Chapter 4: Skin Disorders and Diseases

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering key concepts from the skin disorders and diseases lecture notes for aestheticians.

Scope of practice for aestheticians

Estheticians cannot diagnose skin diseases; they should recognize common conditions, stop a service if unsure, and refer to a medical professional when needed.

ABCDEs of melanoma detection

A mnemonic for spotting melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter about a pencil eraser, Evolution/Evolving changes.

Melanoma

The deadliest form of skin cancer; often dark patches with irregular borders and color changes; early detection greatly improves survival.

Basal cell carcinoma

Most common, least aggressive skin cancer; may appear as pearly nodules, red patches, or sores.

Squamous cell carcinoma

More serious skin cancer; presents as scaly red/pink papules or nodules and can crust or ulcerate.

Actinic keratosis

Pink or flesh-colored precancerous lesion from sun damage; should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Mole (nevus)

Benign pigmented spot; not cancer by itself; changes in color or shape should be checked.

Hyperpigmentation

Darkening of the skin from excess melanin; includes melasma, lentigo, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Melasma

Hormonal hyperpigmentation often during pregnancy or with birth control; sun exposure worsens it.

Lentigo

Flat pigmented spots (often called age spots) linked to sun exposure.

Vitiligo

Autoimmune loss of pigment causing white patches; may worsen with sun exposure.

Albinism

Congenital lack of melanin; higher skin cancer risk; light-sensitive eyes.

Tinea versicolor

Fungal infection causing white/brown patches; not contagious; treated with antifungals.

Rosacea

Chronic inflammatory vascular disorder with flushing and redness; may have visible vessels and eye involvement; treated symptomatically.

Telangiectasia

Visible dilated capillaries on the face; cosmetic concern rather than a disease.

Varicose veins

Abnormally dilated, twisted veins; may require medical treatment; common in legs.

Hyperhidrosis

Chronic excessive sweating; treatable with microwave therapy or neuromodulators (Botox).

Diaphoresis

Excessive sweating due to an underlying condition (e.g., menopause).

Pseudoriferous (sudoriferous) glands

Sweat glands; regulate perspiration; hyperhidrosis affects these glands.

Comedo (open and closed)

A clogged pore: open comedo = blackhead; closed comedo = whitehead.

Sebaceous filaments

Small, skin-colored filaments around the nose; resemble open comedones but are not true lesions.

Milia

Firm white keratin-filled cysts beneath the skin; not opened; removable with exfoliation or extraction.

Sebaceous hyperplasia

Benign overgrowth of sebaceous glands; donut-shaped with a central indentation; not easily extracted.

Keloid

Thick scar resulting from excessive fibrous tissue; can form along a scar and may be hereditary.

Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin with several forms (e.g., contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, irritant dermatitis).

Allergic contact dermatitis

Hypersensitivity to an allergen; sensitization occurs after repeated exposure; common cosmetics and metals as triggers.

Irritant contact dermatitis

Skin reaction to irritants; immediate or delayed; avoid exposure and protect skin.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Chronic relapsing dermatitis with dry, itchy skin; triggered by irritants/allergens; corticosteroids help.

Perioral dermatitis

Acne-like condition around the mouth; not contagious; may respond to antibiotics; linked to skincare products.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Inflammatory condition with scaly, oily patches; often behind ears or on the eyebrows; managed by medical care.

Stasis dermatitis

Dermatitis from poor blood circulation in the legs; edema and hyperpigmentation; may require cardiovascular referral.

Contagious diseases (overview)

Infectious skin/nail diseases (e.g., conjunctivitis, HSV-1/2, shingles, impetigo, tinea, warts); refer to medical professional and avoid treating active cases.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)

Fever blisters/cold sores around the mouth; contagious; avoid triggering treatments during outbreaks; antivirals shorten outbreaks.

Herpes zoster (shingles)

Reactivation of varicella-zoster virus; painful grouped blisters in a band; antiviral therapy recommended.

Impetigo

Highly contagious bacterial skin infection with clusters of small blisters/crusts; treated with antibiotics.

Onychomycosis

Fungal infection of the nails; thick, brittle, discolored nails; antifungal treatment required.

Tinea corporis

Ringworm; circular red, scaly patch; contagious; treated with antifungals and environmental disinfection.

Verruca (wart)

Viral wart (HPV) causing a skin growth; contagious; treated with cryotherapy, laser, or topical agents.

Acne vulgaris

Inflammatory skin disorder of the sebaceous glands; clogged follicles lead to comedones, papules, pustules, and cysts; P. acnes bacteria involved.

Polyssebaceous (pilosebaceous) unit

The hair shaft, sebaceous gland, and sebaceous duct; main follicle involved in acne.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Darkening of the skin after injury or acne healing; can be long-lasting and worsened by sun exposure.

Impact Melanoma program

Free program educating beauty professionals to detect early signs of cancer in clients.