Sweat glands - also called sudoriferous glands, are tiny coiled glands found on
almost all body surfaces. The majority of them are "eccrine" sweat glands, which
are found in large numbers on the soles of the feet, the plams, the forehead and
the cheeks, and in the armpits. Eccrine glands open directly onto the surface of
the skin. Eccrine glands secrete an odorless, clear fluid that helps the body to
control its temperature by promoting heat loss through evaporation.
The other type of sweat gland is called an "apocrine" gland. Apocrine glands open
into hair follicles in the scalp, armpits, and genital region, leading to the
surface of the skin. They produce a thick fluid. When this fluid comes in contact
with bacteria on the skins surface, it produces a characteristic "Body odor".
Both the eccrine and the apocrine sweat glands are activated by nerves. These
nerves respond to a variety of stimuli, including temperature, hormones, emotions,
and physical activity.
Sebaceous Glands - are microscopic organs in the skin that are connected to hair
follicles. They secrete an oily substance called sebum that is released through
ducts opening into the hair follicles. The sebum then moves onto the surface and
lubricates and waterproofs the skin.
Lesions- a skin lesion is a pathological change of the tissues due to disease or
injury. Recognizing the different types of skin lesions is often essential in
establishing a dermatologic diagnosis.
A macule is a circumscribed area of change in skin color without elevation or
depression that is less than 1 cm in diameter. A freckle is an example of a macule.
a papule is a superficial, elevated, solid lesion, generally less than .5 cm in
diameter. an insect bite is an example of a papule.
A plaque is a plateau-like elevation above the skin surface formed by closely
spaced papules. Plaques from psoriasis are examples.
A nodule is a palpable, solid lesion that is larger than a papule and may involve
the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The depth of involvement and the
size differentiates a nodule from a papule. Some patients with rheumatoid arthritis
develop nodules under the skin, usually near joints.
A wheal, also known as a welt, is a rounded pale red papule that itches. it usually
disappears within 24 to 48 hours. Hives from an allergic reaction are an example.
A crust develops when serum, blood, or pus dries on the skin surface. A scab is an
example of a crust.
A scar (or cicatrix) is the fibrous tissue replacement after damage to the skin
from a wound or injury. Since skin cannot regenerate, the collagen in scar tissue
reconnects the broken skin. Scar tissue is less strong and less elastic than the
tissue it is replacing, and sweat glands and hair follicles are not present in scar
tissue.
An ulcer is an open skin defect that extends into the dermis and always heals with
scar formation. a bedsor is and example of an ulcer.
Fluid filled lesions -
A vesicle/bulla is a circumscribed, elevated, superficial cavity containing fluid.
A vesicle is less than .5 cm, and a bulla is more than .5 cm. Often the roof of the
vesicle/bulla is so thin that it is transparent, and the clear fluid(Serum) in the
cavity can be seen. The blisters that occur with poison ivy are vesicles.
A pustule is a circumscribed lesion of the skin that contains pus. Pustules thus
differ from vesicles in that they do not have clear content an acne pimple is an
example of a pustule.
An abscess on the skin presents initially as a tender red nodule and, in time, pus
collects within a central space. an abscess is commonly caused by a bacterium,
usually staph aureus, that has penetrated an open area of the skin.
A cyst under the skin is a closed pocket containing liquid or semisolid material
and may be superficial or deep. when skin cysts enlarge or become inflamed, they
may need to be opened and drained. cystic acne is the most severe form of acne.
