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This glossary defines commonly used Psoriasis terms, including products and medications used in the treatment of psoriasis and other skin conditions that co-exist with psoriasis such as acne, rosacea, eczema and dermatitis.

Hand Dermatitis: an all inclusive term used to describe a variety of skin irritations that your hands can develop. You may experience symptoms of itchy, scaly patches of skin that flake constantly. Or your hands may become red, cracked and painful. In some cases, the rash worsens and may cause weepy bumps to breakout on the skin.

Hand eczema: term used to describe a variety of skin irritations that your hands can develop. You may have itchy, scaly patches of skin that flake constantly. Additional symptoms may include the hands may becoming red, cracked and painful. In some cases, the rash worsens into weepy bumps. Treatment may include emollients to maintain skin hydration and to reduce inflammation.

Halcinonide: high potency corticosteroid sometimes used in the treatment of psoriasis. Also sold under the brand name(s): Halog®, Halog®E.

Halog®: by Westwood Scribb, (Halcinonide) a high potency corticosteroid. Also sold under the brand name(s): Halog® E

Herpes simplex virus (Type 1): spread by touching, kissing and sharing cups, Type 1 herpes usually leads to cold sores: small, clear, water-filled blisters, usually on the lips.

Herpes simplex virus (Type 2): usually spread by sexual contact. The disease is characterized by skin rashes, itching and sores around the genital area.

Herpetiformis Dermatitis: characterized as an intensely itchy eruption of small papules or vesicles. The symptoms of intense burning, stinging and itching cannot be overemphasized. It most commonly occurs over the elbows, knees, buttocks, scalp, posterior, neck, sacral (lower end of the spinal column) and shoulder areas. Symptoms may occasionallt occur on the face and facial hairline. The exact cause is unknown but dermatitis herpetiformis is often linked to gluten sensitivity

Hives: (red, raised bumps), often occur after exposure to an allergen, at the beginning of flares, or after exercise or a hot bath. Commonly occurs in atopic dermatitis.

Hydrocortisone: a natural chemical made by the body which reduces swelling, itching, inflammation and burning. The most commonly prescribed and/or over the counter steroid for the treatment of dermatitis. Very low potency steroid. Overuse may cause an increase in symptoms. Also sold under the brand name(s): Cetacort®, Nutracort®, Anusol-HC®, Hytone®, Cort-Dome®, Locoid®, Cortenema®, Cortifoam®, Cortaind®, Lanacort®, Westcort®

Hypertrophy: Abnormal growth.

Hyperemia: Abnormally increased blood flow

Hyperlinear palms: increased number of skin creases on the palms. Commonly occurs in atopic dermatitis.

Hyperpigmented eyelids: eyelids that have become darker in color from inflammation or hay fever. Scratching and rubbing the eye area can cause the skin to change in appearance.Commonly occurs in atopic dermatitis. Treatment should invlove preventing the trigger factors that turn on inflamed skin, or with anti-inflammatory therapies

Hyperplasia: Increased cell production in normal tissue; an excess of normal tissue

Hypothalamus: The body's "thermostat"

Hytone®: by Dermik, (Hydrocortisone) a low potency steroid. Also sold under the brand name(s): Cetacort®, Nutracort®, Anusol-HC®, Hytone®, Cort-Dome®, Cortenema®, Cortifoam®, Cortaind®, Lanacort®, Locoid®, Westcort®

Hydrocortisone: a less potent corticosteroid incorporated into creams, lotions and ointments used to treat skin inflammation.

Hyperirritability: easily irritated.

Human leucocyte antigen (HLA): immune system markers strongly associated with the cause(s) of psoriasis.

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