SKIN (AB) Flashcards
What are the three main layers of the skin?
Epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.
What type of epithelium is found in the epidermis?
Squamous epithelium.
What is the main function of the epidermis?
It serves as a physical barrier and part of the immune system, protecting against harsh environments.
What happens if the epidermis is disrupted?
It can lead to infection.
What structures are found in the dermis?
Capillaries, sebaceous glands, inner root sheath, and outer root sheath.
What is the function of capillaries in the dermis?
They supply oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
What is the function of sebaceous glands?
They produce sebum, which helps moisturize and protect the skin.
What is the inner root sheath?
A layer surrounding the hair follicle that supports hair growth.
What is the outer root sheath?
The outermost layer of the hair follicle that extends into the dermis.
What is found in the subcutaneous tissue?
Blood vessels.
What is the function of subcutaneous tissue?
It contains blood vessels that supply the skin and acts as insulation.
What are Epstein pearls?
Whitish-yellow cysts that form on the gums and roof of the mouth in newborns.
In which age group do Epstein pearls occur?
Only in newborns.
How common are Epstein pearls in newborns?
They are seen in approximately 80% of newborns.
What causes Epstein pearls?
Entrapped epithelium during the development of the palate.
Where do Epstein pearls appear?
On the gums or the roof of the mouth.
What do Epstein pearls sometimes resemble?
Emerging teeth.
How are Epstein pearls diagnosed?
By examination; no special tests are needed.
What is the treatment for Epstein pearls?
No treatment is necessary; they disappear within 1 to 2 weeks.
What is erythema toxicum?
A common, noncancerous skin condition seen in newborns.
How common is erythema toxicum?
It may appear in 50% or more of all normal newborns.
What are common risk factors for erythema toxicum?
Exposure to hot environments or the sun.
What is the cause of erythema toxicum?
Unknown.
Why might erythema toxicum concern parents?
It may be mistaken for an infection or cellulitis.
What is the main symptom of erythema toxicum?
A rash of small, yellow-to-white papules surrounded by red skin.
Where does erythema toxicum usually appear?
On the face, middle of the body, upper arms, and thighs.
How long does erythema toxicum last?
It usually clears within 2 weeks and is gone by 4 months of age.
What are milia?
Tiny white bumps that appear on a baby’s nose, chin, or cheeks.
How common are milia in newborns?
Up to half of all babies develop milia.
Where are milia usually found?
On the nasal area.
In which populations are milia more common?
Asians and dark-skinned individuals.
What causes milia?
Tiny skin flakes becoming trapped in small pockets near the skin’s surface.
How are milia diagnosed?
By visual inspection; no specific tests are needed.
What is the treatment for milia?
No medical treatment is needed; they disappear on their own within several weeks.
What are Mongolian spots?
Flat, blue or blue-gray skin markings near the buttocks that appear at birth or shortly after.
What is another name for Mongolian spots?
Congenital Dermal Melanocytosis (Slate Gray Nevus).
Are Mongolian spots cancerous?
No, they are not cancerous or associated with disease.
In which populations are Mongolian spots more common?
Asians, East Indians, and Africans, but they are not exclusive to these groups.
Why can Mongolian spots be mistaken for bruises?
Their appearance may resemble bruising, raising concerns about child abuse.
What is the treatment for Mongolian spots?
No treatment is necessary; they usually fade in a few years and are almost always gone by adolescence.
What type of vascular anomaly is a port-wine stain?
Capillary malformation.
What causes the reddish-purplish discoloration in a port-wine stain?
Swollen blood vessels.
How common are port-wine stains?
Occurs in about 3 out of 1,000 people.
What is the initial appearance of a port-wine stain?
Flat and pink.
How does a port-wine stain change with age?
It may darken to deep red or purple and become thickened with a cobblestone-like appearance.
Where do port-wine stains most commonly occur?
On the face.
How is a port-wine stain diagnosed?
