Conditions of the Skin and Nails Flashcards
What skin lesion is flat, non-palpable 5-10 mm in size and shows a change in normal skin color? Give an example
Macule: Flat Freckles
What skin lesion is a plaque of dermal edema? Give an example.
Wheal: Hives, urticaria
What skin lesion is firm, palpable, incarcerated with base, and >10 mm in size? Give an example.
Nodule: Tumor
What skin lesion is raised, palpable with no base and is 5-10 mm? Give an example
Papule: Warts or mole
What skin lesion is a vesicle filled with purulent or cloudy exudate? Give an example
Pustule: acne pimple
What are the common signs and symptoms of actinic keratosis?
Begin as small rough spots, easier felt than seen: sandpaper-like texture
Hyperkeratotic, pearly, gray-white appearance, 3-10 mm in size; recurs if scraped off
1) Rough, scaly patch of skin
2) Appears as a non-healing sore
3) Often on sun-exposed areas
4) Precursor to SCC
What are the symptoms of basal cell carcinoma?
Skin colored papule/nodule with rolled, translucent “pearly” telangiectatic border, and depressed/eroded/ulcerated center.
Sides of the crater have telangiectatic (Spider like) vessels
How would you evaluate for a basal cell carcinoma?
Biopsy: If shallow lesion, do shave biopsy; otherwise punch or excisional biopsy may be more appropriate
What are the predisposing factors for squamous cell carcinoma?
WB: Sunlight exposure, pale skin, light colored eyes, blond, red hair, actinic keratosis
Primarily on sun- exposed skin in the elderly; chronic sun exposure
Actinic Keratosis
Arsenic Exposure
Most common complication during immunosuppressive therapy
M>F
Where are the lesions of squamous cell carcinoma found predominantly?
70% occur on the head and neck
How are the lesions of squamous cell carcinoma described ?
Indurated erythematous nodule/plaque with surface scale/crust +/- ulceration; may bleed easily, frequently, single but may be multiple
Which of the following skin lesions metastasize? Squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma?
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Exposure to what toxic metal is associated with basal and squamous cell carcinoma?
Arsenic
What malignant tumor derived from the endothelia cells is seen in AIDS?
Kaposi Sarcoma: Spindle Cell Tumor
What are the common signs and symptoms of Kaposi’s Sarcoma?
Raised, round, or oval papules, that are red-purple that ulcerates
What are the predisposing risk factors for melanoma?
1) Slow onset of change in nevus
2) Pale skin, light colored eyes, blonde or red hair
3) Blistering sunburn as a child
4) Large quantity of moles
5) Family or personal Hx
What is the mnemonic for melanoma and what does it stand for?
ABCDEs
A:Asymmetry
B: Boarder irregularity
C: Contour or Color variation
D: Distribution or Diameter (enlarged): >6mm or size of pencil eraser
E: Evolving: changing in size, shape, or color
What are the best methods for evaluation for melanoma?
Clinical observation, dermoscopy, Excision Biopsy
What condition causes a malar rash on the face with pustules and papules on an erythematous base and telangiectasia?
Acne Rosacea
What types of things exacerbate ance rosacea?
Stress, alcohol (especially wine), spicy food, weather (heat, cold, wind, sun), vasodilators, histamine foods
Rhinophyma (lumpy nose) is associated with what disease?
Acne Rosacea
What class of herbs are well established for acne rosacea?
Alternatives: Arctium Lappa, Rumex Crispus, Taraxacum officinalis root
What does acne vulgaris have that acne rosace does not have?
Comedones: Plugging of hair follicle by keratin debris
Open- Blackhead
Closed- Whitehead
What vitamin may be contraindicated with acne vulgaris?
B12
What mineral may be contraindicated with acne vulgaris?
Iodine
What mineral may be indicated with acne vulgaris?
Zinc
What herb, used topically, is indicated for acne?
Melaleuca alternifolia
What herb is indicated for premenstrual acne?
Vitex agnus-castus
Which vitamins are indicated in the treatment of acne vulgaris?
Vitamin A, B5, B6, Folate
What is an acute spreading infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue?
Cellulitis
What are the signs and symptoms of cellulitis?
Involves the lower dermis/subcutaneous fat
Erythema, warmth, swelling, and pain
Borders are not elevated, poorly demarcated vesicles
Regional lymphadenopathy
Orange peal appearance skin
What homeopathic remedies might you suggest for cellulitis that is better with pressure and hot applications?
Pyrogenium
Describe the characteristics of a rash caused by candida albicans?
Erythematous with satellite lesions ( broken pieces spread out)
What drug could be used to treat the rash caused by candida albicans?
Nystatin, miconazole or clotrimazole
Describe the characteristics of a rash caused by a bed bug (cimicosis) ?
Small papules arranged in a line
What is inflammation of the hair follicle called?
Folliculitis
What are the clinical findings in folliculitis?
Pustule around the hair follicle
What is in the DDx for folliculitis?
Furunculosis
Tinea
Acne
Contact Dermatitis
Candidiasis
Molluscum Contagiosum
What are some treatment options for folliculitis?
Good Hygiene
Topical Antimicrobials that cover gram-positive organisms
What is a topical antimicrobial that covers gram-positive organism you might use empirically for folliculitis?
Erythromycin or Clindamycin Topical
What is the prodrome of herpes simplex infection?
Tingling, pain, burning or itching precedes appearance of crops of small fluid filled vesicles on erythematous base
How is herpes diagnosed?
Clinical or viral culture
What is the DDX for herpes simplex?
Impetigo
Aphthous stomatitis
Herpes Zoster
Chancroid
Varicella
Syphilis
How soon after initial infection does the herpes simplex antibodies titer peak?
4-6 weeks