Pathology of the Integumentary System Flashcards
Acne vulgaris (acne)
A chronic inflammatory disease characterized by pustular eruptions of the skin caused by an overproduction of sebum around the hair shaft. Although often triggered by hormones in puberty and adolescence, it also occurs in adults. Vulgaris is a Latin term meaning common.
Comedo
A noninfected lesion formed by the buildup of sebum and keratin in a hair follicle often associated with acne vulgaris. A comedo with an obstructed opening is called a whitehead (a closed comedo). A sebum plug that is exposed to air often oxidizes and becomes a blackhead (an open comedo).
Epidermoid cyst/sebaceous cyst
A closed sac that is found just under the skin. These cysts contain yellow, fatty material and are usually found on the face, neck, or trunk.
Seborrhea
Overactivity of the sebaceous glands that results in the production of an excessive amount of sebum
Seborrheic dermatitis
An inflammation sometimes resulting from seborrhea that causes scaling and itching of the upper layers of the skin or scalp. Extensive dandruff is a form of seborrheic dermatitis, as is the scalp rash in infants known as cradle cap. In contrast, mild dandruff is usually caused by a yeast-like fungus on the scalp.
Seborrheic keratosis
A benign skin growth that has a waxy or “pasted-on” look. These growths, which can vary in color from light tan to black, occur most commonly in the elderly.
Anhidrosis
The abnormal condition of lacking sweat in response to heat
Diaphoresis
Profuse sweating. This is a normal condition when brought on by heat or exertion but can also be the body’s response to emotional or physical distress.
Heat rash/prickly heat
An intensely itchy rash caused by blockage of the sweat glands by bacteria and dead cells.
Hyperhidrosis
A condition of excessive sweating in one area or over the whole body
Sleep hyperhidrosis/night sweats
The occurrence of hyperhidrosis during sleep. There are many potential causes of this condition, including menopause, certain medications, and some infectious diseases.
Folliculitis
An inflammation of the hair follicles. This condition is especially common on arms, legs, and in the beard area of men. One of the causes of folliculitis is a bacterium found in poorly chlorinated hot tubs or whirlpools. This leads to a condition called hot tub folliculitis.
Trichomycosis axillaris
A superficial bacterial infection of the hair shafts in areas with extensive sweat glands, such as the armpits
Hirsutism
The presence of excessive body and facial hair in women, usually occurring in a male pattern. This condition can be hereditary or can be caused by a hormone imbalance.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia occurring in patches on the head.
Alopecia totalis
Complete hair loss on the head.
Alopecia universalis
Total loss of all body hair
Androgenic alopecia
The most common type of hair loss. Androgenic means referring to androgens, the hormones involved in the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics (think male/female pattern baldness)
Clubbing
The abnormal curving of the nails that is often accompanied by enlargement of the fingertips. This condition can be hereditary but is usually caused by changes associated with oxygen deficiencies related to coronary or pulmonary diseases such as lung cancer.
Koilonychia (spoon nail)
A malformation of the nails in which the outer surface is concave or scooped out like the bowl of a spoon. This condition is often an indication of iron-deficiency anemia
Onychia (onychitis)
An inflammation of the bed of the nail that often results in the loss of the nail
Onychocryptosis (ingrown toenail)
The edges of a toenail, usually on the big toe, curve inward and cut into the skin. The affected area is prone to inflammation or infection.
Onychomycosis
A fungal infection of the nail. Depending on the type of fungus involved, this condition can cause the nails to turn white, yellow, green, or black and to become thick or brittle.
Paronychia
An acute or chronic infection of the skin fold around a nail
Acanthosis nigricans
A condition where one or more areas of the skin develop dark, wart-like patches. This can be a sign of a disease such as cancer or type 2 diabetes or a reaction to a medication.
Solar lentigines/liver spots/age spots
Discolorations caused by sun exposure. Although harmless, these spots sometimes resemble skin cancer growths.
Chloasma/melasma/mask of pregnancy
A pigmentation disorder characterized by brownish spots on the face. This can occur during pregnancy, especially among women with dark hair and fair skin, and usually disappears after delivery.
Contusion
An injury to underlying tissues without breaking the skin and is characterized by discoloration and pain. This discoloration is caused by an accumulation of blood within the skin.
Ecchymosis (bruise)
A large, irregular area of purplish discoloration due to bleeding under the skin
Purpura
The appearance of multiple purple discolorations on the skin caused by bleeding underneath the skin. These areas of discoloration are smaller than an ecchymosis and larger than petechiae.
Petechiae
Very small, pinpoint hemorrhages that are less than 2 mm in diameter. These pinpoints sometimes result from high fevers.
Hematoma
Usually caused by an injury, is a swelling of clotted blood trapped in the tissues. The body eventually reabsorbs this blood. A hematoma is often named for the area where it occurs. For example, a subungual hematoma is blood trapped under a finger or toenail.
Lesion
A pathologic change of the tissues due to disease or injury. Skin lesions are described by their appearance, location, color, and size as measured in centimeters (cm).
Crust/scab
A collection of dried serum and cellular debris
Macule/macula
A discolored flat spot that is less than 1 cm in diameter. Freckles, or flat moles, are examples of macules
Nodule
A solid, raised skin lesion that is larger than 0.5 cm in diameter and deeper than a papule. In acne vulgaris, nodules can cause scarring.
Papule
A small, raised red lesion that is less than 0.5 cm in diameter and does not contain pus. Small pimples and insect bites are types of papules
Plaque
A scaly, solid raised area of closely spaced papules. For example, the lesions of psoriasis are plaques
Scales
Flakes or dry patches made up of excess dead epidermal cells. Some shedding of these scales is normal; however, excessive shedding is associated with skin disorders such as psoriasis.
Verrucae (warts)
Small, hard skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus. Plantar warts are verrucae that develop on the sole of the foot.
Wheal (welt)
A small bump that itches. Wheals can appear as urticaria, or hives, as a symptom of an allergic reaction
Purulent
Producing or containing pus