Category: Diagnostic Reference Sheets
General Information Ecchymosis, is caused by bleeding under the skin, which occurs from broken blood vessels that form tiny pinpoint red dots (called petechiae). Ecchymosis can similarly occur in mucous membranes like in the mouth. Blood also can collect under the tissue in larger flat areas (called purpura), or in a very large bruised area. […]
General Information Dysplastic Nevi, also known as atypical moles, are unusual (or atypical) and benign. Around one out of ten individuals have at least one unusual mole. The characteristics of a dysplastic nevi consists of large pigmented lesions that frequently measure from 5 – 15 mm in diameter, with irregular borders and colors that range […]
General Information Dyshidrotic Eczema is a recurrent or chronic relapsing form of vesicular palmoplantar dermatitis. Of patients with dyshidrosis, 50% have atopic dermatitis. Occasionally prior to blistering of the skin, the patient may feel burning pain or pruritus. Occurrence of this type of dermatitis can be from once a month to once a year. The […]
General Information Drug-induced Photosensitivity refers to the development of a cutaneous disease resulting from both a chemical and light effect, exposure to only one component will not cause the disease. Both phototoxic and photoallergic reactions occur in sun-exposed areas of skin (e.g. the face, V of the neck, and dorsa of the hands and forearms). […]
General Information Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic skin condition that develops circular inflamed red patches with a scaling and crusty appearance, ranging from 5-10 mm in diameter. The sores are usually located on the face, ears and scalp; at times, they may be found on other parts of the body. When the lesions […]
General Information Dermatofibroma is an extremely common firm bump on the skin, representing an overgrowth of the tissue lying between the outer and inner layers of skin. Typically, small (0.5- to 1-cm) red-to-brown, darker depending on the individual’s skin color, bumps (nodules). Dermatofibromas are most commonly seen on the extremities, particularly the lower legs. Although […]
General Information Dermatitis Herpetiformis is an autoimmune disease causing clusters of intensely pruritic small blisters and hive like swellings. Despite the name, dermatitis herpetiformis is not related to the herpes virus. Prior to the blisters forming the area usually has a burning feeling. In around one to two weeks, the blisters will scab and heal, […]
General Information Cutaneous Drug Eruptions vary in their appearance, rapidity of onset and severity. Coombs and Gell proposed four types of immunologically mediated reactions: Type I is immunoglobulin E (IgE)–dependent reactions, which result in urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis. Type II is cytotoxic reactions, which result in hemolysis and purpura. Type III is immune complex reactions, […]
General Information Contact Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating substance. A history of any type of allergies is an increasing factor for this condition. Irritant dermatitis is the most common type of contact dermatitis, resulting from contact with acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents, solvents, […]
General Information More than 30 types (strains) of human papillomavirus (HPV) cause Condyloma Acuminatum (Genital Warts). The virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity; vaginal or anal penetration is not necessary to become infected. Patients that become infected with HPV will not have symptoms and will clear the infection on their own. Some […]