Conditions/Diseases Flashcards
What is Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)
“Touch me not” ?
An inherited condition that results in skin being extremely fragile, blistering, and peeling
What causes Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)
Junctional epidermolysis bullosa
*Inability of the stratum basale to anchor to the basement membrane
What is Lamellar ichthyosis?
An autosomal recessive disorder that is present from birth that results in the scaling of the skin
What causes lamellar ichthyosis?
Inability to form a cell envelope which is needed for the intercellular lipid layers to adhere to, resulting in a defective barrier and scale-like skin
What is a nevus?
A mole
What causes a nevus?
Harmless localized overgrowth of melanocytes.
*Rarely malignant but should be monitored for changes
What are freckles?
Yellow or brown spots
*Degree of pigmentation based on sun exposure and heredity
What causes freckles?
Localized areas of increased melanocyte activity
What is albinism?
An inherited autosomal recessive condition
*No cure
What causes albinism?
The enzyme responsible for melanin production is nonfunctional, causing melanocytes to be unable to produce melanin
*Individuals will have white hair and skin, and pink irises
What is vitiligo?
An autoimmune disorder causing a loss of skin color
*No cure
What causes vitiligo?
Immune cells attack melanocytes
What is erythema?
Excessive, abnormal redness of the skin
What causes erythema?
Vasodilation
Inflammation, infection, excessive heat, or allergic reactions
What is pallor?
Abnormal paling of the skin
What causes pallor?
Vasoconstriction
Shock, anemia
What is cyanosis?
A bluish skin tint
*Most apparent in lips, fingers, toes, and beneath nails
What causes cyanosis?
Severe reduction in blood flow due to extreme cold or lack of oxygen
What is jaundice?
Yellow coloration of the skin and whites of the eyes
What causes jaundice?
A buildup of bilirubin (bile) produced by the liver
*Usually indicates a diseased liver
What is Addison’s disease?
An autoimmune disease that causes darkening of the skin
What causes Addison’s disease?
The immune system attacks the adrenal glands and destroys the adrenal cortex, preventing steroid hormones from being produced
What are basal cell carcinomas?
The most common and least dangerous type of skin cancer
Where do basal cell carcinomas occur?
Originates in stratum basale
Usually occurs on face
What do basal cell carcinomas look like?
Small, shiny elevations that enlarge and develop central depressions with pearly edges
How are basal cell carcinomas treated?
Surgical removal of lesion
What are squamous cell carcinomas?
Skin cancer that may metastasize to other body parts
Where do squamous cell carcinomas occur?
Originates from keratinocytes of stratum spinosum
Occurs on scalp, ears, lower lip, dorsum of hand
What do squamous cell carcinomas look like?
Early lesions are raised, red, scaly
Later lesions form concave ulcers with elevated edges
How are squamous cell carcinomas treated?
Early detection and surgical removal of lesion
What are malignant melanomas?
The most deadly type of skin cancer due to aggressive growth and metastasis
*People who have had severe sunburns are at increased risk
Where do malignant melanomas occur?
Originate from melanocytes
Usually occur in a preexisting mole
What do malignant melanomas look like?
Change in mole color, diameter, shape of border, and symmetry
How are malignant melanomas treated?
Chemotherapy, interferon therapy, radiation therapy, surgical removal of lesion
*Survival rate improved by early detection
What does the ABCDE rule for malignant melanomas entail?
A- asymmetry
B- border (blurred or raged edges)
C- color (shades of black, brown, blue, red, white)
D- diameter (6mm or larger)
E- evolving (change in size, shape, color, symptoms)
What are striae?
Stretch marks in the skin
What causes striae?
Thickened scar tissue resulting from excessive stretching of the skin after pregnancy or weight gain
What is dermatitis?
Inflammation of the skin characterized by itch or pain
What causes dermatitis?
Infection, radiation, mechanical irritation, or chemicals
What is reduced skin elasticity (seen as sagging and wrinkles) caused by?
Dehydration, age, hormonal changes, UV exposure
What are decubitis ulcers?
Bedsores
What causes decubitis ulcers?
Continuous pressure on the skin compresses the blood vessels, restricting dermal circulation
What is hypertrichosis “werewolf syndrome” ?
The overgrowth of hair that can be isolated or widespread
What causes hypertrichosis?
Idiopathic, may be inherited or a spontaneous mutation
What are ingrown hairs?
A common condition that occurs when a shaved or tweezed hair grows back into the skin, causing inflammation, pain, and tiny bumps
What is acne?
Plugged sebaceous duct and hair follicle
What causes acne?
Increased activity of sebaceous gland secretions that block pores
*Typically begins during puberty
What treatments are available for acne?
Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, antibiotics, vitamin A
*Can result in scarring if untreated
What are ingrown toenails?
A common condition when the lateral nail folds grow over the edges of the nail, or when the nail grows into the skin
What is a furuncle?
Skin infection involving an entire hair follicle and nearby skin tissue (boil)
What is a carbuncle?
Skin infection involving a group of hair follicles resulting in clusters of pus-filled boils
What is ringworm?
A highly contagious fungal skin infection
What is a cutaneous horn?
Hard nail-like keratin on the skin
*Unknown cause
What is onycholysis?
Spontaneous separation of the nail body and free edge from the nail bed
What is impetigo?
An infection on the skin surface caused by staph/strep bacteria
What is psoriasis?
An autoimmune disorder that results in a high rate of mitotic division of keratinocytes, resulting in abnormal accumulation of dead cells
What is eczema?
A group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause the skin to become itchy and develop a rash
