Scabies Description ■ Scabies is a parasitic infestation of the skin caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. ■ It is characterized by an intensely pruritic eruption and may be the etiology of “the 7-year itch.” History ■ Patients…
Erythema Multiforme Description ■ Erythema multiforme is a relatively common, acute—often recurrent—inflammatory disease characterized by target-shaped skin lesions. History ■ Commonly, erythema multiforme is associated with herpes simplex, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and upper respiratory tract infections, although erythema multiforme may be…
Nonspecific Viral Rash Description ■ An exanthem is a rash that occurs as a sign of a systemic disease. A viral exanthem is a rash that arises because of a viral infection. ■ Most viruses produce similar rashes, leading to…
Candidiasis (Moniliasis) Description ■ Candida albicans and a few other Candida species are capable of producing skin and mucous membrane infections. ■ The organism lives among the normal flora of the mouth, vaginal tract, and lower gastrointestinal tract. ■ Candida…
Warts (Verruca Vulgaris) Description ■ Warts are benign epidermal proliferations caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a double-stranded DNA virus, which infects skin and mucous membranes. ■ There are more than 150 different types of HPV. New subtypes are defined…
Syphilis Description ■ Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. ■ The infection can affect any organ and may mimic various other diseases; thus it has been called the “great imitator.” ■ If left…
Impetigo Description ■ Impetigo is a common, highly contagious, superficial skin infection produced by Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, or a combination of both bacteria. ■ Bullous impetigo and nonbullous impetigo represent two clinical forms of the disease. ■ S. aureus…
Psoriasis Description ■ Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory disorder caused in large part by abnormal T-lymphocyte function. ■ Pink to red papules and plaques with thick white scale may be localized or widespread, involving the scalp, elbows, and knees.…
Acne Description ■ Acne is a papular or pustular eruption involving the face, chest, and back. History ■ Acne may occur at any age but is more common in the teenage years and may persist well into adulthood. ■ Twenty…
Acute Urticaria Description ■ Urticaria, or hives, is divided into acute and chronic forms based on the duration of the hives. ■ Acute urticaria, by definition, lasts for less than 6 weeks, whereas chronic urticaria lasts more than 6 weeks.…