Aging and Diseases

Disease

Failure of homeostasis

Symptoms

Not verifiable aspects of a condition

Signs

Verifiable evidence of a condition

Inflammation

A response characterized by pain, redness, swelling, warmth, and loss of function, often mediated by histamine.

Regeneration

The process that restores homeostasis after injury.

Fibrosis

The formation of scar tissue due to lack of homeostasis.

Aging effects on skin

Includes thinning of the epidermis, increased injury and infection risk, reduced vitamin D production, and hair and skin color changes.

Basal cell carcinoma

The most common form of skin cancer that begins in stratum basale and is the most treatable.

Squamous cell carcinoma

A type of skin cancer that begins in the most superficial layers and is very treatable.

Malignant melanoma

The least common but most deadly type of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes and metastasizes.

ABCD Rule

A guideline for assessing moles: asymmetry, border, color, diameter.

Acne

A condition affecting the sebaceous glands.

Blackheads

Open blocked pores exposed to air.

Whiteheads

Closed blocked pores.

Pustules

Red and inflamed bumps, often bacterial.

Psoriasis

A skin condition characterized by rapid mitosis leading to scaly patches.

Eczema

A condition resulting from less sebum leading to moisture loss.

Vitiligo

A condition characterized by loss of skin color in blotches due to nonfunctional melanocytes.

Tinea Pedis

A fungal infection, commonly known as athlete's foot, that is contagious.

Hives

An itchy skin rash triggered by an allergic response, resulting in raised welts.

Herpes zoster

Also known as shingles, caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, a vaccine can prevent it.

Rosacea

The condition featuring visible blood vessels on the face.

Albinism

A genetic condition resulting in little to no melanin production.

Impetigo

A common, contagious skin infection in children.

Ingrown nail

A condition where the side of a nail grows into the skin.

Thrush

A fungal infection in the mouth.

Herpes (HSV-1)

A viral condition causing blistering sores.

Stretch marks

Tears in elastin fibers in the dermis.