Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

depression, bipolar
See 
bipolar disorder.
depression, dysthymia
See 
dysthymia.
depression, major
Depression with a combina-
tion of symptoms that interfere with the ability to
work, sleep, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activi-
ties. These disabling episodes of depression can
occur once, twice, or several times in a lifetime. See
also 
depression.
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depression, major
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depression, manic
See 
bipolar disorder.
depression, postpartum
Severe depression
presenting after childbirth. See also 
depression.
depression, unipolar
Depressive disease with-
out a manic phase. See 
depression.
depression, winter
See 
seasonal affective dis-
order.
Dercum disease
A condition characterized by
painful fatty tumors (lipomas) beneath the skin. The
disease tends to be associated with obesity and is
about five times more frequent in females than in
males. Onset of symptoms generally occurs in mid-
dle age. The fatty tumors are most often located on
the trunk and limbs. Also called 
adiposis dolorosa.
dermabrasion
A surgical procedure that
involves the controlled scraping away of the upper
layers of the skin by using sandpaper or some other
mechanical means. The purpose of dermabrasion is
to smooth the skin and, in the process, remove
small scars (as from acne), moles (nevi), tattoos,
or fine wrinkles. Dermabrasion is performed by a
dermatologist. Chemical skin peels are an alterna-
tive to dermabrasion.
dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis
has many causes, including direct contact with an
irritating substance; allergic reaction to an inhaled,
ingested, or injected allergen; eczema; or underly-
ing immune disease. Symptoms of dermatitis
include redness, itching, and in some cases, blister-
ing. Noneczematous dermatitis is usually caused by
direct contact with an irritant. Frequent offenders
include detergents, especially those with perfumes;
chemicals used in photo development; ammonia
from decomposing urine in an infant’s diapers (dia-
per dermatitis); and some types of solvents.
Treatment involves identifying and avoiding sub-
stances that cause attacks and, during attacks, using
topical treatments, such as steroid creams. See also
eczema.