Skin Flashcards
Describe the normal layers of the epidermis from top to bottom
Stratum CORNEUM
Stratum LUCIDUM
Stratum GRANULOSUM
Stratum SPINOSUM
Stratum BASALE
What nmeumonic can be used to remember the layers of the epidermis in order?
Come
Lets
Get
Some
Beers
What lies at the bottom and below the epithelium?
Basement membrane
Dermis
Subcutaneous tissue: connective tissue, fat, vessels
What happens to the epidermis and collagen in the subcutaneous tissue with age?
Epidermis: thins
Collagen + elastic fibres: weaken
What lies within the dermis?
Blood vessels
Sweat glands
Hair follicles
Sebaceous glands
Nerve fibres
Give examples of why location of skin is important
Face: more sebaceous glands
Palmar-plantar: no sebaceous glands, very thick corneal layer
What 4 patterns of inflammation can occur in the epidermis?
Spongiotic
Lichenoid
Psoriasiform
Vesiculobullous
What 2 patterns of inflammation can occur in the dermis?
Vasculitic
Granulomatous e.g. Sarcoid
What pattern of inflammation can occur in the sub cutis?
Panniculitis e.g. erythema nodosum
Define hyperkeratosis
Thickening of stratum CORNEUM
Define parakeratosis
Abnormal retention of keratinocyte nuclei in stratum corneum
Define Acanthosis
Thickening of stratum SPINOSUM
Define Acantholysis
Separation of keratinocytes in epidermis due to loss of adhesion between them
Define Spongiosis
Widening of INTERcellular spaces between keratinocytes due to INTERcellular oedema
Define Lentiginous
Linear pattern of melanocyte proliferation within epidermal basal cell layer
Reactive or neoplastic
Define Lichenoid
Sheeny plaque appearance on surface of skin
Define Psoriaform
Thickened skin
Give an example of a spongiotic reaction
Eczema
List 6 types of eczema
Atopic dermatitis: IgE mediated
Contact dermatitis: Type IV hypersensitivity
Dyshidrotic eczema
Nummular eczema
Seborrheic dermatitis
Statis dermatitis
What histological features characterise eczema?
Spongiosis: fluid collection in dermis
Eosinophil infiltrate in dermis
Dilated dermal capillaries
What is eczema/. dermatitis?
Interchangeable terms to describe disorders with same histology with inflamed, dry, itchy rashes
Give an example of Lichenoid inflammation
Lichen Planus
Describe the pathophysiology of Lichen Planus
T lymphocytes destroy basement membrane
Creates band-like inflammation
Cannot see where dermis finishes + epidermis starts
Give 2 signs of Lichen Planus
Shiny, purple, itchy papules + plaques on wrists + arms
White lacy lines in mouth= Wickham striae
What are the 6ps of lichen planus?
Purple
Polygonal
Plaques
Papules
Pruritic
Planar
In which group of diseases is there a slightly lichenoid pattern of inflammation?
Erythema multiforme
Steven Johnson’s syndrome
Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Describe the presentation of erythema multiforme
Annular target lesions classically on extensor surface of hands + feet
Pleomorphic lesions; combination of macules, papules, urticarial wheals, vesicles, bullae + petechiae
Name 2 infectious causes of erythema multiforme
HSV
Mycoplasma
Name 5 drugs that can cause erythema multiforme. What mnemonic can be used to remember these?
SNAPP
Sulphonamides
NSAIDs
Allopurinol
Penicillin
Phenytoin
What occurs in SJS/TEN?
Derm emergency
Sheets of skin detachment
Nikolsky sign +ve: slight rubbing causes shearing of skin
Mucosal involvement prominent
Give an example of a psoriaform reaction
Psoriasis