Description ■ Leprosy, or Hansen's disease, is a chronic infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. ■ The disease infects the skin and nervous system primarily, leading to visible skin lesions and autoamputation of the fingers and toes, and thus…
Introduction ■ Laser is an acronym for light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation. ■ Laser light is a monochromatic (single wavelength), coherent (waves in phase), and collimated (waves travel in parallel) form of energy. ■ In the skin,…
Acquired Cutaneous Paraneoplastic Syndromes Description ■ Some cutaneous signs are specific enough to warrant a search for occult malignancy. ■ Acquired cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes involve cutaneous findings associated with or related to internal malignancy. ■ This chapter will discuss pruritus,…
Basal Cell Carcinoma Description ■ Basal cell carcinoma is a skin cancer derived from the basal layer of keratinocytes of the epidermis. ■ It is the most common cutaneous malignancy and most common cancer in humans. ■ If left untreated,…
Seborrheic Keratosis Description ■ A seborrheic keratosis is a common, benign, persistent epidermal lesion with variable clinical appearance. ■ It is one of the most common benign growths seen on the skin. ■ These keratoses have multiple clinical variations and…
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…
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…
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.…