Pathology of the Integumentary System

Question 1

Acne vulgaris (acne)

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Comedo

Answer 2

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).

Question 3

Epidermoid cyst/sebaceous cyst

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Seborrhea

Answer 4

Overactivity of the sebaceous glands that results in the production of an excessive amount of sebum

Question 5

Seborrheic dermatitis

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Seborrheic keratosis

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Anhidrosis

Answer 7

The abnormal condition of lacking sweat in response to heat

Question 8

Diaphoresis

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Heat rash/prickly heat

Answer 9

An intensely itchy rash caused by blockage of the sweat glands by bacteria and dead cells.

Question 10

Hyperhidrosis

Answer 10

A condition of excessive sweating in one area or over the whole body

Question 11

Sleep hyperhidrosis/night sweats

Answer 11

The occurrence of hyperhidrosis during sleep. There are many potential causes of this condition, including menopause, certain medications, and some infectious diseases.

Question 12

Folliculitis

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Trichomycosis axillaris

Answer 13

A superficial bacterial infection of the hair shafts in areas with extensive sweat glands, such as the armpits

Question 14

Hirsutism

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Alopecia areata

Answer 15

Alopecia occurring in patches on the head.

Question 16

Alopecia totalis

Answer 16

Complete hair loss on the head.

Question 17

Alopecia universalis

Answer 17

Total loss of all body hair

Question 18

Androgenic alopecia

Answer 18

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)

Question 19

Clubbing

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Koilonychia (spoon nail)

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Onychia (onychitis)

Answer 21

An inflammation of the bed of the nail that often results in the loss of the nail

Question 22

Onychocryptosis (ingrown toenail)

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Onychomycosis

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

Paronychia

Answer 24

An acute or chronic infection of the skin fold around a nail

Question 25

Acanthosis nigricans

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

Solar lentigines/liver spots/age spots

Answer 26

Discolorations caused by sun exposure. Although harmless, these spots sometimes resemble skin cancer growths.

Question 27

Chloasma/melasma/mask of pregnancy

Answer 27

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.

Question 28

Contusion

Answer 28

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.

Question 29

Ecchymosis (bruise)

Answer 29

A large, irregular area of purplish discoloration due to bleeding under the skin

Question 30

Purpura

Answer 30

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.

Question 31

Petechiae

Answer 31

Very small, pinpoint hemorrhages that are less than 2 mm in diameter. These pinpoints sometimes result from high fevers.

Question 32

Hematoma

Answer 32

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.

Question 33

Lesion

Answer 33

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).

Question 34

Crust/scab

Answer 34

A collection of dried serum and cellular debris

Question 35

Macule/macula

Answer 35

A discolored flat spot that is less than 1 cm in diameter. Freckles, or flat moles, are examples of macules

Question 36

Nodule

Answer 36

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.

Question 37

Papule

Answer 37

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

Question 38

Plaque

Answer 38

A scaly, solid raised area of closely spaced papules. For example, the lesions of psoriasis are plaques

Question 39

Scales

Answer 39

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.

Question 40

Verrucae (warts)

Answer 40

Small, hard skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus. Plantar warts are verrucae that develop on the sole of the foot.

Question 41

Wheal (welt)

Answer 41

A small bump that itches. Wheals can appear as urticaria, or hives, as a symptom of an allergic reaction

Question 42

Purulent

Answer 42

Producing or containing pus

Question 43

Exudate

Answer 43

A fluid, such as pus, that leaks out of an infected wound.

Question 44

Cyst

Answer 44

An abnormal sac containing gas, fluid, or a semisolid material. The most common type is a sebaceous cyst

Question 45

Pustule/pimple

Answer 45

A small, circumscribed lesion containing pus . Circumscribed means contained within a limited area. Pustules can be caused by acne vulgaris, impetigo, or other skin infections.

Question 46

Vesicle

Answer 46

A small blister, less than 0.5 cm in diameter, containing watery fluid

Question 47

Bulla

Answer 47

A large blister that is usually more than 0.5 cm in diameter

Question 48

Fissure

Answer 48

A groove or crack-like break in the skin. Fissures are, for example, the breaks in the skin between the toes caused by tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot

Question 49

Pressure sore/decubitis ulcer/bedsore

Answer 49

An open ulcerated wound that is caused by prolonged pressure on an area of skin. Without proper care, these sores quickly become seriously infected and can result in tissue death.

Question 50

Needlestick injury

Answer 50

An accidental puncture wound caused by a used hypodermic needle, potentially transmitting an infection.

Question 51

Ulcer

Answer 51

An open lesion of the skin or mucous membrane resulting in tissue loss around the edges

Question 52

Vascular birthmarks

Answer 52

Caused by blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. These are the most common type of birthmark and are sometimes called salmon patches or red birthmarks.

