Disorders and Diseases of the Skin

By Danielle Strok

PRIMARY LESIONS
Also called an initial lesion Onset of a disease may be present from birth (i.e. birth marks) or may develop later in life (i.e. moles). Characteristics: - flat, unfelt -color - elevated

Bulla
A large blister containing watery fluid Similar to a vesicle, but larger More than 5 mm or 0.5 cm Latin for bubble

Cysts
Closed, abnormal developed sac Contains fluid, infection, and other matter above or below the skin Can be go away on its own or surgically removed

Macule
A flat spot or discoloration on the skin Called a patch if greater than 1 cm Latin for small spot or blemish Impalpable

Nodules
Often referred to as tumors Small, solid collection of tissue 1.0 cm 2.0 cm Caused by scar tissue, fatty deposits, or infection

Papule
A small elevation that contains no fluid May develop into a pustule Usually less that 1 cm Papula is Latin for pimple

Pustule
An inflamed papule White/ yellow pus in center Consists of white blood cells, bacteria, and other debris produced from an infection

Tubercle
Abnormal rounded, solid lump Larger than a papule

Tumor
A large nodule An abnormal cell mass resulting from excessive cell manipulation varies in size, shape, and color Can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign)

Vesicles
A small blister/ sac Contains clear sirus fluid Can be produces from poison ivy or oak

Wheal
An itchy, swollen lesion Caused usually by insect bites, stings, or skin allergy reactions Urticaria hives

Secondary Lesions
Develop in the later stages of disease

Crust
Dead cells formed over a wound or blemish while it is healing An accumulation of sebum and pus (sometimes mixed with epidermal material) Scab on a sore

Excoriation
Skin sore or abrasion Produced by scratching or scraping Can cause scarring and discoloration

Fissure
A crack in the skin May penetrate into the dermis Chapped lips or hands

Keloid
Thick scar from excessive growth of fibrous tissue (collagen) May occur following an injury or surgery

Scale
Shredding of dead skin cells Any thin plate of epidermal flakes Dry or oily Dandruff or psoriasis

Ulcer
An open lesion on the skin/ mucous membrane Accompanied by pus and loss of skin depth Deep depressions due to infection or cancer

Sebaceous (Oil) Gland Disorders

Acne
A chronic inflammatory skin disorder of the sebaceous glands Characterized by comedones and blemishes Acne simplex or acne vulgaris Propionibacterium acnes

Asteatosis
Dry, scaly skin From sebum deficiency Can be due to aging, body disorders, alkalis of harsh soap, or cold exposure

Comedone
Non-inflamed buildup of cells, sebum, and other debris inside the follicle Open comedone = blackhead; oxidized Closed comedone = whitehead; no oxidized

Furuncle
A subcutaneous abscess filled with pus Caused by bacteria in the glands of the follicle Also called boils

Carbuncles
Groups of boils

Milia
Whitish, pearl-like masses of sebum and dead cells under the skin; no visible opening More common with dry skin types May form from trauma (laser resurfacing or UV radiation

Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Benign lesions frequently seen in oilier areas of the face Open comedones are similar in appearance Often doughnut shaped, with sebaceous material in the center Can only be surgically removed

Seborrhea
Severe oiliness of the skin An abnormal secretion from the sebaceous gland

Seborrheic Dermatitis
Caused by an inflammation of the sebaceous glands Inflammation, dry or oily scaling or crusting, and/or itchiness Severe cases should be referred to a dermatologist

Steatoma
A sebaceous cyst or subcutaneous tumor Filled with sebum Ranges is size: from a pea to an orange Usually appears on the scalp, neck, and back Also called wen

Sudoriferous (Sweat) Glands

Anhidrosis
A deficieny in perspiration due to failure of the sweat glands Often results from a fever or skin disease Requires medical treatment

Bromhidrosis
Foul-smelling perspiration Usually in the armpits or the feet Caused by bacteria and yeast that break down the sweat on the surface of the skin

Hyperhydrosis
Excessive perspiration caused by heat, genetics or body weakness Medical treatment required