Clinical examination; no tests required.
What are some treatments attempted for port-wine stains?
Freezing, surgery, radiation, and tattooing.
What is the most effective treatment for port-wine stains?
Laser therapy.
How does laser therapy work for port-wine stains?
It destroys tiny blood vessels without significantly damaging the skin.
What conditions may be associated with port-wine stains?
Deafness.
What examination is necessary for patients with a port-wine stain?
A complete physical examination.
What type of vascular anomaly is a strawberry naevus?
Infantile hemangioma.
When do strawberry naevi appear?
At birth or within the first few weeks of life.
What does a strawberry naevus look like initially?
A small flat red area.
How does a strawberry naevus progress?
It develops into a raised, dimpled, strawberry-like lesion.
How common are strawberry naevi?
Occurs in about 3-5% of babies.
What is the typical clinical course of a strawberry naevus?
Self-limiting; resolves spontaneously.
When is treatment required for a strawberry naevus?
If it does not resolve spontaneously or is large.
What medications can slow the proliferation of a strawberry naevus?
Intralesional corticosteroids and propranolol (beta-blockers).
What immunotherapy may be used for treatment-resistant strawberry naevi?
Interferon-alfa 2a.
When is surgery considered for a strawberry naevus?
If the lesion is quite large.
What is a giant congenital nevus?
A congenital pigmented or melanocytic nevus that is dark-colored and often hairy.
When does a congenital nevus appear?
At birth or within the first year of life.
Where are congenital nevi commonly found?
Upper or lower back, abdomen, and other areas.
What investigation is done for a giant congenital nevus to check for malignancy?
Skin biopsy.
What imaging is needed if a giant congenital nevus is located over the spine?
MRI of the brain.
What is a diaper rash?
A skin condition developing in the diaper area due to prolonged moisture exposure.
What are common causes of diaper rash?
Prolonged exposure to wet diapers and Candida infection.
What age group is most affected by diaper rash?
Babies between 4-15 months old.
Why is Candida a common cause of diaper rash?
It thrives in warm, moist environments like under a diaper.
What are common features of diaper rash?
Bright red rash, scaly areas, pimples, ulcers, large bumps, and satellite lesions.
What is the treatment for diaper rash?
Zinc ointments or antifungal creams.
When is anti-inflammatory medication needed for diaper rash?
When the rash causes severe pain.
How can diaper rash be prevented?
Frequent diaper changes and periods without diapers.
What is cradle cap also known as?
Seborrheic dermatitis.
What does cradle cap look like?
Oily, yellow scaling or crusting on a baby’s scalp.
Is cradle cap a sign of poor hygiene?
No, it is a normal build-up of skin oils and dead skin cells.
How is cradle cap treated?
Gentle scalp scrubbing and antifungal shampoo (ketoconazole).
Should cradle cap scales be removed forcefully?
No.
What type of skin disorder is atopic dermatitis?
An inflammatory, relapsing, non-contagious, and itchy skin condition.
What increases the risk of secondary bacterial infection in atopic dermatitis?
Breaks in the epidermal epithelium.
Does atopic dermatitis have a genetic component?
Yes, it can be inherited and is difficult to treat.
What allergic conditions are included in the ‘atopic march’?
Atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis.
What are the common symptoms of atopic dermatitis?
Dry, scaly skin that cracks, swells, and crusts.
What are first-line treatments for atopic dermatitis?
Moisturizers, topical corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone), and lukewarm baths.
What are the bathing recommendations for atopic dermatitis?
Quick, limited baths with lukewarm water.
What are the major criteria for diagnosing atopic dermatitis (need 3 or more)?
Pruritus, typical morphology and distribution, chronic/relapsing dermatitis, personal/family history of atopy.
What are the minor criteria for diagnosing atopic dermatitis (need 3 or more)?
Xerosis, ichthyosis, raised serum IgE, tendency toward infections, facial pallor, intolerance to wool, white dermographism.
