Skin Disorders Flashcards
What is the largest organ in our body?
The skin is our largest organ.
What are the external and internal factors involved in skin disease?
- External factors include allergens/irritants, sunshine, heat/cold, chemicals, infections, and trauma.
- Internal factors include psychological factors, genetic factors, internal diseases, drugs, and infections.
What are the different types of cells in the skin and their functions?
The skin contains keratinocytes (which shed all the time), melanocytes (which make melanin), Langerhans cells (a variant of macrophages), dendritic cells, Merkel cells (which have a sensory function), and blood vessels in the dermis.
What is the function of the sebaceous and sweat glands in the skin?
The sebaceous gland secretes a lubricant that keeps the skin moist, and the sweat gland secretes sweat to regulate body temperature.
What is atopic dermatitis and what are its risk factors?
Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition, especially in children. Its risk factors include genetic predisposition, environmental factors, immunologic mechanisms, and epidermal barrier dysfunction.
What is the main feature of atopic dermatitis?
- The main feature of atopic dermatitis is a genetic defect in barrier function, leading to abnormal tight junctions, filaments, and secretions.
- This results in barrier damage, more antigen-presenting cells, release of Th2 cells in lymph nodes, and cytokines that cause even more barrier damage.
What is dermatitis herpetiformis and how is it linked to celiac disease?
Dermatitis herpetiformis is a condition characterized by immune complex deposition in the skin, specifically IgA deposition at the dermo-epidermal junction. It is linked to celiac disease because IgA antibodies against gliadin (a gluten product) in the intestinal mucosa enter circulation and deposit in the skin, triggering an inflammatory response.
What is allergic contact dermatitis and what causes it?
Allergic contact dermatitis is a classical reaction to substances like poison ivy and nickel, as well as skin creams, perfumes, etc. It is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction and involves a cell-mediated immune reaction.
What is the role of desmosomes and Hemidesmososmes in the skin?
Desmosomes are the main component that holds the keratinocytes together. Hemidesmosomes at the bottom anchor the basal layer of the skin down, giving the skin its mechanical strength.
What is the immune function of the skin?
- The skin’s immune function involves a barrier layer that keeps many pathogens out.
- If pathogens do get in, normal and Langerhans cells monitor with their extensions.
- Keratinocytes can release cytokines and migrate to lymph nodes.
- T-cells can be stimulated by dendritic cells. Dendritic cells are antigen-presenting cells and can migrate to local lymph nodes in response to exposure to allergens.
What are the features of severe cases of atopic dermatitis?
Severe cases of atopic dermatitis involve thickening of the epidermis and dermis, infiltration of many T cells, immune activation with T cells and cytokines, and Th2 cells releasing IL-4 and IL-13. Therapy is directed against Th2 cytokines – IL-4 and IL-13.
how does allergic dermatitis occur?
Small molecules (haptens) bind to self-proteins forming antigens. Dendritic cells are activated, migrate to regional lymph nodes, stimulating effector T cell formation. Primed T cells migrate to skin. Subsequent exposure leads to T cells releasing cytokines and chemokines producing the allergic reaction and skin lesions.
What is the role of keratinocytes in the skin?
Keratinocytes are cells in the skin that shed all the time. They play a crucial role in providing a barrier to environmental damage by heat, UV radiation, water loss, pathogenic bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses.
What is the role of melanocytes in the skin?
Melanocytes are cells located at the base of the skin. They produce melanin, which is taken up by keratinocytes. The amount of melanin taken up by the keratinocytes determines the color of the skin.
What is the role of Langerhans cells in the skin?
Langerhans cells are a type of dendritic cell found in the skin’s epidermal layer. They are a variant of macrophages and play a role in the skin’s immune response.
What is the role of Merkel cells in the skin?
Merkel cells are found in the skin and hair follicles. They have a sensory function and are associated with nerve endings to perceive touch.
What is the role of blood vessels in the skin?
Blood vessels in the dermis provide nutrients and oxygen to the skin. They also help regulate body temperature by adjusting the flow of blood to the skin’s surface.
What is the role of sebaceous glands in the skin?
Sebaceous glands are found in the skin and secrete an oily substance called sebum. This helps to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair.
What is the role of sweat glands in the skin?
Sweat glands are found in the skin and secrete sweat. This helps to cool the body when it overheats and also plays a role in excreting waste products.
What is the role of the skin’s immune function?
The skin’s immune function involves a barrier layer that keeps many pathogens out. If pathogens do get in, normal and Langerhans cells monitor with their extensions. Keratinocytes can release cytokines and migrate to lymph nodes. T-cells can be stimulated by dendritic cells. Dendritic cells are antigen-presenting cells and can migrate to local lymph nodes in response to exposure to allergens.
What is psoriasis and what is its prevalence?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease with a prevalence of 3%. It often occurs with other autoimmune diseases or arthritis.
What are the typical sites for psoriasis?
Typical sites for psoriasis include the scalp, knees, and elbows.
What triggers psoriasis?
Psoriasis is triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It involves all cell types in the epidermis and dermis, including T-cells, keratinocytes, IL-17, TNFa, etc., and involves both innate and acquired immunity.
What are the degrees of burns and how are they categorized?
Burns are categorized by the depth of injury into 1st to 4th degree. 1st degree burns affect just the epidermis and will heal. 2nd degree burns affect the dermis. 3rd degree burns affect the fat layer, and 4th degree burns affect the muscle.
What is acne and what events are involved in its development?
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease in the pilosebaceous unit. It involves increased sebum production, increased keratinocyte proliferation, inflammation, and bacteria. It involves both innate and adaptive immunity.
What types of UV radiation penetrate the atmosphere and what are their effects?
UVC does not penetrate the atmosphere. UVB penetrates the epidermis and is responsible for sunburn and immunosuppression. UVA reaches the dermis. Both UVA and UVB cause premature aging and cancer.
What is vitiligo and what causes it?
Vitiligo is characterized by the autoimmune destruction of melanocytes in discrete patches. It is caused by circulating antibodies and autoreactive T cells in lesions.
What is the effect of tanning on the skin?
Tanning is a reaction to injury and leads to broken vessels, wrinkles, pigmented blotches, etc. It causes changes in the skin such as the formation of darker moles or patches and can also cause damage to blood vessels.
What is the role of the transcription factor GATA6 in acne?
The transcription factor GATA6 restrains the proliferation of keratinocytes and sebocytes. It is downregulated in acne.