Clinical Derm / Skin Function

Question 1

What are the functions of the skin?

Answer 1

1. Decoration/Beauty
2. Barrier
   • Physical
   • Light
   • Immunologic
3. Vitamin D synthesis
4. Water Homeostasis
5. Thermoregulation
6. Insulation/Calorie Reservoir
7. Touch/Sensation

Question 2

Give examples of skin conditions when skin structures are lost or not functioning properly

Answer 2

• Vitiligo: absence of melanocytes
• Bullous Pemphigoid: Auto-Ab to BP180 (type 17 collagen) or BP230, both are found at the DEJ in the hemidesmosome
• Pemphigus Vulgaris: Autoantibodies to desmoglein 1 and 3 –> intraepidermal blisters
Icthyosis Vulgaris and Atopic Dermatitis: LOF flaggrin mutations –> dec NMF in stratum corneum –> inc water loss

Question 3

Skin differs in different regions of the body

Answer 3

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Question 4

Skin disease can be divided into two general categories:

• Growths
• Rashes

Answer 4

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Question 5

Know the Fitzpatrick skin types.

Answer 5

1. Ginger
2. Little fairer than me
3. Me (burn init, then tan)
4. Italians
5. Halle Berry
6. Dude from gladiator

Question 6

Skin can be a sign of systemic disease.

Answer 6

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