Category: Diagnostic Reference Sheets
General Information Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma is a disorder of thickening, hardening and discoloration on the affected skin. This chronic or recurrent condition is a cause of excessive collagen deposition in the skin and subcutaneous. Unlike systemic sclerosis, morphea does not involve the internal organs. Morphea begins as red patches that gradually develop […]
General Information Molluscum Contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by a large DNA poxvirus. The infection is mainly seen in children, though adults can also be affected. Molluscum Contagiosum is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact with other individuals or by articles that have been touched by an infected person. The infection can also spread by […]
General Information Miliaria Rubra, also known as prickly heat or sweat rash is a common skin condition affecting infants and adults in hot and humid environments. Miliaria occurs when the sweat gland ducts are blocked due to bacteria or dead skin cells. The obstruction of the sweat glands causes sweat to leak into the deeper […]
General Information Merkel cell carcinoma, otherwise referred to a trabecular carcinoma, is an uncommon yet deadly dermal neoplasm potentially confused with other cutaneous neoplasms. Like its more common cancerous counterparts in the skin, it most commonly occurs in the sun-exposed sites of elderly patients and is predisposed for by ionizing radiation as well as waning […]
General Information As chronicled in Steinbeck’s famous novel, the best conceived plans can go awry as in the examination of melanocytes by frozen section pathology. Sub-optimal preservation, freeze artifact, overlapping histologic criteria between melanocytes and confusion with other resident epidermal cells may all conspire to render the evaluation of these lesions problematic. For these reasons […]
General Information Majocchi’s Granuloma is an uncommon infection of the dermal and subcutaneous tissue by dermatophytes. The most common cause of the infection is by a fungus called Trichophyton rubrum (an anthropophilic dermatophyte). Two forms of Majocchi’s granuloma exist: Follicular type – caused by trauma or a topical used, subcutaneous type – immunocompromised hosts. MG […]
General Information Lipoma is a benign tumor that develops from fat cells. This slow growing tumor has a clinical appearance of a lump under the skin. When a Lipoma is softly pressed on, the lump is moveable under the fingers with a soft doughy feel to it. Lipomas are normally located around the neck area, […]
General Information Lichen Striatus is a self-limited linear rash appearing often on an extremity. The small papules, which may be smooth, scaly or flat topped are red, tan or the same color of the flesh. Lichen Straitus is usually asymptomatic; the most common complaint with patients is pruritus. The eruption normally grows over a few […]
General Information Lichen Simplex Chronicus (LSC) is considered more of a symptom than a disease. A proposed variant of LSC is lichen amyloidosis. The disorder begins when something rubs or irritates the skin and it becomes pruritic thus beginning a cycle of itching and scratching. When prolonged scratching to the affected area occurs, the skin […]
General Information Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus is a chronic skin disease that causes pale to white plaques with epidermal atrophy. LSA may appear on areas such as the neck, under the breast, in folds of the body, and in the perianal and vulva. Itching may occur in some patients, but it is not common. If […]