Derm 1 - Basic terminology

Question 1

Define macule:

Answer 1

Small flat area of altered colour

Question 2

Define patch:

Answer 2

Large flat area of altered colour/texture

Question 3

Define papule:

Answer 3

Solid raised lesion < 0.5 cm in diameter

Question 4

Define nodule:

Answer 4

Solid raised lesion >0.5 cm in diameter

Question 5

Define plaque:

Answer 5

Palpable scaling raised lesion >0.5 cm in diameter

Question 6

Define vesicle:

Answer 6

Raised, clear fluid-filled <0.5 cm in diameter

Question 7

Define bulla:

Answer 7

Raised, clear fluid-filled lesion >0.5 cm in diameter

Question 8

Define pustule:

Answer 8

Pus-containing lesion <0.5 cm in diameter

Question 9

Define abscess:

Answer 9

Localised accumulation of pus in dermis or subcutaneous tissues

Question 10

Define wheal:

Answer 10

Transient raised lesion due to dermal oedema

Question 11

Define excoriation:

Answer 11

Loss of epidermis following trauma

Question 12

Define lichenification:

Answer 12

Well-defined roughening of skin with accentuation of skin markings

Question 13

In which condition is excoriation and lichenification commonly seen?

Answer 13

Eczema

Question 14

Define ulcer:

Answer 14

Loss of epidermis and dermis

Question 15

Which conditions are associated with clubbing?

Answer 15

• Cyanotic heart disease
• Cirrhosis
• Coeliac disease
• IBD
• Lung cancer
• Bronchiectasis
• Lung abscess
• Empyema
• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Asbestosis
• Mesothelioma

Question 16

Which condition is associated with koilonychia?

Answer 16

Iron-deficiency anaemia

Question 17

Which conditions are associated with oncholysis?

Answer 17

• Trauma
• Psoriasis
• Fungal nail infection
• Hyperthyroidism

Question 18

Which conditions are associated with nail pitting?

Answer 18

• Psoriasis
• Alopecia areata
• Eczema

Question 19

What are the 6 main functions of skin?

Answer 19

1) Protective barrier
2) Temperature regulation
3) Sensation
4) Vit D synthesis
5) Immunosurveillance
6) Appearance

Question 20

What are the 4 main cell types in the epidermis?

Answer 20

1) Keratinocytes
2) Langerhans’ cells
3) Melanocytes
4) Merkel cells

Question 21

Which cells in the epidermis contain specialised nerve endings for sensation?

Answer 21

Merkel cells

Question 22

What is the function of Langerhans’ cells in the epidermis?

Answer 22

Present antigens and activate T-lymphocytes for immune protection

Question 23

What are the 4 layers in the epidermis?

Answer 23

1) Stratum corneum
2) Stratum granulosum
3) Stratum spinosum
4) Stratum basale

Question 24

In which layer of the epidermis do keratinocytes lose their nuclei?

Answer 24

Stratum granulosum

Question 25

What amount of emollients should someone with psoriasis be using per month?

Answer 25

500g tub/month

Question 26

What is the function of emollients?

Answer 26

Rehydrate skin and re-establish lipid layer

Question 27

Give me a mild, moderate, potent and very potent topical corticosteroid:

Answer 27

Mild - hydrocortisone
Moderate - Clobetasone
Potent - Betamethasone
V potent - Clobetasol

Question 28

What % hydrocortisone should be used on the face if necessary?

Answer 28

1% hydrocortisone

Question 29

How would you advise the application of topical corticosteroids?

Answer 29

Finger-tip dose should be enough to cover 2 hands.

Apply thinly, for shortest length of time

Question 30

What are some local side effects of topical corticosteroids?

Answer 30

• Skin atrophy/thinning
• Striae
• Telangiectasia
• Acne
• Allergic contact dermatitis