Skin Pathologies Flashcards
skin lesions, skin diseases and disorders
What is a rash?
temporary eruptions of the skin, such as those associated with childhood diseases like measles, diaper rash, allergic reaction, heat etc.
define erythematous
redness
define purpuric
containing blood
what is pruritis?
the sensation of itching
what is a lesion?
structural changes in the tissues caused by damage or injury. any mark, symptom, or abnormality is described as a lesion
describe a primary lesion
a lesion in the early stages of change/development. generally present at birth or acquired over time
- flat
- no palpable changes in skin colour
- slight elevations caused by fluid in a cavity (e.g. vesicle or a pustule)
describe a secondary lesion
secondary lesions develop in the later stages of disease and change the structure of the tissue
bulla
primary
- a large blister containing watery fluid
- same as vesicle only larger (greater than 0.5 cm)
cyst
primary lesion
-closed abnormally developed sac containing fluid, infection or other matter above or below the skin
macule
primary
- a flat spot/discolouration on the skin such as a freckle or red spot, left after a pimple has healed
- neither raised nor sunken, less than 1 cm in diameter
nodule
primary lesion
-often referred to as a tumour, smaller bumps caused by conditions such as scar tissue, fatty deposits or infections
papule
primary
- small elevation on the skin that contains no fluid, but may develop into a pustule
- less than 0.5 cm in diameter, may vary in colour an texture
pustule
primary
- an inflamed papule with a white or yellow center containing pus, a fluid consisting of white blood cells, bacteria and other debris
- less than 0.5 cm in diameter
tubercle
primary lesion
-an abnormal rounded, solid lump, larger than a papule
tumour
primary
-a large nodule; an abnormal cell mass resulting from excessive cell multiplication
vesicle
primary
-a small blister or sac containing clear fluid, less than 0.5 cm
wheal
primary lesion
- an itchy, swollen lesion caused by a blow, insect bite or sting or allergic reaction.
- hives (urticaria) and mosquito bites are wheals
crust
secondary lesion
-dead cells formed over a wound or a blemish while it is healing, resulting in an accumulation of pus and sebum
excoriation
secondary
-a skin sore or abrasion produced by scratching/scraping
fissure
secondary
-a crack in the skin that penetrates the dermis (e.g. chapped lips)
keloids
secondary
-these are abnormal formations of scar tissue resulting from excessive growth of fibrous tissue
scale
secondary lesion
-flaky skin cells (e.g. excessive dandruff)
scar
secondary
-light coloured, slightly raised mark on the skin formed after an injury of the skin has healed
ulcer
secondary
-an open lesion in the skin or mucous membrane of the body filled w/pus
define dyschromia
abnormal pigmentation
what is hypopigmentation?
lack of pigment
describe vitiligo and its symptoms
hypopigmentation disorder:
- white patches on skin that vary in size, often found on face, axilla, neck, hands and feet, not painful
- areas burn easily in sunlight and enlarge over time
- acquired condition, believed to be an autoimmune disorder causing an absence of melanocytes. no cure
describe albinism and its symptoms
hypopigmentation disorder :
- congenital disorder in which there are a normal number of melanocytes but they are lacking the enzyme tyrosinase needed to produce melanin
- pale/pink skin, white/yellow hair, light coloured or even pink eyes
- hypersensitive to UV rays
what is hyperpigmentation?
an overproduction of pigment
describe melasma and its symptoms
hyperpigmentation disorder:
- aka chloasma, darkened macules on the face triggered by hormonal changes (e.g. “pregnancy mask”)
- common in all skin types but most prominent in darker skin, worsened by sun exposure
describe a tan/sunburn and its symptoms
hyperpigmentation disorder:
-change in pigmentation due to melanin production as a defense against UV
Sunburn symptoms:
- mild = redness
- severe = vesicle eruption, weakness, chills, fever, fatigue and pain
- dark skin also burns, may appear greyish/grey-black
a tan is essentially visible skin and cell damage
describe lentigenes
hyperpigmentation disorder:
- black or brown flat spots usually found in sun-exposed areas
- aka “liver spots”, sun spots”
- lentigenes that that result from sunlight called “actinic/solar lentigenes”
- cosmetic concern but may become malignant
describe a stain
hyperpigmentation disorder
-abnormal brown or wine-coloured discolouration with a circular shape
-often appear in sun-exposed areas
what is a birthmark?
