Skin Disorders, Cancer, & Burns

Acne

inflammation of the sebaceous glands; follicles become blocked with keratinocytes and sebum

Dermatitis

inflammation of the skin often marked by itching and redness

Eczema

itchy, red, leaking skin lesions caused by an allergy; may progress to thickened, leathery, dark pigmented patches of skin

Rosacea

a red rashlike area, often in the nose or cheeks, marked by fine networks of dilated blood vessels; worsened by hot drinks, alcohol, and spicy food

Seborrheic dermatitis

recurring patches of scaly white or yellowing inflammation often on the head, face, check, and back; called cradle cap in infants

Tinea

any fungal infection of the skin; misnamed ring worm because of the circular, wormlike growth pattern sometimes exhibited

Basal cell carcinoma

the most common and least deadly type of skin cancer; arises from the stratum basale; lesion often first appears as a small, shiny bump and grows to have a central depression and beaded pearly edge

Squamous cell carcinoma

arises from keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum; lesions have a raised, reddened, scaly appearance; chances of recovery are good with early detection and surgery

Melanoma

arises from melanocytes and is the rarest form of skin cancer but is extremely aggressive; can be treated surgically if caught early, but metastasizes quickly and is unresponsive to chemotherapy

First degree burns

burns that only involve the epidermis

Second degree burns

burns that involve the epidermis and part of the dermis; often includes blistering and may scar

Third degree burns

burns that involve the epidermis and entire dermis, and sometimes even deeper tissues; skin can only regenerate from the edges of the wound and skin grafting is often required