Lentigines, Solar Lentigines
Lentigines, Solar Lentigines Definition: Lentigines are clearly defined, pigmented, flat or slightly raised lesions. Lentigines do not fade in the winter months. Solar Lentigines (SL) are also known as “liver” or “wisdom- spots”, are harmless areas of hyperpigmentation on the skin due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Etiology: Lentigines can occur due to exposure to ionizing […]
Kaposi Sarcoma
Kaposi Sarcoma Definition: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a rare disease of the endothelial cells of blood vessels and the lymphatic system. There are four types of Kaposi sarcoma: Classic KS, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- associated KS, endemic or African KS and iatrogenic KS. Etiology: Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) or Human herpesvirus-8- 8 (HHV-8) is present […]
Bullous Pemphigoid
Bullous Pemphigoid Definition: Bullous Pemphigoid is a chronic autoimmune bullous disease that is characterized by tense bullae on normal or erythematous skin (1). Etiology: Bullous Pemphigoid is caused by autoantibodies against hemidesmosomal proteins BP180 (type XVII collagen) and BP230 that lead to the production of subepidermal blisters (1). Epidemiology: Bullous Pemphigoid is the most common […]
Bites, Bullous Insect Bites
Bites, Bullous Insect Bites Definition: Bullous insect bites are delayed hypersensitivity reactions that occur in people who are already sensitized (2). They are characterized by blisters packed with fluid that appear on the skin (1). Etiology: The bites arise from an immune response to toxins being released at the bite site (1). The most common […]
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda Condition Name: Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT) Definition: PCT is a disorder characterized by blistering lesions on sun-exposed skin due to a deficiency of the enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD). Etiology: PCT can be inherited or acquired. Acquired PCT is often linked to liver disease, such as hepatitis C, alcohol abuse, or hemochromatosis, while […]
Impetigo
Impetigo Definition: Impetigo is a common infection of the superficial layers of the epidermis that is very contagious and most often caused by gram-positive bacteria. This condition is characterized by pustules and honey-coloured crusted erosions. It can be classified into non-bullous and bullous impetigo. Etiology: Impetigo is caused by Staphylococcus aureus and less commonly, Streptococcus […]
Impetigo
Impetigo Definition: Impetigo is a common infection of the superficial layers of the epidermis that is very contagious and most often caused by gram-positive bacteria. This condition is characterized by pustules and honey-coloured crusted erosions. It can be classified into non-bullous and bullous impetigo. Etiology: Impetigo is caused by Staphylococcus aureus and less commonly, Streptococcus […]
Impetigo
Impetigo Definition: Impetigo is a common infection of the superficial layers of the epidermis that is very contagious and most often caused by gram-positive bacteria. This condition is characterized by pustules and honey-coloured crusted erosions. It can be classified into non-bullous and bullous impetigo. Etiology: Impetigo is caused by Staphylococcus aureus and less commonly, Streptococcus […]
Granuloma Annulare
Granuloma annulare Condition Name: Granuloma annulare Definition: Granuloma annulare is a benign, chronic skin condition characterized by the formation of annular plaques or papules. Etiology: The exact cause of granuloma annulare is unknown, though it is believed to involve an immune-mediated response. Epidemiology: Granuloma annulare affects individuals of all ages but is more commonly seen […]
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Definition: BCC is a slow-growing nonmelanocytic skin cancer arising from basal cells in the epidermis that rarely metastasizes but can invade locally and be destructive (1,4,5). Etiology: Ultraviolet exposure is a major risk factor and explains why BCC typically grows on sun-exposed areas of the skin (1). Other factors that influence […]