Dermatology: Scars and Lesion Configurations

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the skin?

Regeneration of skin layers

Storage of fat

Production of blood cells

Protection from microorganisms and harmful substances (correct)

Which layer of skin is primarily composed of flat, dead cells filled with keratin?

Sebaceous layer

Subcutaneous tissue

Dermis

Epidermis (correct)

What is the role of the dermis in the integumentary system?

Provides a waterproof barrier

Stores adipose tissue for energy

Nourishes the epidermis and contains sensory nerves (correct)

Initiates the production of vitamin D

Which of the following is NOT a function of the subcutaneous tissue?

Production of sweat Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of body weight does the skin typically account for?

16% Signup and view all the answers

What type of hair is characterized as being short, fine, and unpigmented?

Vellus hair Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the pink color of the nail plate?

The vascularized nail bed Signup and view all the answers

Which sweat gland type is involved in thermoregulation and is widely distributed across the body?

Eccrine glands Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is commonly associated with skin or hair changes that should be noted during a health history?

Hair loss Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cuticle in relation to the nail?

To serve as a protective seal Signup and view all the answers

Which skin change could indicate a possible underlying health issue related to anemia or hypoxia?

Cyanosis Signup and view all the answers

What typically causes body odor in adults?

Bacterial decomposition of apocrine sweat Signup and view all the answers

What is the growth rate of fingernails as mentioned?

0.1 mm daily Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lesion is characterized by being circular or coin-shaped?

Nummular Signup and view all the answers

What term describes lesions that appear as rings with central duskiness?

Target Signup and view all the answers

Which describes lesions characterized by a lacy or networked pattern?

Reticulated Signup and view all the answers

Which type of hair loss is characterized by the complete loss of hair follicles and shiny skin?

Scarring Signup and view all the answers

What does lichenification refer to in the context of skin attributes?

Thickening of skin with accentuation of markings Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical appearance of verrucous lesions?

Irregular, pebbly, or rough Signup and view all the answers

Which evaluation step is NOT essential for assessing hair loss?

Determine overall hair color Signup and view all the answers

At what age do approximately half of men begin experiencing hair loss?

50 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration of monkeypox illness?

3-4 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of monkeypox?

Nausea Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the lesions associated with monkeypox?

Firm or rubbery and well-circumscribed Signup and view all the answers

When can monkeypox be transmitted from an infected person?

From the onset of symptoms until the rash has healed Signup and view all the answers

What is the incubation period for monkeypox?

3-17 days Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes macules from patches?

Macules are typically less than 1 cm, while patches are greater than 1 cm. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lesion is characterized by being fluid-filled and measuring greater than 1 cm in diameter?

Bullae Signup and view all the answers

In dermatology, which term describes a lesion that is a raised lesion caused by localized edema and is usually pruritic?

Urticaria Signup and view all the answers

Erosions in dermatology refer to which of the following?

Loss of part or all of the epidermis resulting in open areas. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of skin lesion is defined as having a size greater than 1 cm and being either elevated or depressed?

Plaques Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining feature of petechiae?

Non-blanchable punctate foci of hemorrhage. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'scale' refer to in the context of skin lesions?

Heaped-up accumulations of horny epithelium. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a lesion that has undergone modification due to a primary lesion's evolution, such as scratching?

Secondary lesion Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scars and Telangiectases

Scars result from fibrosis replacing normal skin after injury.
Telangiectases consist of permanently dilated small blood vessels.

Lesion Configurations

Annular: Ring-shaped with central clearing.
Discrete: Separate lesions.
Confluent: Lesions that merge together.
Linear: Straight line formation.
Nummular: Circular or coin-shaped lesions.
Target lesions: Bull’s-eye appearance with central duskiness.
Serpiginous: Linear, branched, and curving lesions.
Reticulated: Lacy or networked appearance.
Herpetiform: Grouped papules or vesicles similar to herpes simplex.
Zosteriform: Lesions clustered in a dermatomal pattern like herpes zoster.

Texture of Skin Lesions

Verrucous: Irregular, pebbly, or rough surface.
Lichenification: Thickening of skin with pronounced markings.
Induration: Deep skin thickening.
Umbilicated: Central indentation, often viral.
Xanthomas: Yellowish or waxy lesions.

Evaluation of Hair Loss

Assess pattern of hair loss or thinning.
Inspect scalp for erythema, scaling, pustules, tenderness, or scarring.
Consider hair part width and history, including duration, shedding, and medication.

Hair Loss Statistics

Affects half of men by age 50 and half of women by age 80.
Types of hair loss include non-scarring (e.g., alopecia areata) and scarring, which shows shiny skin and complete loss of hair follicles.

Integumentary System Overview

The skin is the heaviest organ, comprising approximately 16% of body weight, and has three layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.
Appendages include hair, nails, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands.

Functions of the Skin

Maintains homeostasis and provides protection from microbes, harmful substances, and radiation.
Involved in thermoregulation, fluid balance, immunity, absorption, excretion, vitamin D synthesis, and sensation.

Skin Anatomy

Epidermis: Superficial, avascular layer made of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
Dermis: Medium layer with blood vessels, hair follicles, sensory nerves; supports the epidermis.
Subcutaneous Tissue: Hypodermis composed of loose connective tissue and adipose cells, functions include insulation and cushioning.

Skin Color Determinants

Skin color is influenced by melanin (genetically determined, increases with sun exposure), vascular structures, and changes in hemodynamics.

Hair Types

Two types of hair: Vellus (short, fine, unpigmented) and Terminal (coarser, thicker, pigmented).

Nail Structure

Nails protect fingertip ends; growth around 0.1mm per day.
Components include the nail plate, nail bed, lunula, cuticle, and lateral nail folds.

Gland Types

Pilosebaceous glands: Secrete oil; present on all skin except palms and soles.
Sweat glands: Eccrine (widely distributed for temperature control) and apocrine (found in axillary and genital areas).

Health History Focus

Symptoms of concern: hair loss, nail changes, rashes, lesions, moles.
Importance of detailed history regarding skin and hair changes.

Describing Skin Lesions

Use specific descriptors regarding number, size, color, shape, texture, and configuration.
Differentiate primary lesions (directly from a disease) from secondary lesions (resulting from modifications).

Morphology of Skin Lesions

Macules/Patches: Flat areas of change; <1 cm (macule) and >1 cm (patch).
Papules/Plaques: Elevated lesions; <1 cm (papule) and >1 cm (plaque).
Nodules: Firm papules extending into dermis; >1 cm.
Vesicles/Bullae: Fluid-filled lesions; <1 cm (vesicle) and >1 cm (bulla).
Pustules: Vesicles containing pus.
Crusts/Erosions: Crusts consist of dried substances; erosions are open areas from epidermal loss.
Fissures/Ulcers: Linear clefts into dermis and areas losing epidermis/demris respectively.
Petechiae/Purpura: Nonblanchable foci of hemorrhage; purpura are larger, palpable areas.
Atrophy: Thinning skin resembling cigarette paper.

Monkeypox Overview

Spread through rash stages, may start with flu-like symptoms or rash.
Symptoms: Fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, respiratory issues.
Monitoring of exposed patients for 21 days is crucial.

Physical Examination Documentation

Record findings with descriptive phrases to provide clarity on skin condition and observations.

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Description

This quiz explores the characteristics of scars and various skin lesion configurations. Test your knowledge on types of lesions, their configurations, and textures commonly observed in dermatology. Understand the nuances of each lesion type and how they are classified.