Miliaria Rubra
Prickly heat Acute inflammatory disorder of the sweat glands Results in the eruption of red vesicles and burning, itching skin from excessive heat exposure

Inflammation of the Skin

Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic means excess inflammation from allergies The redness, itching, and dehydration of the dermatitis make the condition worse

Contact Dermatitis
An inflammatory skin condition caused by contact with a substance or chemical Makeup, skin care products, detergents, fabrics, jewelery, and plants Allergic contact dermatitis caused by exposure to allergens Irritant contact dermatitis caused by exposure to caustic irritants

Dermatitis
An inflammatory condition of the skin, various forms of which include lesions Eczema, vesicles, or papules

Eczema
An inflammatory, painful, itching disease of the skin Acute or chronic in nature Dry or moist lesions Should refer to a physician

Seborrheic Dermatitis
Common form of Eczema Mainly affects oily areas

Edema
Swelling from a fluid imbalance in the cells Or from a response to injury or infection

Erythema
Redness caused by inflammation

Folliculitis
Hair grows under the surface instead of growing up and out of the follicle Causes a bacteria infection Most common in men that shave often Pseudofolliculitis razor bumps without pus

Perioral Dermatitis
An acne-like condition around the mouth Consists mainly of small clusters of papules May be caused by toothpaste or products used on the face Not contagious; treated with antibiotics

Pruritus
The medical term for itching

Psoriasis
A skin disease characterized by red patches covered with white-silver scales Caused by over-proliferation of skin cells that replicate too fast Can only be spread by irritating the affected area

Rosacea
Redness, dilation of blood vessels, and the formation of papules and pustules Chronic congestion primarily on the cheeks and nose Cause is unknown Vasodilation makes it worse

Telangiectasia
A vascular lesion Capillaries that have been damaged and are now larger Commonly called couperose skin

Urticaria
An allergic reaction by the bodys histamine production Also know as hives

Pigmentation Disorders
Hyperpigmentation

Chloasma
Increased pigmentation; liver spots

Hyperpigmentation
An overproduction of pigmentation Increased melanin = excess pigment Sun exposure, acne, medications, and postinflammitory hyperpigmentation

Lentigo/Lentigenes
Lentigo one freckle Lentigenes multiple freckles Small, yellow-brown spots

Melasma
A term for hyperpigmentation Pregnancy mask is triggered by hormonal changes May fade with time

Nevus
A birthmark or mole Malformation of the skin from abnormal pigmentation or dilated capillaries

Stain
Brown or wine-colored discoloration Occur after certain diseases or after moles, freckles, or liver spots disappear Port wine stain vascular type of birthmark

Tan
Caused by exposure to the sun Change in melanin production as a defense against UV rays that damage skin

Pigmentation Disorders
Hypopigmentation

Albinism
The absence of melanin pigment in the body Hair, skin, and eyes can be affected Risk of cancer development runs higher, is sensitive to light, and ages early Congenital leukoderma

Hypopigmentation
Lack of pigment

Leukoderma
Light, abnormal patches caused by a congenital disease Destroys the pigment-producing cells Albinism and vitiligo

Vitiligo
White spots or areas on the skin from a lack of pigment cells The condition can worsen with time and sunlight

Hypertrophies

Hypertrophy
An abnormal growth Can be cancerous Hypertrophic thickening of a tissue

Keratoma
An acquired, thickened patch of epidermis A callus caused by pressure or friction If thickening also grows inward, it becomes a corn

Keratoses
An abnormal thick buildup of cells

Hyperkeratosis
Thickening of the skin caused by a mass of keratinized cells (keratinocytes) Actin keratoses pink or flesh-colored precancerous lesions that feel sharp or rough Are a result of sun damage; should be checked by a dermatologist

Keratosis Pilaris
Redness and bumpiness in the cheeks or upper arms Caused by blocked follicles Exfoliation can help unblock follicle

Mole
A brownish spot ranging in color from tan to bluish black Some are flat, resembling freckles; others are raised and darker Sometimes cancerous Changes should be noted and checked regularly by a dermatologist

