Pruritus in Patients with No Underlying Skin Disease
INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER Print Section Listen Pruritus (itch) is the unpleasant sensation of the skin that results in a desire to scratch. It is a major symptom of many cutaneous…
Skin Diseases of the Scalp
INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER Print Section Listen The scalp is characterized by a high density of sweat glands and pilosebaceous units consisting of hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and arrector pili muscles….
Immunobullous Diseases
INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER Print Section Listen The immunobullous diseases are uncommon chronic skin disorders caused by autoantibodies directed against various cutaneous proteins. These disorders primarily occur in older adults and…
Hospital-Acquired Rashes
INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER Print Section Listen Hospitalized patients frequently have cutaneous problems that the attending physician will need to assess. These problems can range from those unrelated to the hospitalization…
Erythema Multiforme, Stevens–Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome
INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER Print Section Listen Diagnosing and differentiating this group of mucocutaneous blistering diseases can be difficult. Despite the challenges, doing so is very important. The earlier the astute…
The Differential Diagnosis of Purpura
INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER Print Section Listen Purpura is extravasation of red blood cells into the skin or mucous membrane. For this reason, purpuric lesions do not blanch on diascopy (pressing…
Nail Disorders
INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER Print Section Listen Nails have several important functions. The nail plate acts as a protective shield for the fingertips; it assists in grasping and manipulating small objects….
Pigment Disorders
INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER Print Section Listen Although disorders of pigmentation are not life-threatening, their impact can be profound. Lack of pigment or excessive pigment is quickly noticed by others and…
Nevi and Melanoma
INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER Print Section Listen Melanocytic nevi (moles) are common benign skin tumors. In most people, these are primarily of cosmetic significance. However, nevi can occasionally become irritated or…
Actinic Keratosis, Basal, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER Print Section Listen Actinic keratoses (AKs) are one of the most common skin findings in dermatology. AKs are benign neoplasms of the epidermis and are considered precursor…
