Misnomers in dermatology

Abstract

Background: Dermatology lexicon is rich with descriptive terminology. However, for a variety of reasons, it also includes a number of misnomers.

Objective: To review the more commonly encountered and critically appraised misnomers in dermatology.

Methods: A search of MEDLINE (1966 - 2004), eMedicine dermatology text and electronic versions of two standard dermatology texts, Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine and Dermatology, was performed using the permutations of the terms: dermatology, skin, cutaneous, and misnomer.

Results: Greater than 40 misnomers were identified.

Conclusions: Misnomers in dermatology stem largely from lack of appreciation of underlying etiology or histopathological features of certain skin conditions, imprecise historical observations and erroneous eponymous credit. Historical, clinical, or histopathological explanations are used to clarify the nature of the misnomers, and in some cases suggestions for improved terminology are provided.