Question 53

Capillary hemangioma (strawberry birthmark)

Answer 53

A soft, raised, pink or red vascular birthmark. A hemangioma is a benign tissue mass made up of newly formed small blood vessels that in birthmarks are visible through the skin

Question 54

Port-wine stain

Answer 54

A lat vascular birthmark made up of dilated blood capillaries, creating a large, reddish-purple discoloration on the face or neck. This type of birthmark will not resolve without treatment.

Question 55

Exfoliative dermatitis

Answer 55

A condition in which there is widespread scaling of the skin. It is often accompanied by pruritus, erythroderma (redness), and hair loss. It may occur in severe cases of many common skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and allergic reactions.

Question 56

Pruritis (itching)

Answer 56

Associated with most forms of dermatitis

Question 57

Erythema

Answer 57

Redness of the skin due to capillary dilation

Question 58

Erythema infectiosum (fifth disease)

Answer 58

A mildly contagious viral infection that is common in childhood. This infection produces a red, lace-like rash on the child’s face that looks as if the child has been slapped. It is called “fifth disease” for its place on a list of six common childhood diseases that can cause an exanthem. Others include measles and rubella

Question 59

Erythema multiforme

Answer 59

A skin disorder resulting from a generalized allergic reaction to an illness, infection, or medication. This reaction, which affects the skin, the mucous membranes, or both, is characterized by a rash that may appear as nodules or papules (raised red bumps), macules (flat discolored areas), or vesicles or bullae (blisters).

Question 60

Erythema pernio (chilblains)

Answer 60

A purple-red inflammation that occurs when the small blood vessels below the skin are damaged, usually due to exposure to cold and damp weather. When warmth restores full circulation, the affected areas begin to itch; however, they usually heal without treatment.

Question 61

Sunburn

Answer 61

A form of erythema in which skin cells are damaged by exposure to the ultraviolet rays in sunlight. This damage increases the chances of later developing skin cancer.

Question 62

Erythroderma

Answer 62

Abnormal redness of the entire skin surface

Question 63

Exanthem

Answer 63

Refers to a widespread rash, usually in children. A rash is a breaking out, or eruption, that changes the color or texture of the skin.

Question 64

Hand, foot, and mouth disease

Answer 64

A mild viral infection common in children under 5 years of age. It is characterized by sores in the mouth and throat and a rash on the hands and feet.

Question 65

Dermatosis

Answer 65

A general term used to denote skin lesions or eruptions of any type that are not associated with inflammation

Question 66

Ichthyosis

Answer 66

A group of hereditary disorders characterized by dry, thickened, and scaly skin. These conditions are caused either by the slowing of the skin’s natural shedding process or by a rapid increase in the production of the skin’s cells.

Question 67

Lipedema (painful fat sydnrome)

Answer 67

A chronic abnormal condition that is characterized by the accumulation of fat and fluid in the tissues just under the skin of the hips and legs. This condition usually affects women and even with weight loss this localized excess fat does not go away.

Question 68

Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)

Answer 68

An autoimmune disorder characterized by a red, scaly rash on the face and upper trunk. In addition to the skin, this condition also attacks the connective tissue in other body systems, especially in the joints.

Question 69

Psoriasis

Answer 69

A common skin disorder characterized by flare-ups in which red papules covered with silvery scales occur on the elbows, knees, scalp, back, or buttocks

Question 70

Rosacea (adult acne)

Answer 70

Characterized by tiny red pimples and broken blood vessels. This chronic condition of unknown cause usually develops in individuals with fair skin between 30 and 60 years of age.

Question 71

Rhinophyma (bulbous nose)

Answer 71

Usually occurs in older men. This condition is characterized by hyperplasia (overgrowth) of the tissues of the nose and is associated with advanced rosacea.

Question 72

Scleroderma

Answer 72

An autoimmune disorder in which the connective tissues become thickened and hardened, causing the skin to become hard and swollen. This condition can also affect the joints and internal organs.

Question 73

Urticaria (hives)

Answer 73

Itchy wheals caused by an allergic reaction

Question 74

Xeroderma (xerosis)

Answer 74

Excessively dry skin.

Question 75

Carbuncle

Answer 75

A cluster of connected furuncles (boils).

Question 76

Cellulitis

Answer 76

An acute, rapidly spreading bacterial infection within the connective tissues that is characterized by malaise, swelling, warmth, and red streaks.

Question 77

Furuncles (boils)

Answer 77

Large, tender, swollen areas caused by a staphylococcal infection around hair follicles or sebaceous glands.

Question 78

Gangrene

Answer 78

Death of tissue, is most commonly caused by a loss of circulation to the affected tissues. The tissue death is followed by bacterial invasion that causes putrefaction, and if this infection enters the bloodstream, it can be fatal. Putrefaction is decay that produces foul-smelling odors.

Question 79

Impetigo

Answer 79

A highly contagious bacterial skin infection that commonly occurs in children. This condition is characterized by isolated pustules that become crusted and rupture.

