Pathophysiology of Skin Disorders

What are the flat (macular) lesions

Macule

Patch

Erythema

Exanthem

Cellulitis

Macule

A flat area of skin with abnormal color

Patch

A flat area of skin with different color surrounding tissue

Erythema

Temporary redness of the skin

Exanthem

Widespread skin eruption or rash

Cellulits

Inflammation of cellular tissue of subcutaneous layers

What are the depressed lesions

Ulcer

Erosion

Fissure

Striae

Cyst

Closed cavity or sac containing fluid or semi-solid exudate

Papule

A solid, elevated lesion

Plague

A group of papules

Maculopapular

Rash consisting of macules and papules

Urticaria

Hives/welts and raised itchy bumps

• This causes mast cells to release inflammatory molecules (eg. histamine)

What are the fluid-filled lesions?

Vesicle

Bulla

Abscess

Furuncle

Pustule

Vesicle

Fluid-containing, epidermal elevation (blister)

Bulla

Fluid-filled vesicle

Abscess

Collection of pus

Furuncle

Boil; Follicle-centered nodule that painful, red w/wo pus

Pustule

Small elevation of the skin due to accumulation of pus in a sebaceous follicle

Purpura/Vascular Lesions

Petechiae

Purpura

Petechiae

Macules due to broken capillary blood vessels (ex. hemorrhages)

Purpura

Red-purple macules that are larger than petechiae (due to hemorrhage)

Scale

White-grey flakes or plates; manifests in psoriasis, dandruff

Crusts

Scabs consisting of dried serum

Excoriation

Skin abrasion causing focal erosion due to being scratched

Lichenification

Thickened skin w/ accentuated markings due to repeated rubbing and scratching

Xerosis

Dry Skin

Exfoliation

Skin peeling due to desquamation of the epidermis

Ichthyosiform

Large, polygonal scales that resemble fish scales

Dermatitis

A broad range of inflammatory skin rxns (rash) that may feature skin swelling (edema), itchiness (pruritis),crusting, flaking, and blistering

What are the subtypes of dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis

Eczema that usually begins during infancy as red, itchy rash usually where skin flexes