Cutaneous larva migrans is a skin eruption caused by the larvae of animal hookworms [Not the human hookworms which affect the alimentary system but rarely can cause this condition too]. The term literally means “wandering larvae in the skin”. It is the most common tropically acquired dermatosis. Ancylostoma braziliense is the most frequently found species. Larval migration […]
Skin
Dermatomyositis Presentation and Treatment
Dermatomyositis is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy that most frequently affects the skin and muscles, but may also affect the joints, the esophagus, the lungs and, less commonly, the heart. An association between dermatomyositis and cancer has long been recognized in adult patients. Dermatomyositis may spontaneously remit in as many as 20% of affected patients. About […]
Skin Anatomy and Physiology
The skin is an important organ covers the entire external surface of the human body and it serves as a protective barrier that prevents internal tissues. Skin is a dynamic organ that undergoes continuous changes throughout life as outer layers are shed and replaced by inner layers. Skin also varies in thickness among anatomic location, […]
Vitiligo – Clinical Presentation and Treatment
Vitiligo is a pigmentary disorder of the skin characterized by depigmented macules and patches. Vitiligo is a progressive disorder in which some or all of the melanocytes in the affected skin are selectively destroyed. This is caused by stoppage of melanin formation by the melanocytes that result in depigmented macule without any other change in […]
Lice Infestation or Pediculosis
Pediculosis refers to louse infestation, an ectoparasite that lives on the body. Lice feed on human blood after piercing the skin and injecting saliva, which may cause pruritus due to an allergic reaction. Pediculosis is endemic in both developing and developed countries. Girls are at higher risk of head louse infestation than boys. This is […]
Angioedema Causes and Treatment
Angioedema, is the rapid swelling (edema) of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue submucosal tissues, or mucous membranes as a result of vascular leakage. It is also known by the terms giant urticaria, Quincke edema, and angioneurotic edema. It is a nonpitting and nonpruritic edema. There without any color changes on the involved skin. The lips and […]
Urticaria- Causes, Presentation and Treatment
Urticaria or hives is a skin eruption that can be triggered by many substances or situations and usually starts as an itchy patch of skin that turns into swollen red welts. The itching may be mild to severe. Urticaria may cause a burning or stinging sensation. Such lesions may be restricted to a small area […]
Pityriasis Rosea- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
What is Pityriasis Rosea? Pityriasis rosea is an acute, self-limiting skin eruption with a distinctive and constant course, with an initial lesions that is a primary plaque that is followed after 1 or 2 weeks by a generalized secondary rash with a typical distribution and lasting for about 6 weeks. In literal sense, Pityriasis rosea […]
Lichen Planus – Symptoms, Types and Treatment
Lichen planus is an itchy eruption characterized by papular, purple (violaceous color), polygonal lesions which are located on distal extremities but may also affect genitalia or mucous membranes. It has a predilection for the flexor aspects of the forearms and dorsum of the hands. It can occur at any age but most common in group […]
Tinea Infections – Types, Presentation and Treatment
Tinea is a fungal skin infection. It is commonly known as ringworm but the spectrum of tinea is far wider. Most conditions identified as tinea are members of the imperfect fungi that make up the dermatophytes. However, conditions such as tinea nigra and Tinea versicolor are not caused by dermatophytes. Dermatophytes live on keratinous structures […]