Intro to dermatology Flashcards
What are important things to ask in a dermatological history of the presenting complaint?
Initial appearance of lesion and evolution
Recent contact at site with animals, any recent illness or travel
History of sunburn or self-tanning machines
Relieving factors and what makes it worse
Anything similar or other skin conditions in the past
Occupation
Impact of lesion on life
What is a naevus?
Localised tissue malformation where there is a cluster of melanocytes to form a mole
What is pruiritus?
Itching
What is a lesion?
Altered area on skin
How is the skin examined?
1) Inspect
2) Describe
3) Palpate
4) Systemic check of body, all organ systems, and temperature
What do we look for in an inspection?
Site of lesion, number of lesions
Pattern of distribution and configuration (arrange).
What can be used for inspection?
Dermoscopy to view melanomas and Wood lamp of UV rays to identify infections and pigmentation
What is skin examined for?
SCAM
S-size and shape
C- Colour
A-Associated secondary change
M- Margin and morphology
How is a pigmented lesion examined?
ABCD
A: assymetry
B: border
C: colour
D: diameter
What is flexural?
Distribution is located in the body folds such as the antecubital and popliteal fossa, neck and groin
What is an erythrodermic distribution?
Generalised spread mostly all over the body’s skin surface
What is examined in palpation?
Surface, consistency, mobility, temperature and tenderness
What are the common inflammatory dermatoses?
Acne
Atopic eczema
Psoriasis
What is acne?
Chronic inflammatory condition of the pilosebacous unit which affects the face, chest and back primarily. Characterised by seborrhea (excessive oiliness)
Why does acne occur?
Hypertrophy of the pilosebaceous gland due to hgh levels of androgens or inflammation leads to excess sebum production. There is an obstruction to release due to hyperkeratinisation which leads to build up and formation of comedone. This causes inflammation lesion of pustule or papule which ruptures and leaves scarring
What is the role of the pilosebacous gland?
Lubricates hair and provides pathogen defence. Contains the commensal bacterium propiobacterium
How does acne develop?
Begins as a non-inflammatory lesion of open and closed comedone that ruptures and becomes inflammatory lesions of papules and pustules
What are the types of acne lesions?
Comedones, superficial lesions of papules and pustules and deep inflamed lesions called nodules.
What are nodules?
SOlid lumps located in dermis or subcutis which occur in severe acne. They are not always visible and are generally tender and painful and occur in arthritis.
What is telangieactasia?
Raised blood vessels on skin surface.
What is a macule?
Flat discoloured area on skin.
What is a papule?
Slightly raised patch of skin which is palpable, caused by acne, hormonal changes or bacteria.
What is a plaque?
Area of skin which is thickened, that occurs in psoriasis.
What is a pustule?
Small bulge of skin filled with pus deeper into the skin caused by acne or smallpox.
What is a cyst?
Progression from a pustule where pocket of skin becomes hard and painful and may grow in size, filled with pus.
What is a comedone?
Pores or hair follicles which have become clogged with bacteria, sebum or dead skin cells to form what is called a hardened bump called a whitehead or blackhead
What are open comedones?
Blackheads where oxidisation of sebum and filled with melanin and are enlarged
What are closed comedones?
Whitehead which are small and non-inflamed
What are the types of acne scars?
Atrophic: heals below epidermis
Hypertrophic: overgrowth of fibrous tissue on epidermis