Hands and Fingers OVERVIEW The hands and fingers are the workhorses of the body, constantly in contact with, and exposed regularly to the external environment in all seasons. Sun exposure,…

Legs OVERVIEW There are few cutaneous conditions limited to, or particularly characteristic of the thighs; however, eczema and psoriasis commonly appear in this location. The intertriginous inner surfaces of the…

Genitals OVERVIEW A large number of conditions involve the skin and mucous membranes of the pubic and genital regions: sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, venereal warts, herpes virus infections,…

Cheeks OVERVIEW The cheeks constitute the largest area of the face and may be affected by various conditions that are often signs of underlying infections or systemic diseases (e.g., the…

Nails OVERVIEW Mammals use their nails as weapons, as primitive tools, for grooming purposes, for scratching, and for the removal of infestations. Humans use their fingernails to help pick up…

Arms OVERVIEW The upper arms and forearms have two contrasting aspects—the sun-exposed extensor surface and the sun-protected flexor surface. Different conditions affect each side. Predictably, the sun-exposed extensor arm is…

Feet OVERVIEW The dermatologic conditions of the feet are similar to those of the hands. Inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and eczema often mirror palmar disorders. Similarly, bacterial, viral (e.g.,…

Cutaneous Manifestations of Systemic Disease OVERVIEW Characteristic skin features can be clues to more serious underlying systemic illnesses. The cutaneous surface, nails, hair, and the mucosal surfaces, including the oral…

Diaper Area, Buttocks, and Gluteal Cleft OVERVIEW The unique environment of the diaper area is predisposed to the friction of repeated movement, chafing, local heat, and maceration from retained moisture,…

Fever and Rash OVERVIEW A fever is one sign of the body’s defense response. A fever occurs when a pyrogen, a toxin, or cytokine produced by an infectious agent, human…