Nevus (plur. nevi) any congenital pigmented blemish or spot on the skin
Nevus
birthmark from abnormal pigmentation or dilated capillaries
cafe au lait spot
flat and light brown birthmark
port wine spot
flat, pink/red/purplish-red birthmark formed by a collection of superficial capillaries
haemangioma
raised, small & bright red group of superficial blood vessels
- 3 stages: proliferation, rest, involution (diminishment)
- disappears by age 9
freckles
benign, small tan to brown spots occurring on sun-exposed skin
-genetic trait, usually fades in adult life
what is a mole?
-a pigmented nevus; a brownish spot ranging in colour from tan to bluish black
nevocellular nevi
tan to deep brown moles, uniformly pigmented, small papules with well-defined and rounded borders`
dysplastic nevi
larger than common moles with a flat, slightly raised, pebbly surface, darker in the centre with irregular borders
-have the potential to become malignant
list & define the types skin hypertrophies
- Skin tags: soft, brown or flesh-coloured papules
2, Keratosis: a horny growth, wart-like lesions that have a stuck-on appearance ccause by a build-up of cells
- Keratosis Pilaris: redness & bumpiness in cheeks or upper arms caused by blocked follicles
- Actinic keratosis: pink or flesh-coloured pre-cancerous lesions that feel sharp/rough and result from sun damage
- Verruca: a wart, caused by a protrusion of the dermal papillae due to a viral infection
- Hyperkeratosis: thickening of the skin cause by a mass of keratinocytes
define skin hypertrophy
abnormal growth on the skin `
what is tinea?
a superficial fungal infection that feed on proteins, carbs on lipids
tinea pedis
athletes foot: a fungus that affects the feet, ranging from mild-severe with a pleasant odour
tinea corporis
ringworm: highly contagious, forms a ringed red pattern with elevated edges
tinea capitis
tinea of the scalp (pytiriasis): associated with white patches found on the back of the head. lesions may vary in appearance and colour however, mild redness, crust or scale may be present
what is impetigo?
- a common superficial bacterial infection that appears as a small vesicle or as a large bulla on the body or face.
- extremely contagious, infection is most common in children and in warm climates
describe a wart
- aka verruca, warts are common, benign papillomas
- an exaggeration of the skin’s natural structure with an irregular thickening caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV)
describe the 2 types of herpes simplex?
Type 1: usually around the oral pharynx and spread by respiratory droplets or contact with infected saliva
Type 2: spread to other parts of the body and causes genital herpes. recurrence may be brough on by stress, sunlight or injury
What is herpes zoster?
Shingles; an acute, local eruption distributed over a dermatome area of the skin, caused by chicken pox
define acne
- a chronic inflammatory skin disorder of the hair follicle and sebaceous glands characterized by comedones and blemishes.
- inflammation of the sebaceous glands results from retained oil secretions or overproduction of oil due to hormones (androgens), trapped cells and excessive p.acne bacteria.
What factors contribute to acne?
genetics, clogged follicles, bacteria, triggers like hormones, stress, cosmetics/skin care products, heat and humidity, over cleaning, self-trauma excoriation (itching/picking), nutrition and diet
what is p.acne?
- Propionibacterium acne bacteria, the bacteria responsible for acne vulgaris/simplex
- constantly present in the follicles but kept in small numbers thanks to oxygen aerating the follicle
- anaerobic (cannot survive in the presence of oxygen), meaning it thrives im follicles blocked from oxygen circulation to to overproduction of sebum, dirt, etc.
describe the four grades of acne
Grade 1: Minor breakout, mostly open comedones, some closed comedones, and a few papules.
Grade 2: Many closed comedones, more open comedones and occasional papules and pustules.
Grade 3: Red and inflamed, many comedones, papules and pustules.
Grade 4: Cystic acne, cysts with comedones, papules and pustules and inflammation are present. Scar formation from tissue damage is common.
what are sebacous cysts?
