Cellulitis
Cellulitis is defined as a bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. It is often caused by a break in the skin, which allows bacteria to enter. It commonly affects the legs and face, though it can infect any…
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a common infection that is defined as inflammation of the hair follicles. It can be due to infections (bacterial or fungal), inflammation, or blockage of the pores. Most cases are superficial. Deeper cases of folliculitis are harder to…
Impetigo
Impetigo is a highly infectious superficial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. A skin defect usually precedes infection, and this can be in the form of a scratch or abrasion, or a skin condition such as eczema.…
Erythema Nodosum
Erythema nodosum is an inflammation of subcutaneous fat that presents as tender, erythematous, nodular lesions. It commonly occurs over the shins, but may occur elswhere e.g., forearms and thighs. It is self-limiting, usually resolving within 6 weeks. The lesions heal…
Eczema Herpeticum
Eczema herpeticum is a serious, widespread herpes simplex virus (HSV 1 or HSV 2) infection. It affects patients with atopic dermatitis or other skin conditions. In children, it typically presents as an eruption of punched-out ulcers commonly affecting sites of…
Rosacea (Acne Rosacea)
Rosacea is a common facial rash. It is characterised by sterile inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules that may sometimes be mistaken for acne vulgaris, but do not cause comedones. It is associated with the mite Demodex folliculorum, which is a…
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that is characterised by depigmentation of the skin due to loss of melanocytes. It affects 1% of the population. The peak incidence is 20 – 30 years. It affects men and women almost equally.
Malignant Melanoma
Melanoma is the proliferation of atypical melanocytes. It is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Melanoma has a high potential to invade the dermis and metastasise. 70% of melanoma arises from normal skin, while 30% arise from pre-existing naevi.…
Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is a chronic, inflammatory, pruritic skin condition. It is characterised by an itchy papular rash commonly on the palms, soles, genitalia, or flexor surface of the arms. It is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disorder. The diagnosis is clinical. It…
Adverse Drug Reactions
Definition of terms Term Definition Adverse drug reaction (ADR) A noxious and unintended response to medicine that occurs at normal therapeutic doses used in humans for prevention, diagnosis, or therapy of disease, or for the modification of physiologic function Side…