Skin Diseases Flashcards
What is a macule?
flat discolored lesion less than 1 cm in diameter
What is a patch?
flat discolored lesion greater than 1 cm in diameter
What is a papule?
firm elevated lesion less than 1 cm
What is a plaque?
firm elevated lesion greater than 1 cm
What is a vesicle?
elevated, fluid-filled lesion less than 1 cm
What is a bulla?
elevated, fluid-filled lesion greater than 1 cm
What is a pustule?
vesicle or bulla that contains pus (not clear fluid)
What is a nodule?
firm elevated lesion (equal in diameter and in thickness)
What is an ulcer?
crater in skin (goes to epidermis, can go down to dermis)
What is a fissure?
small linear crack in skin
What lesion is equal in diameter and in thickness?
nodule
What lesion goes to the dermis and, in some cases, can also go down to the dermis?
ulcer
What is another name for contact dermatitis?
spongiotic or inflammatory dermatitis
What type of inflammatory cells are moving into the affected area in contact dermatitis?
lymphocytes
What type of cells are separating in the epidermis in contact dermatitis?
keratinocytes
Separation in the epidermis in pts with contact dermatitis is caused by what?
edema
What can severe edema cause in pts with contact dermatitis?
separation from dermis and epidermis
What does contact dermatitis look like under a microscope?
looks like a sponge (spaces between cells in epidermis)
What is contact dermatitis caused by? Give two examples:
skin coming into contact with allergen
ex: poison ivy / latex allergy
Describe contact dermatitis lesions:
localized, erythematous papules/pustules/vesicles and sometimes pustules
What type of hypersensitivity is contact dermatitis?
type IV hypersensitivity
How do you treat contact dermatitis?
topical corticosteroids
What is another name for psoriasis?
psoriasiform dermatitis
Psoriasis is an inflammatory disorder with epidermal ______.
thickening
Psoriasis is associated with what other inflammatory condition?
psoriasis arthritis
What percent of the population does psoriasis affect?
1-2% of the population
(possible genetic origin)
When is psoriasis typically manifested?
teenage years
What is the acute phase of psoriasis characterized by?
erythematous plaques
What is the chronic phase of psoriasis characterized by?
white with silvery scales
In the chronic phase of psoriasis, what causes the silvery scales?
epidermal thickening
Where is psoriasis typically found on the body?
scalp, trunk, extensor surfaces of arms/legs
What is the theory behind the cause of psoriasis?
- antigens stimulate an immune response
- T cells are activated
- increase of cytokines led to inflammation
- causes epidermal hyperplasia
NEGATIVE FEEDBACK LOOP
What are rete ridges commonly seen in histopathological images of psoriasis?
where the epidermis dips down
What is epidermopoiesis?
epidermal proliferation
Pt’s with psoriasis have how many more keratinocytes than someone with normal skin?
30x more keratinocytes
How long does it take for normal skin to shed?
2-3 weeks
In normal skin turnover, the cells of the stratum corneum are dead and lack what?
lack a nucleus
In psoriatic skin turnover, the cells of the stratum corneum have _____.
have nuclei
How long does it take for dead skin cells to surface in pts with psoriasis?
2-3 days
What is it called when cells of the stratum corneum have nuclei?
parakeratosis
Why do pt’s with psoriasis present with silvery scales?
because cell turnover is so fast and the skin cells haven’t shed yet
In pts with psoriasis, the endothelial cells become thickened. What does this cause?
dilated capillaries in dermis
What are the treatments for psoriasis?
- corticosteroids
- immunosuppressives (methotrexate)
- biologics
What are two biologics that are used to treat psoriasis?
Humira and Otezla
Urticaria is commonly known as what?
hives
What type of hypersensitivity is urticaria?
Type I hypersensitivity
What are two skin diseases that are histamine related?
urticaria and atopic dermatitis
What type of lesions present with urticaria?
erythematous papular lesions (sometimes macular lesions)
Urticaria causes histamine to be released, what does this cause?
- vasodilation and increased capillary permeability
- stimulates nerve endings
What is a result of increased capillary permeability in pts with urticaria?
- pruritus (inc. cap. perm. stimulates nerve endings)
- vascular leasions
Urticaria is primarily caused from:
- ingested foods (shellfish / peanuts)
- medications
What type of dermatitis is lichen planus?
interface type of dermatitis (between epidermis and dermis)
Describe the lesions of lichen planus:
violet/purple papular lesions
What type of reaction is lichen planus?
cell mediated immune reaction
What is a cell mediated immune reaction?
where damage to keratinocytes occurs
Lichen planus can be a result of some medications. Give an example of two of these medications:
- Therapeutic gold (for arthritis)
- Antimalarials (Plaquenil)
What type of cell infiltration occurs at the epidermis/dermis border of lichen planus?
lymphocytic infiltration
What are the white areas in lichen planus?
keratinocytes dying and leaving spaces at border
In lichen planus, what happens in the epidermis where keratinocytes used to be?
vacuolation (formation of vacuoles)
Cells with necrotic keratinocytes can be seen in histological images of what skin disease?
lichen planus
Necrotic keratinocytes are also called what?
colloid bodies
Atopic dermatitis is also known as what?
eczema
What type of hypersensitivity is atopic dermatitis?
type I hypersensitivity
Atopic dermatitis in adults becomes hard, what is this called?
kinofied
What two things will you see increased in blood work of a pt with atopic dermatitis?
increased eosinophils and IgE
What is a common trigger for eczema (atopic dermatitis)?
change in temperature/humidity
What are some treatments for eczema?
- topical corticosteroids
- sometimes histamines
- biologics (dupixent)
What biologic treats atopic dermatitis?
dupixent
What type of dermatitis is bullous pemphigoid?
a type of vesiculobullous dermatitis