birthmarks" when they're born. In some cases they may appear within the first few weeks of life. They can be brown, tan, blue, pink, or red. More than 10 in 100 babies have vascular birthmarks. These are made up of blood vessels bunched together in the skin. They can be flat or raised, pink, red or bluish discolorations.
Blackhead:
A non-inflammatory acne lesion that is filled with excess oil and dead skin cells. Blackheads are also called “open comedones” because the surface of the skin remains open.
Blepharoplasty:
A surgical procedure to correct the "droopy" look of eyelids due to excess fat pads and skin.
Botulinum toxin:
Botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX®) and botulinum toxin type B (MYOBLOC™) are purified substances derived from bacteria that blocks the nerve signals from the brain to the muscle. By injecting very tiny amounts into a specific facial muscle, only the impulse of that muscle will be blocked, causing a local relaxation and weakness. In this way, botulinum toxin acts as a muscle blockade to immobilize the underlying cause of the unwanted lines and prevent "wrinkly" expressions.
Botox:
See: Botulinum Toxin