Skin Tag
Small outgrowths or extensions of the skin Looks like a flap Benign and common under arms or neck

Verruca
A wart Hypertrophy of the papillae and epidermis caused by a virus Infectious/contagious

Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Is the most common and least severe type of carcinoma Often appears as light, pearly nodules Not easily spread Removed surgically

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Is a more serious condition that basal cell carcinoma Red or pink scaly papules or nodules Sometimes open sores or crusty areas that do not heal and may bleed easily Can spread to other parts of the body

Malignant Melanoma
Most serious form of skin cancer Black or dark patches Usually uneven in texture, jagged, or raised Spread throughout the body and to internal organs

ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection

A for Asymmetry

B for Border

C for Color

D for Diameter

E for Evolution

Contagious Diseases

Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Commonly called pinkeye Very contagious

Herpes Simplex Virus 1

Fever blisters or clod sores Recurring viral infections A vesicle or group of vesicles on a red, swollen base Blisters usually appear on the lips or nostrils

Herpes Simplex Virus 2

Genital herpes Virus can be spread to other areas of the person infected or to other people

Herpes Zoster
Or Shingles A painful skin condition from the chickenpox virus Groups of blisters that form a rash

Impetigo
A bacterial infection of the skin Often occurs in children Clusters of small blisters or crusty lesions filled with bacteria

Tinea
A fungal infection Fungi feed in proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in the skin Tinea pedis athletes foot

Tinea Corporis
Highly contagious ringworm Forms a ringed red pattern with elevated edges

Tinea Versicolor
Also called pityriasis versicolor Fungal infection that inhibits melanin production Not contagious

Acne
And the its causes

Causes of Acne:
Genetics/ hereditary Clogged pores Bacteria Hormones Stress Cosmetics and skin care products Diet

Genetics and Clogged Pores

Retention Hyperkeratosis - dead skin cells do not shed from the follicles - excessive sebum production Sebaceous filaments - similar to open comedones - solidified impactions oil without cell matter

Bacteria
Is anaerobic - can live without oxygen P. Bacteria (Propionibacterium) - Proliferation happens when follicles are blocked with sebum and dead skin build up, and oxygen cant reach the bottom of the follicle

Hormones
Male hormones, known as androgens, stimulate sebaceous glands The advent of puberty Adult acne is more common in females, but not as severe Hormonal fluctuations from birth control, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause Hormone caused acne will often present itself on the chin

Stress
Causes hormonal fluctuations and increased sebum production The adrenal gland responds to stress and secretes adrenalin The male hormone androgen is also produced by the adrenal gland and stimulates the sebaceous gland

Cosmetics and Products

Certain ingredients in products can aggravate acne Fatty ingredients such as waxes and oils can clog pores or irritate follicles Comedogenic growth of comedones Acnegenic products that cause inflammation

Diet
Food may not affect acne directly Excessive iodine, MSG, kelp, cheese, processed and packaged foods (especially fast food), and minerals obtained from an ocean source found in vitamins can irritate the skin

Other Irritations
Pressure or friction from rubbing or touching the face Phone use Wearing hats Dirty pillows Makeup brushes Prolonged pressure or heat

Grades of Acne

Grade I Acne
Minor breakouts, mostly open comedones, some closed comedones, and a few papules

Grade II Acne
Many closed comedones, more open comedones, and occasional papules and pustules

Grade III Acne

Red and infalmed, many comedones, papules and pustules

Grade IV Acne
Cystic acne. Cysts with comedones, papules, pustules, and inflammation are present. Scar formation from tissue damage is common.

Burn Types

1st Degree Burn

red and very sensitive to touch skin will appear blanched when light pressure is applied minimal tissue damage and they involve the epidermis

2nd Degree Burn

affect both the outer-layer (epidermis) and the under lying layer of skin (dermis) causing redness, pain, swelling and blisters often affect sweat glands and hair follicles

rd 3

Degree Burn

Third-degree burns affect the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis charring of skin or a translucent white color, with coagulated vessels visible just below the skin surface Healing from third-degree burns is very slow due the skin tissue and structures being destroyed result in extensive scarring