Introduction to Dermatology Flashcards
What is the largest organ in the body?
Skin
Which adnexal structures does the skin contain?
Hair
Nails
Gland
Sensory structures
What are the layers of the skin?
Epidermis
Dermis
Hypodermis
What does the sub cutis - hypodermis consist of?
Fat
How does the epidermis receive its nutrients?
By diffusion
Not blood vessels
What is the purpose of the cuticle?
To protect the nail matrix from getting infected
What are the 3 phases of the hair cycle?
Anagen
Catagen
Telogen
What is the anogen phase of hair cycle?
Active growing phase
80-90% of hairs growing at any one time
What is the catogen phase?
Short phase
Where the growth stops and the follicle shrinks
What is the telogen phase of the hair cycle?
Resting hair phase
Up to 10% of hairs in a normal scalp
What are the functions of the skin?
Themoregulation Skin immune system Sensation Barrier Vitamin D synthesis Interpersonal communication
What stimuli does the skin detect?
Temperature
Touch
Pain
Are alot of people seen by a dermatologist?
Small percentage
What are the 2 classes of skin disease?
External
Internal
What are some external causes of skin disease?
Temperature UV Chemicals Infection Trauma
What are some internal causes of skin disease?
Systemic disease
Genetics
Drugs
Infection
What is photosensitivity?
An immune reaction triggered by sunlight
What are some examples of skin problems caused by temperature?
Frost bite
Chillblains
Skin necrosis
What is dermatitis artefacta?
Condition in which skin trauma is induced by the person themselves
Describe a macule?
Small circumscribed area - no texture
Not raised
Describe a patch?
Larger circumscribed area
No texture
Not raised
Describe a papule?
Small raised area of skin
Describe a plaque?
Large raised area of skin
Describe a vesicle?
Small fluid filed
Describe a bulla?
Large fluid filled
Describe a postule
Small pus filled
Describe an abscess
Large pus filled
Describe an erosion
Loss of epidermis
Describe an ulcer
Loss of epidermis and dermis
What are the most common skin conditions?
Acne Psoriasis Rosacea Skin lesions Urticaria Leg ulcers Scalp/nail disorders Eczema Infections
What causes eruptive Xanthoma?
Hyperlipidaemia
Abnormal lipidmetabolism
What investigations should be done for a suspected bacterial infection?
Charcoal swab ask for:
Microscopy
Culture
Sensitivities
What is the primary investigation for cellulitis?
Blood culture
What investigations should be done for viral infection?
Viral swab for PCR
What are the investigations for fungal infection?
Skin scraping
Nail clipping
Hair sample
Fungal cultures
What is the simple way to take a skin biopsy?
Punch biopsy
What does distribution refer to?
How the skin lesions are scattered or spread out