- AKA steatoma common, benign swelling beneath the skin and filled with material composed of sebum and epithelial debris
- mobile but attach to the skin by the remains of a sebaceous gland duct. They often become infected and have to be surgically removed
- found on the face, scalp, back and anywhere that there are sebaceous ducts.
describe acne vulgaris
the most common type of acne experienced by adolescents. genetically predisposed and my be triggered by stress. common on the face and neck and to a lesser extent the back, chest and shoulders
describe acne conglobata
- a chronic form of acne and occurs later in life.
- comedones have multiple openings, most commonly on the back, buttocks and chest. discharge is odoriferous (smelly) and purulent or mucoid (filled with pus/mucus). Healing leaves deep keloid scars.
what are the types of rosacea?
- Non-permanent: occuring before 20 yrs old, marked by episodes of blushing
- Permanent: blushing episodes become a permanent dark red erythema due to capillary congestion on the nose and cheeks
- acne rosacea: characterized by redness, comedones, papules, elevated areas, nodules (bumps), and in severe cases, cysts. It often resembles acne, but often there are no clogged pores or comedones present.
what is rhinophyma?
development of rosacea into an irregular bulbous thickening of the nose, with the colour changing to a purplish-red.
what is ocular rosacea?
rosacea occuring in the eye and eyeliuds, resulting in bloodshot eyes and swollen eyelids
what is a comedone?
-a mass of hardened sebum and skin cells in a hair follicle. can be open (blackhead) or closed (whitehead)
what is milia?
whitish, pearl-like masses of sebum and dead cells under the skin with no visible opening often mistakenly called whiteheads (whiteheads are similar but are soft) hardened and closed over.
define “papule”
Small elevation on the skin that contains no fluid but may develop pus
define “pustule”
raised, inflamed papule with a white or yellow center. It contains pus, fluid and bacteria produced by an infection, referred to as the head of the pimple.
define “nodule”
small bumps caused by scar tissue, fatty deposits, or infections
what is sebaceous hyperplasia?
Benign lesions frequently seen in oilier areas of the face. An overgrowth of the sebaceous gland, they appear similar to open comedones, often doughnut-shaped, with sebaceous material in the center.
define “dermatitis”
An inflammatory condition of the skin.
3 types: atopic, contact, and seborrheic
describe contact dermatitis
- an inflammatory skin condition caused by an allergic reaction from contact with a substance or chemical
- can be caused by either an allergic reaction or contact with an irritant
describe atopic dermatitis
- chronic, relapsing form of dermatitis. Irritants and allergens trigger reactions that include dry, cracking skin.
- redness, itching, and dehydration of the dermatitis make the condition worse.
describe seborrheic dermatitis
- Recurring patches of white or yellowish inflammation often on the head, face and chest and back. Sometimes it is a chronic inflammation of the skin associated with oily skin and oily areas.
- One cause is an inflammation of sebaceous glands. This condition is sometimes treated with cortisone creams. Seborrheic dermatitis is also a common form of eczema.
what is eczema?
-an inflammatory, painful, itching disease of the skin; acute or chronic in nature, with dry or moist lesions. Avoid contact and skin care treatment if a client has eczema.
what is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common papulosquamous disease characterized by red, thickened plaques with an overlying silvery-white scale. most commonly appears on the knees, elbow and scalp
what is urticaria?
hives, characterized by red plaques called “wheals” that are accompanied by intense itching.
describe the three main types of skin cancer
1) Malignant melanomas: -deadliest and rarest form of skin cancer. often arises from the melanocytes of a pre-existing mole. It metastasizes (spreads) rapidly and is often fatal if not treated immediately
- may have surface crust or bleed.
2) Basale cell carcinomas:
- most common and least severe because it seldom metastasize.
- It rises from the cells of the stratum basale and eventually invades the dermis; it often
- appears as light, pearly nodules; characteristics include sores, reddish patches, or a smooth growth with an elevated border.
3) Squamous cell carcinomas:
- characterized by red or pink scaly papules or nodules., open sores or crusty areas that do not heal and bleed easily.
- arises from keratinocytes of the stratum spinosum
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