Nails, Hair Definitions

Question 1

What can deformities and abnormal growth of nails be attributed to?

Answer 1

Genetics, trauma, tumors, cutaneous and systemic conditions

These factors can influence the health and appearance of nails.

Question 2

What are transverse grooves in nails caused by?

Answer 2

Trauma, disease, drugs, infections, and hypersensitivities

These grooves indicate various underlying issues.

Question 3

What is Beau’s lines?

Answer 3

Temporary arrest of proximal nail growth

This condition results in noticeable indentations across the nail.

Question 4

Define onychomadesis.

Answer 4

Detachment of nail plate from proximal nail fold

This can occur due to trauma or systemic conditions.

Question 5

What causes longitudinal grooves in nails?

Answer 5

Focal compression of nail from tumors in proximal nail fold or nail bed, trauma

This condition can be indicative of underlying tumors.

Question 6

What is onychorrhexis?

Answer 6

Superficial grooves in nail plate with distal split

This may indicate brittle nails or underlying health issues.

Question 7

What does onychoschizia refer to?

Answer 7

Lamellar splitting of free edge of nail

This condition often leads to the nails becoming fragile.

Question 8

What is pitting in nails caused by?

Answer 8

Underlying systemic or dermatologic conditions

Pitting can indicate psoriasis or other skin disorders.

Question 9

Define trachyonychia.

Answer 9

Roughness, excessive longitudinal ridging, pitting, thickening of cuticle, and distal brittleness

‘Twenty nail dystrophy’ is diagnosed if most or all nails are involved.

Question 10

What is leukonychia?

Answer 10

Opaque white patches or striae on nails

This condition often results from trauma or systemic issues.

Question 11

What is punctate leukonychia commonly associated with?

Answer 11

Microtrauma, often in children

This is typically a benign condition.

Question 12

What are Mees’ lines?

Answer 12

White discoloration of nail plate in bands or striae that run parallel to nail base

Caused by repeat trauma, infections, drugs, or disease.

Question 13

What does longitudinal melanonychia indicate?

Answer 13

Banded brown to black pigment due to melanin in nail plate

This can present as single or multiple bands and may require further evaluation.

Question 14

What are the four segments of hair anatomy?

Answer 14

Bulb, suprabulbar region, isthmus, infundibulum

Question 15

What is the lowest portion of the hair follicle called?

Answer 15

Bulb

Question 16

What occurs at the bulb of the hair follicle?

Answer 16

Site of hair matrix and hair production by proliferating keratinocytes

Question 17

What does the suprabulbar region extend from?

Answer 17

Bulb to isthmus

Question 18

Where is the isthmus located in the hair follicle?

Answer 18

Between the arrector pili muscle and sebaceous gland

Question 19

What does the infundibulum extend from?

Answer 19

Insertion of sebaceous gland to interfollicular epithelium

Question 20

What is the growth phase of the hair cycle called?

Answer 20

Anagen

Question 21

How long does the anagen phase typically last?

Answer 21

2-7 years

Question 22

What is the transition phase of the hair cycle called?

Answer 22

Catagen

Question 23

How long does the catagen phase last?

Answer 23

2-3 weeks

Question 24

What is the resting phase of the hair cycle known as?

Answer 24

Telogen

Question 25

What is the duration of the telogen phase?

Answer 25

3 months

Question 26

What phase of the hair cycle involves shedding?

Answer 26

Exogen

Question 27

How long does the exogen phase last?

Answer 27

2-5 months

Question 28

What is Lichen Sclerosis (LS)?

Answer 28

A condition characterized by inflammation, scarring, and atrophy ## Footnote Lichen Sclerosis primarily affects the anogenital region.

Question 29

What genetic factors are associated with Lichen Sclerosis?

Answer 29

Family of HLA complex, IRF5, STAT4 ## Footnote These genetic factors may contribute to the susceptibility of developing LS.

Question 30

Is Lichen Sclerosis more severe in men or women?

Answer 30

More severe in men ## Footnote While LS can affect all genders, men often experience more severe symptoms.

Question 31

What age groups are commonly affected by Lichen Sclerosis?

Answer 31

Pre-pubertal and postmenopausal individuals ## Footnote These age groups show higher incidence rates of LS.

Question 32

What type of disease is Lichen Sclerosis considered?

Answer 32

Autoimmune ## Footnote LS is classified as an autoimmune condition, indicating that the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues.

Question 33

Which factors may trigger Lichen Sclerosis?

Answer 33

EBV, trauma, hormones ## Footnote Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), physical trauma, and hormonal changes may play a role in the onset of LS.

Question 34

What is the risk associated with Lichen Sclerosis?

Answer 34

Increased risk of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) ## Footnote Individuals with LS have a higher risk of developing certain types of skin cancer.

Question 35

What treatment is often recommended for Lichen Sclerosis?

Answer 35

High potency topical corticosteroids (TCS) ## Footnote TCS are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms and inflammation associated with LS.

Question 36

Who should co-manage patients with Lichen Sclerosis?

Answer 36

Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB GYN) ## Footnote Collaboration between specialists is important for comprehensive care.

Question 37

What educational topics should be addressed for patients with Lichen Sclerosis?

Answer 37

Intercourse and burning mouth syndrome (BMS) ## Footnote Patients may benefit from education regarding sexual health and managing associated symptoms.