Dermatology Flashcards
What is atopy?
The genetic tendency to develop certain diseases, includes eczema, asthma and hayfever.
What are Fitzpatrick skin types and how does it affect your risk of skin cancer?
Type 1-7, where type 1 is white skin that always burns and never tans, and type 7 is black skin that is less likely to burn and tans very easily. People with type 1 are at a much greater risk of developing skin cancer.
How are rashes described?
S - site and distribution
C - colour and configuration
A - associated changes e.g. Smooth, scaly, crusty
M - morphology
How are pigmented lesions described?
A - asymmetry
B - border
C - colour
D - diameter (>6mm is worrying)
What is hirsuitism?
Androgen-related excess hair growth, often seen in PCOS.
What is koilonychia and what causes it?
Nail spooning, caused by iron deficiency.
What causes clubbing?
Cardio and respiratory conditions as well as many cancers.
Name some words that can be used to describe surface features of dermatology.
Scale Crust Excoriation Erosion Ulceration
Name some words that can be used to describe site and distribution of dermatology.
Generalised
Flexural
Extensor
Photosensitive
Name some words that can be used to describe configuration of dermatology.
Discrete
Confluent
Linear
Target
Name some words that can be used to describe colour in dermatology.
Erythematous
Hyperpigmented
Hypopigmented
Purpuric
What is the difference between a macule and a papule?
Both are <5mm, but a macule is flat and a papule is raised.
What is a bulla?
A fluid-filled vesicle that is >1cm (very large).
What are the main functions of the skin?
- protective barrier
- temperature regulation
- sensation
- vitamin D synthesis
What is pruritis?
Itchy skin
What is erythroderma?
Widespread and intense reddening of the skin due to inflammatory skin disease.
What are the consequences of erythroderma?
- infection due to loss of barrier
- problems with thermoregulation
- cardiac failure due to dilated skin vessels
What are Merkel cells?
Found in the skin, contain specialised nerve endings for sensation.
What are the 4 layers of the dermis?
- stratum basale (innermost - basal layer)
- stratum spinosum (spiny layer)
- stratum granulosum (granular layer)
- stratum corneum (horny layer)
What are the 2 types of sebaceous glands in the skin that are active after puberty?
- eccrine
- apocrine
