Dermatology and Skin Conditions: Layers, Diseases, and Treatments

Stratum lucidum

The epidermal layer found only in thick skin like the palms and soles of the feet.

Bacterial infection

This is NOT part of the ABCDE criteria for melanoma. The correct criteria are Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variegation, Diameter >6mm, Evolving.

Melanocytes

These cells are located in the epidermis (specifically the stratum basale), not in the dermis.

Which layer of the epidermis is typically only found in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet?

Stratum lucidum

Melanocytes are located in which layer of the epidermis?

Stratum basale

What is the most common form of skin cancer?

Basal cell carcinoma

Which characteristic is NOT part of the ABCDE criteria for identifying melanoma?

Bacterial infection

What protein is responsible for maintaining skin architecture and hydration, and is often defective in atopic dermatitis?

Filaggrin

Which medication is specifically mentioned for treating psoriasis by suppressing T-cell activity?

Cyclosporine

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), what process goes haywire, leading to the release of intracellular contents?

Apoptosis

What is the medical term for hives?

Urticaria

The dermis contains all of the following EXCEPT:

Melanocytes

Opportunistic bacteria are bacteria that:

Take advantage of weakened immunity

What are the four key functions of the skin?

Protection from bacteria/infection, UV protection (tanning), thermoregulation, and sensation (pressure, pain)

What is a decubitus ulcer?

A pressure sore; damage caused by prolonged pressure on the skin

What is the term for the microorganisms that naturally live on a person's skin?

Skin flora

Why can skin flora be dangerous?

Some are opportunistic pathogens; they are harmless on intact skin but can cause infection if the skin is compromised

What is the initial purpose of inflammation when the skin is damaged?

To help fight off infection

How can prolonged inflammation be harmful?

It can damage the skin further, causing it to break open and become more susceptible to infection

What is acne?

A skin condition resulting from oil and dead skin cells plugging up hair follicles

What are the inflamed, pus-filled pimples in acne called?

Pustules

What are the non-inflamed blockages (blackheads and whiteheads) in acne called?

Comedones

What is urticaria?

Hives; characterized by red, itchy bumps and swellings caused by the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine

What is the primary class of drug used to treat urticaria?

Anti-histamines

What is psoriasis?

An immune-mediated condition that results in inflammation and over-proliferation of skin cells

What type of immune cell is central to the development of psoriasis?

T-cells

What layer of the skin do T-cells rush into in psoriasis?

The epidermis

What is an example of an immune-suppressing drug used for psoriasis?

Cyclosporine

What are the two common names for the chronic, itchy, inflammatory skin condition often seen in children?

Atopic dermatitis or eczema

What is the medical term for dry skin, a key symptom of atopic dermatitis?

Xerosis

The inflammatory response in atopic dermatitis is an over-reaction by what body system?

The immune system

What are three types of treatments for atopic dermatitis?

Moisturizers, topical steroids (e.g., hydrocortisone), and immune modulators (e.g., tacrolimus)

What does SLE stand for?

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

What does "systemic" mean in the context of SLE?

It means it can affect the entire body, not just one area

What is the name of the butterfly-shaped facial rash associated with SLE?

Malar Rash

What cellular process is abnormally increased in SLE, leading to the release of cellular contents?

Apoptosis (programmed cell death)

What forms when antibodies latch onto the proteins released from apoptotic cells?

Antibody-protein complexes (or immune complexes)

Name three organs that can be affected by SLE.

Skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, nervous system (any three)

What is a critical lifestyle change for managing SLE?

Avoidance of sunlight (UV radiation)

What are the small, dilated, visible blood vessels often seen in Basal Cell Carcinoma called?

Telangiectasia

What is the second most common form of skin cancer?

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

What is the most dangerous form of skin cancer?

Melanoma

From which skin cell does melanoma arise?

Melanocytes

What does the "A" in the ABCDE rule for melanoma stand for?

Asymmetry

What does the "B" in the ABCDE rule for melanoma stand for?

Border irregularity

What does the "C" in the ABCDE rule for melanoma stand for?

Color variegation

What does the "D" in the ABCDE rule for melanoma stand for?

Diameter greater than 6mm

What does the "E" in the ABCDE rule for melanoma stand for?

Evolving (changing over time)

What are the three main layers of the skin, from outermost to innermost?

Epidermis, Dermis, Subcutis (or Hypodermis)

What is the mnemonic for remembering the layers of the epidermis from top to bottom?

"Come, Let's Get Sun Burned" (Corneum, Lucidum, Granulosum, Spinosum, Basale)

Which layer of the epidermis is primarily affected in a sunburn?

Stratum Basale

What are the cells in the stratum basale that produce the pigment melanin?

Melanocytes

What is the most abundant cell type in the epidermis, which dies to form the stratum corneum?

Keratinocytes

What are the cells in the stratum basale that are important for the sensation of touch?

Merkel Cells

What is the name of the tissue that separates the epidermis from the dermis?

The Basement Membrane

What is the subcutis primarily composed of?

Adipose tissue (body fat)

Name the four types of skin cancer based on the cell they originate from.

Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma