Bacterial and Viral Diseases of the Skin

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to bacterial and viral diseases of the skin, focusing on definitions and disease processes.

Hair shaft

The visible part of hair that protrudes from the skin.

Stratum corneum

The outermost layer of the epidermis, consisting of dead skin cells.

Folliculitis

An infection of the hair follicle, often presenting as a pimple.

Staphylococcus aureus

A common bacterium that can cause skin infections such as folliculitis and scalded skin syndrome.

Furuncles

Also known as boils; these are painful pus-filled bumps that form around hair follicles.

Carbuncles

A cluster of multiple furuncles, often larger and more severe.

Streptococcus pyogenes

A bacterium often responsible for infections like impetigo and erysipelas.

Impetigo

A highly contagious skin infection that causes red sores, often seen in children.

Erysipelas

A bacterial skin infection characterized by a raised red rash, often affecting the elderly.

Necrotizing fasciitis

A severe infection that destroys tissues, often caused by S. pyogenes.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A bacterium causing infections in various body sites, particularly serious in burn patients.

Propionibacterium acnes

Bacterium associated with acne, often residing in sebaceous glands.

Candidiasis

A yeast infection caused by Candida albicans, usually occurring in moist areas.

Melanocyte

Skin cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.

Cat Scratch Disease

An infection caused by Bartonella henselae, typically transmitted through cat scratches.

Warts

Benign epithelial growths on the skin or mucous membranes, caused by various papillomaviruses.

Herpes Infections

Viral infections characterized by painful sores on mucous membranes.

Tinea pedis

Commonly known as athlete’s foot; a fungal infection affecting the feet.

Tinea capitis

A fungal infection of the scalp, commonly known as ringworm of the scalp.

Vaccination (MMR)

A vaccine that provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.