Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

dermatitis herpetiformis
An intensely itchy
skin inflammation caused by an immune reaction to
dietary gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye,
and related grains. Dermatitis herpetiformis is asso-
ciated with a disorder of the small intestine called
celiac sprue. See also 
celiac sprue.
dermatographism
A common form of hives that
appears due to stroking, rubbing, or scratching of
the skin, or when tight-fitting clothes rub the skin.
Dermatographism occurs in about 5 percent of the
population. Dermatographism is not a disease and
requires no specific treatment.
dermatologic
Having to do with skin.
dermatologist
A physician who specializes in the
diagnosis and treatment of skin problems.
dermatology
The branch of medicine concerned
with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dis-
eases of the skin, hair, nails, oral cavity, and geni-
tals. Some practitioners of dermatology also do
cosmetic care and enhancement. See also 
derma-
tologist.
dermatome 1
A localized area of skin that
receives its sensations via a single nerve from a sin-
gle nerve root of the spinal cord. Shingles (herpes
zoster) typically affects one or several isolated der-
matomes. 
2
A cutting instrument used for skin
grafting or for slicing thin pieces of skin.
dermatomyositis
A chronic inflammatory dis-
ease of muscle causing weakness that is associated
with patches of slightly raised reddish or scaly rash.
The rash can be on the bridge of the nose, around
the eyes, or on sun-exposed areas of the neck and
chest. Classically, however, it is over the knuckles.
When inflammation of the muscle (myositis) occurs
without skin disease, the condition is referred to as
polymyositis. It affects both children and adults. The
most common symptom is muscle weakness, usu-
ally affecting the muscles that are closest to the
trunk of the body (proximal). Trouble with swal-
lowing may occur. Occasionally, the muscles ache
and are tender to touch. Some patients develop
hardened bumps of calcium deposits under the
skin. Treatment involves steroid drugs, such as
prednisolone or prednisone. Other treatments
including immunosuppressing drugs, such as aza-
thioprine and methotrexate, may be prescribed.
Intravenous immunoglobulin can be effective for
severe dermatomyositis. Physical therapy is usually
recommended to preserve muscle function and
avoid muscle atrophy. Both dermatomyositis and
polymyositis can sometimes be associated with can-
cers, including lymphoma, breast, lung, ovarian,
and colon cancer. See also 
polymyositis.