Dermatology Flashcards

Flashcards covering skin eruptions, skin layers, and related diseases for dermatology review.

What are flat spots on the skin, such as freckles, called?

Macules

Define papules in the context of skin eruptions.

Firm, raised areas on the skin without pus.

What are large fluid spots on the skin, bigger than 1 cm, known as?

Bullae

What are blisters or fluid-filled sacs smaller than 1 cm called?

Vesicles

What are pus-filled sacs on the skin, such as acne, called?

Pustules

Describe crusts in relation to skin conditions.

Dried pus and blood on the skin (scabs).

What are itchy, elevated areas on the skin, like hives and insect bites, called?

Wheals

Describe the characteristics of a cyst.

A sac filled with pus or fatty tissue.

What is an ulcer and who are primarly affected?

An open sore, commonly found on the legs of diabetic or elderly individuals.

Describe common characteristics of warts

Holes that appear on hands and feet

Describe acne vulgaris and its causes.

Inflammation of the sebaceous glands, caused by hormonal changes and increased sebum secretion.

What are the symptoms of acne vulgaris?

Papules and pustules (white/red heads) on the skin.

What protein helps cells be water resistant and tough in the epidermis?

Keratin

What are cornified cells?

Tough, flat, dead cells that provide strength to the skin.

What is characteristic of the stratum corneum?

Outermost layer of the epidermis composed of dead, cornified cells.

Where is the stratum lucidum found and what is its function?

Only in thick skin areas (palms, feet); it reduces friction and has a transparent appearance due to a special protein.

What happens to cells in the stratum granulosum?

They lose granules and become cornified cells.

What is the appearance of the stratum spinosum and what cells reside there?

Has a 'spiny' appearance and contains dendritic Langerhans cells that consume bacteria.

What occurs in the stratum basale?

Mitosis (cell division) to produce new skin cells.

What protein do melanocytes produce and what is its function?

Melanin, which determines skin color and protects the skin from UV radiation.

What is the function of Merkel cells?

Helping with the nervous system to provide a sense of touch.

Describe the dermis layer of the skin.

Contains blood vessels, connective tissue (hair follicles, sweat glands, nerves), collagen and elastin fibers.

Name the two layers within the dermis.

Papillary layer (loose connective tissue) and reticular layer (tightly packed connective tissue).

Why doesn't the epidermis scar like the dermis?

The epidermis constantly replaces cells and has protective layers, while the dermis contains blood vessels.

What is a keloid?

Overproduction of collagen during wound healing, resulting in a raised scar.

Describe the hypodermis (subcutaneous layer).

Connects skin to bone and muscle tissue, contains adipose tissue for insulation and energy storage.

What is the function of sweat glands?

Cooling the body.

What is the function of sebaceous glands?

Produce oil to keep hair and skin waterproof.

Athlete's foot: symptoms and treatment

Itchy, blisters and cracks, open sores, tx with antifungal meds, keeping clean and dry

Skin Cancer: Cause and symptoms

Exposure to the sun, radiation or chemicals, changes in color, shape, can develop from a mole or nevus, bleeding or itching

What is contact dermatitis?

Allergic reaction to oily resin in plants (poison ivy, oak, sumac).

What are the two main layers of the skin?

Epidermis (outer layer) and Dermis (inner layer).

What is found in the subcutaneous layer?

anchors the epidermis to dermis

What is the function of keratinocytes?

Create and store keratin, which strengthens the skin.

What is the functions of Langerhans cells?

Help prevent infection/bacteria and protect the immune system

Melanocyte cells

Produces melanin, the pigment that determines skin color. Albino people have no melanocytes.

What can squamous and basal cell mutate and cause?

Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.

Describe squamous cells

Flat cells that fall off from the outer top layer of skin and are replaced by new cells.

Describe basal cells

Found in the lower part of the epidermis, makes new cells to replace old ones all the time.

What happens when basal cells grow too much or change?

Causes basal cell carcinoma (cancer).

What is composed of collagen and elastin in the dermis

responsible for the shape structure, firmness and elasticity to the skin

Functions of Adipocytes (fat cells)

Store fat used for energy, cushioning, insulation, and regulate temperature

Triglycerides

Circulates in blood stream and most common fat type in our body

Keloid

Scar grows past the skin

Scale

eczema psoriasis (silvery look to it but eczema is red)

Vesicle

Blisters, fluid filled soos ~ (less than 1cm)