Question 80

Necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating bacteria)

Answer 80

A severe infection caused by group A strep bacteria. These bacteria normally live harmlessly on the skin; however, if they enter the body through a skin wound, this serious infection can result. If untreated, the infected body tissue is destroyed, and the illness can be fatal.

Question 81

Pyoderma

Answer 81

Any acute, inflammatory, pus-forming bacterial skin infection such as impetigo

Question 82

Mycosis

Answer 82

Describes any abnormal condition or disease caused by a fungus

Question 83

Tinea (ringworm)

Answer 83

A fungal infection that can grow on the skin, hair, or nails. This condition is also known as ringworm, not because a worm is involved, but because as the fungus grows on the skin, it spreads out in a worm-like circle. Tinea does not create this pattern when it grows on the nails.

Question 84

Tinea capitis

Answer 84

Found on the scalps of children.

Question 85

Tinea corposis

Answer 85

A fungal infection of the skin on the body

Question 86

Tinea cruris (jock itch)

Answer 86

Found in the genital area.

Question 87

Tinea pedis (athlete's foot)

Answer 87

Most commonly found between the toes.

Question 88

Tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor)

Answer 88

A fungal infection that causes painless, discolored areas on the skin.

Question 89

Scabies

Answer 89

A skin infection caused by an infestation of itch mites. These tiny mites cause small, itchy bumps and blisters by burrowing into the top layer of human skin to lay their eggs. Medications applied to the skin kill the mites; however, itching may persist for several weeks.

Question 90

Callus

Answer 90

A thickening of part of the skin on the hands or feet caused by repeated rubbing. A clavus, or corn, is a callus in the keratin layer of the skin covering the joints of the toes, usually caused by ill-fitting shoes.

Question 91

Cicatrix

Answer 91

A normal scar resulting from the healing of a wound

Question 92

Graulation tissue

Answer 92

The tissue that normally forms during the healing of a wound. This tissue eventually forms the scar.

Question 93

Granuloma

Answer 93

A general term used to describe a small, knot-like swelling of granulation tissue in the epidermis. Granulomas can result from inflammation, injury, or infection.

Question 94

Keloid

Answer 94

An abnormally raised or thickened scar that expands beyond the boundaries of the original incision. A tendency to form keloids is often inherited and is more common among people with dark-pigmented skin.

Question 95

Keratosis

Answer 95

Any skin growth, such as a wart or a callus, in which there is overgrowth and thickening of the skin. Patches of keratosis in the mouth are known as leukoplakia

Question 96

Lipoma

Answer 96

A benign, slow-growing fatty tumor located between the skin and the muscle layer. This fatty tumor is usually harmless, and treatment is rarely necessary unless the tumor is in a bothersome location, is painful, or is growing rapidly.

Question 97

Nevus (mole)

Answer 97

A small, dark skin growth that develops from melanocytes in the skin. Normally, these growths are benign.

Question 98

Dyplastic nevi

Answer 98

Atypical moles that can develop into skin cancer.

Question 99

Papilloma

Answer 99

A benign, superficial, wart-like growth on the epithelial tissue or elsewhere in the body, such as in the bladder

Question 100

Polyp

Answer 100

A general term used most commonly to describe a mushroom-like growth from the surface of a mucous membrane, such as a polyp in the nose. These growths have many causes and are not necessarily malignant.

Question 101

Skin tags

Answer 101

Small, flesh-colored or light-brown polyps that hang from the body by fine stalks. Skin tags are benign and tend to enlarge with age.

Question 102

Skin cancer

Answer 102

A malignant growth on the skin which can have many causes, including repeated severe sunburns or long-term exposure to the sun. Skin cancer is becoming very common, affecting about one in five Americans in their lifetime. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Question 103

Actinic keratosis (solar keratosis)

Answer 103

A precancerous skin growth that occurs on sun-damaged skin. It often looks like a red, tan, or pink scaly patch and feels like sandpaper. Precancerous describes a growth that is not yet malignant; however, if not treated, it is likely to become malignant.

Question 104

Basal cell carcinoma

Answer 104

A malignant tumor of the basal cell layer of the epidermis. This is the most common and least harmful type of skin cancer because it is slow growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. The lesions, which occur mainly on the face or neck and tend to bleed easily, are usually pink and smooth and are raised with a depression in the center

Question 105

Squamous cell carcinoma

Answer 105

Originates as a malignant tumor of the scaly squamous cells of the epithelium; however, it can quickly spread to other body systems. These cancers begin as skin lesions that appear to be sores that will not heal or that have a crusted look

Question 106

Malignant melanoma (melanoma)

Answer 106

A type of skin cancer that occurs in the melanocytes. This is the most serious type of skin cancer, and often the first signs are changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole. One way to remember this is by thinking of A-B-C-D-E: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving by changing in size, shape, shade, or color