Skin Flashcards
What are the functions of the skin?
Protective barrier, largest organ of the body, temperature and water loss regulation, sensation, vit. D synthesis, appearance
What are rashes?
Inflammatory skin reactions
What is eczema?
clinical term that encompasses many different conditions. Literally means “to boil over”.
What are the symptoms of eczema?
Itching, burning, rash, blisters
What systemic diseases can affect the skin?
Meningitis, systemic lupus erythmatosus (SLE), internal malignancy
What are fibroepithelial polyps?
Skin Tags
Common, generally in middle-age/older generation. Found on neck, trunk, face, axilla, and groin.
Flesh coloured, bag-like lesions
What are Nevi?
Moles
Proliferation of benign melanocytes (pigment-producing cell)
What are Cysts?
Sebaceous Cyst: clinical term encompasses 2 types of cysts. Derived from invagination of epithelium, so histologically are lined with benign stratified squamous epithelium
What are the 2 types of cyst?
Epidermoid cyst (granular layer) Pilar cyst (no granular layer)
What are Haemangioma?
benign vascular tumours of the dermis, tend to occur in children, bluey-red surface (strawberry mark)
What are Basal Cell Carcinomas?
Malignant
Most common human cancer, slow growing tumours. Rarely metastasise, occur at sun-exposed sites
What are Squamous Cell Carcinomas?
Second commonest skin tumour of sun-exposed sites in older people.
What is Bowen’s DiseasE?
Precursor to SCC - epidermal dysplasia, sun damage
What is Melanoma?
Fairly common, arises in sun damaged skin. Can be very aggressive and spreads widely. Used to be universally fatal but early diagnosis means can be removed.
What is psoriasis?
Well demarcated, salmon pink plaques with silver scaling.
Commonly affects elbows, knees, scalp, lumbrosacral area, and glans penis.
