Overview Hair grows in small clusters of 3-4 hairs per follicle unit. Hair grows through 3 phases. The follicle can move through this process and back again based on hormonal signalling. Normally, an individual loses about 50 – 100 hairs…

Pityriasis versicolor Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial fungal infection caused by Malassezia. It is often asymptomatic, except for the hypopigmented/hyperpigmented patches on the skin. Versicolor means “various colors”. Malassezia produces acetic acid which affects melanocyte function. Diagnosis is clinical, but…

Dermatophytosis (Tinea) Dermatophyte infections are given different names depending on the location of the infection. Diagnosis is clinical. Deep infections (involving the hair and nails) are treated with oral antifungals. Dermatophytosis Area infected Term Foot Tinea pedis (Athletes foot) Body…

Overview Fungal infections of the skin are often divided into 3: Infection Causative organism Dermatophytosis (Tinea) Dermatophytes – Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Microsporum Candidiasis Candida spp. Pityriasis versicolor Malassezia furfur, Malassezia globosa

Erythema Multiforme This is a common reaction pattern of blood vessels in the dermis with secondary epidermal changes. It is an acute, self-limited Type IV hypersensitivity reaction. It manifests clinically as characteristic erythematous iris-shaped papular and vesiculo-bullous lesions (Bullseye). The…

Overview Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a non-melanoma (keratinocyte), epithelial skin cancer arising from the basal cells (small, round cells in lower layer of dermis). Is the most common malignant skin tumor in humans. More common in males (M:F ~2:1)…

Overview Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a non-melanoma (keratinocyte), epithelial skin cancer derived from the malignant transformation of normal epidermal keratinocytes (produce keratin – horny protein that makes up skin, hair, nails). It typically appears on sun-exposed skin, and…

Pemphigus Vulgaris Pemphigus Vulgaris is a blistering skin disorder that is common in middle age (40-60 years). It has a high prevalence in the Jewish population. It is a lifelong condition. It often has mucosal involvement (>90%) and can be…

Gestational Pemphigoid (Pemphigoid gestationis) This refers to a bullous pemphigoid-like dermatosis that occurs in pregnancy, usually during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Aetiology is unknown, but most likely immunological. BP180 protein, which is identified in bullous pemphigoid, is also found…

Overview Bullies pemphigoid is a chronic, inflammatory, sub-epidermal, autoimmune blistering disease. It is the most common form of autoimmune sub-epidermal blistering disease. More prevalent among the elderly, occurring equally in males and females. Pathophysiology Bullous pemphigoid results from the attack…