introduction to dermatology Flashcards
What is the largest organ in the body
skin
What is the structure of epidermis
stratum corneum
stratum lucidum
stratum granulosum
stratum spinosum
stratum basale
What happens at the stratum basale
cells divide and become some of the more superficial cells of the skin
What determines the skin colour of an individual
malanin
Eumelanin - black brown form
pheomelanin - red yellow form
If someone has more eumelanin than pheomelanin what colour will they be
Darker skin tone
What is the anagen phase of the hair cycle
Active growing phase
What is the catagen phase of the hair cycle
growth stops and follicle shrinks
What is the telogen phase of the hair cycle
resting phase for 1-4 months
What are the functions of the skin
Thermoregulator
Skin immune system
Barrier
Sensation
Vit D synthesis - UVB reacting with the skin causes production of pre vitamin D
Physical appearance, smell and identity
What are external causes of skin disease
Temperature
UV
chemical
Infection
trauma
What are internal causes of skin disease
Systemic disease
genetics
drugs
infections
What is photosensitivity
Unusual reaction to light
What is cold urticaria
Skin reaction that occurs in response to cold after a few minutes
What is dermatitis artefacta
caused by patient inducing traumatic injuries to their skin
What is a bullous pemphigoid
Immune system attacks joints between epidermis and dermis which causes the dermis to detach
What is a macule
Small flat circumscribed area - normally blanching so if you push down on them they will disappear but once you let go, they will reappear
What is a patch
large flat circumscribed area
What is a papule
Small raised area less than 1 cm
What is a plaque
large raised area more than 1 cm
What is a vesicle
small fluid filled lesion
What is a bulla
large fluid filled region
What is a pustule
small pus filled lesion
What is an abscess
Large pus filled lesion
What is erosion
loss of epidermis
What is an ulcer
Loss of epidermis and dermis
What is a nodule
Palpable lesion more than 1 cm in diameter which is taller than it is wide
What investigations are done in dermatology
Charcoal swab - bacterial swab
MC&S - microscopy, culture and sensitivities to see if there is an infection which needs treating
Viral swab - for viral suspicion
Skin scraping, nail clipping, hair sample and fungal cultures - for fungal suspicion
