skin dermatology

Question 1

what are the layers of the skin

Answer 1

epidermis - multilayered thickness varies (6 micro metres behind the ear to 800 micro meters on soles of feet)

dermis - contains appendages like sweat glands and hair follicles

hypodermis - subcutaneous layer mainly composed of fat

Question 2

sweat glands

Answer 2

• eccrine glands help in thermoregulation apocrine glands found in regions like armpits and genital areas, contributing to body scent

Question 3

skin pharmacology key treatments and functions

Answer 3

emollients - improve skin barrier function by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and hydrating the stratum corneas

corticosteroids - reduce inflammation by suppressing immune response and are categorised by potency from mild to very potent

calcineurin inhibitors - immunosuppressive agents used for conditions like eczema when corticosteroids are unsuitable

vitamin d analogues - used for psoriasis: regulate skin cell proliferation and differentiation

Question 4

advanced treatment forms

Answer 4

systemic treatments - include antibiotics and hormone treatments for acne, and immunosuppressives like methotrexate for severe psoriasis

biologics - target specific parts of immune system, used in moderate to severe cases of psoriasis

Question 5

challenges and innovations

Answer 5

barrier function theories - the inside out v outside in hypotheses debate whether dysfunction precedes or is a result of immune dysregulation

safety and efficacy- newer formulations aim to maximize efficacy while minimising side effects. particularly long term usage.

Question 6

skin function

Answer 6

• barrier - barrier to water, mechanical insults, environmental pollutants, radiation
• sensory interface
• thermoregulation
• vitamin d synthesis
• mechanical properties - elastic - distension without disruption

Question 7

what is the function of the skin

Answer 7

• barrier
• sensory interface
• thermoregulatory
• vitamin d synthesis

Question 8

what is the structure of the skin

Answer 8

• epidermis
• dermis
• hypodermis

Question 9

what is the epidermis made up of

Answer 9

stratum corneum - this consists of dead anucleate, keratin cells embedded in lipid bi layers, the major lipid components are fatty acids, cholesterol; and sterol, esters

• stratum granulosum
• stratum spinosum
• stratum basale

Question 10

what are appendages

Answer 10

there are 3 dermis of the skin that are in the dermis

• enccrine sweat glands - used for heat control but also triggered by the environment - sweat with a ph of 4-6.8
• aprocrine glands - these are the armpits, breasts and genital regions they have a milk oily secretion that contains proteins lipids and lipoproteins metabolised by surface bacteria which produces the smell

-hair follicles - and sebaceous glands all over the body except the lips , soles and parts of sex organs

Question 11

what are corneocytes

Answer 11

• nmf synthesised within the sc, filaggrin,

Question 12

.whta is inflammatory dermatoses

Answer 12

an abnormal immune resposne which sets off a series of events that lead to weakening the skin barrier