Category: Diagnostic Reference Sheets
General Information There are two forms of the disease. Bullous Impetigo: This form is caused by staph bacteria, which produce a toxin that causes a break between the epidermis and the lower levels of skin (“Bulla” means blister). Blisters can appear in various skin areas, especially the buttocks, though these blisters are fragile and often […]
General Information Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis is the name given to 2 to 5mm flat white spots found on the shins and forearms. ‘Idiopathic’ definition is the cause is unknown, ‘guttate’ means resembling tear-drops, and ‘hypomelanosis’ is referring to the lighter color of the affected areas. Most commonly seen in middle-aged, light-skinned women, but has been […]
General Information Ichthyosis is not one disease but a group of disorders in which there is excess accumulation of epidermal cells resulting in the appearance of scales. The ranges of severity go from mild, asymptomatic, to life threatening. There are different types of ichthyosis; most are extremely rare. The condition worsens in the dry, cold […]
General Information Hypertrophic Scar by definition is a widened or unsightly scar that does not extend beyond the original boundaries of the wound. Keloids and Hypertrophic scars are both associated with adverse wound healing factors and are likely to form in the same location. Unlike keloids, the hypertrophic scar reaches a certain size and then […]
General Information Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a chronic skin inflammation characterized by blackheads and one or more red, tender bumps (lesions). These lesions tend to enlarge, break open and drain pus. The area where the lesion was located may scar. The disease is a chronic acneiform infection of the cutaneous apocrine glands; it can also involve […]
General Information Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection initially produces chickenpox. The virus will lay dormant in a patient until focal reactivation along a ganglion’s distribution results in herpes zoster (shingles). An average of about 20 percent of people who have had chicken pox will develop the zoster virus. The symptoms may include a burning sensation, pruritus, tingling, […]
General Information Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a common viral infection. Herpes is subdivided into two groups’ Oral herpes and Genital herpes. Oral herpes cause cold sores around the mouth or face, while genital herpes affects the genitals, buttocks or anal area. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD); the virus is contagious even […]
General Information Hemangiomas are one of the most common types of birthmarks; they develop when blood vessels group together in one place in the skin. The exact cause of the grouping of blood vessels is not clear, although some research suggests a link between hemangiomas and certain proteins produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Deep […]
General Information Grover Disease or Transient Acantholytic Dermatosis (TAD) is characterized by papules and papulovesicles with excoriation occurring on the chest, back, lower sternum, arms, and thighs. Often starting quite suddenly and is more common in the winter than in the summer. Although, frequently itchy it may cause no symptoms. The spots may be blistered, […]
General Information Granuloma Faciale is a rare, non-cancerous skin disorder occurring on the face. Papules, plaques and nodules characterize the disorder. Granulomas refer to a kind of inflammation found on microscopic examined lesions, but granulomas are not seen in granuloma faciale. These lesions vary in color (reddish-brown, blue or purple) and size (millimeters to several […]