Skin, Nails and Hair Flashcards
What are the three layers of the skin?
Epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue.
What are the primary functions of the skin?
Retains fluids, protects tissues, modulates body temperature, and synthesizes vitamin D.
Name the two layers of the epidermis.
Outer horny layer (stratum corneum) and inner cellular layer (stratum basale and stratum spinosum).
(Come Lets Get Sun Burnt)
What are the two types of hair in adults?
Vellus hair and terminal hair.
What type of pigment causes jaundice?
Bilirubin, a yellow-brown pigment from the breakdown of heme in red blood cells.
What is the function of melanin?
It is a brown pigment that determines skin color and protects against UV radiation.
What causes body odor?
Bacterial decomposition of apocrine sweat.
What is the primary function of nails?
Nails protect the distal ends of fingers and toes.
What are the two types of sweat glands?
Eccrine and apocrine sweat glands.
What is the significance of a mole’s symmetry in melanoma screening?
Asymmetry is a warning sign for melanoma.
What color variations might indicate melanoma?
Presence of more than two colors, especially blue-black, white, or red.
What diameter of mole is concerning for melanoma?
Greater than 6 mm.
What is the most sensitive criterion for detecting melanoma?
Evolution or rapid change in size, symptoms, or appearance.
Name two types of primary lesions.
Macules and papules.
What is the difference between a vesicle and a bulla?
Both raised. Vesicles are fluid-filled lesions smaller than 1 cm; bullae are larger than 1 cm.
Define a wheal.
A raised, localized area of dermal edema that typically resolves within hours.
What is actinic keratosis?
A precancerous skin lesion caused by sun damage, which can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
What is the most common type of skin cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma.
What skin condition is characterized by greasy scaling and erythema on the central face?
Seborrheic dermatitis.
Which type of skin cancer has the highest mortality rate?
Melanoma.
What type of hair loss is associated with hypothyroidism?
Sparse hair.
What is onychomycosis?
Fungal infection of the nails.
What is a “telogen effluvium”?
Hair shedding from the roots, typically seen after stress or illness.
What is a pilar cyst?
A benign cyst that forms from hair follicles, often on the scalp.
Define a cherry angioma.
A benign, small, red vascular growth common in older adults.
What causes cyanosis?
Decreased oxygen in the blood or reduced blood flow.
What is pallor a sign of?
Anemia.
What is xerosis?
Dry skin, commonly seen in older adults or patients with atopic dermatitis.
Common risk factor for developing melanoma.
● Personal or family history of previous melanoma
● ≥50 common moles
● Atypical or large moles, especially if dysplastic
● Red or light hair
● Solar lentigines (acquired brown macules on sun-exposed areas)
● Freckles (inherited brown macules)
● Ultraviolet radiation from heavy sun exposure, sunlamps, or tanning booths
● Light eye or skin color, especially skin that freckles or burns easily
● Severe blistering sunburns in childhood
● Immunosuppression from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or from
chemotherapy
● Personal history of nonmelanoma skin cancer
What is telangiectasia?
Dilated small blood vessels that appear as red or blue lines on the skin.
What is the characteristic appearance of seborrheic keratosis?
Stuck-on, waxy, or warty plaques.
What is lichenification?
Thickened skin with increased skin markings due to chronic rubbing or scratching.
What are the ABCDE criteria for melanoma?
Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6mm, Evolution.
Define a pustule.
A small, raised lesion filled with pus.
What is petechiae?
Small, red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin.
What is the primary cause of acne vulgaris?
Blocked and inflamed hair follicles due to increased sebum production.
What is a burrow?
A small linear pathway in the epidermis caused by scabies mites.
Name a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma.
Chronic sun exposure, especially in fair-skinned individuals.
What is solar lentigo?
A sun-induced pigmented spot, commonly known as a “liver spot.”
What is a lipoma?
A benign, soft, rubbery tumor of fat cells.
Define ecchymosis.
A large bruise caused by bleeding under the skin.
What are the signs of a basal cell carcinoma?
A pearly papule with telangiectasia and possibly an ulcerated center.
What is the function of sebaceous glands?
To produce sebum, a fatty substance that moisturizes the skin.
What is tinea pedis?
A fungal infection of the foot, commonly known as athlete’s foot.
What is actinic purpura?
Purplish spots due to blood vessel fragility, often seen in elderly individuals.
What is the primary difference between erythema and petechiae?
Erythema blanches with pressure; petechiae do not.
Name a benign brown lesion often mistaken for melanoma.
Seborrheic keratosis.
What is guttate psoriasis?
A type of psoriasis with small, drop-like papules.
What is the most common nail disorder?
Onychomycosis (fungal infection).
What causes alopecia areata?
An autoimmune disorder that results in patchy hair loss.
What is a nummular dermatitis lesion?
A coin-shaped eczema plaque.
What type of lesion is commonly seen in herpes zoster?
Grouped vesicles in a dermatomal pattern.