• A rare autoimmune condition characterized by the complete loss of hair on the scalp. The immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Alopecia totalis is more severe than alopecia areata, which involves patchy hair loss.

• The most common type of skin cancer that arises from basal cells in the epidermis. BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body. It often appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat lesion, or a sore that does not heal, typically on sun-exposed areas of the skin.

• An inflammatory skin condition caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen. Symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, and sometimes blisters. There are two types:

• Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Caused by substances like soaps or chemicals.

• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Caused by allergens like poison ivy or nickel.

• Incision and Drainage: A minor surgical procedure used to treat abscesses or infected cysts. It involves making an incision to allow pus or fluid to drain.

• Irrigation and Debridement: A procedure to clean a wound or infected area by washing (irrigation) and removing damaged tissue or debris (debridement) to promote healing.

• A serious type of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment (melanin). It can appear as a new mole or change in an existing mole. MM is aggressive and can metastasize quickly if not treated early. The "ABCDE" rule helps in recognizing melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6mm, and Evolving size, shape, or color.

• A drug-resistant bacterial infection commonly associated with healthcare settings but also found in the community. It often causes skin and soft tissue infections, which may appear as red, swollen, painful bumps or abscesses. Severe cases can lead to bloodstream infections, pneumonia, or surgical site infections. Prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics and infection control measures is crucial to prevent complications.

• A rare but severe bacterial infection, often referred to as "flesh-eating disease." It destroys skin, fat, and muscle tissues. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, fever, and skin discoloration. Rapid treatment with antibiotics and surgical removal of infected tissue is critical to prevent life-threatening complications.

• A treatment that uses light-sensitive medication (photosensitizer) and a specific type of light to destroy abnormal or cancerous cells. PDT is commonly used for skin conditions like actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and acne. It minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

• A chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes rapid buildup of skin cells, resulting in scaly patches, redness, and inflammation. Psoriasis often occurs on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. It has several types, including plaque psoriasis (most common), guttate psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis.

• A chronic autoimmune disease characterized by hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. SCD can be localized (affecting only the skin) or systemic (affecting internal organs like the lungs, heart, and kidneys). Symptoms may include skin thickening, Raynaud's phenomenon, and joint pain.

• A common type of skin cancer that originates in the squamous cells of the epidermis. SCC often develops on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, ears, and hands. It may appear as a scaly red patch, open sore, or thickened growth. Unlike BCC, SCC is more likely to spread if untreated.

• A chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. In the integumentary system, SLE often causes a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, sensitivity to sunlight, and hair loss. Other symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and inflammation throughout the body.

• A life-threatening skin condition involving widespread peeling and epidermal detachment, often triggered by severe drug reactions.

• Named After: Moritz Kaposi, a Hungarian dermatologist.

A rare form of cancer affecting blood vessels, presenting as purple, red, or brown lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. Commonly associated with HIV/AIDS. Identifying Kaposi’s sarcoma can help in diagnosing underlying immune deficiencies.

• Named After: Karl Langer, an Austrian anatomist.

Natural tension lines in the skin that indicate the direction of underlying collagen fibers. These lines are crucial for surgeons to minimize scarring and optimize healing when making incisions.

A biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue for microscopic examination to identify diseases or abnormalities. Several types of biopsies are commonly performed on the integumentary system:

• Punch biopsy removes a cylindrical core of tissue, useful for diagnosing deeper skin conditions.

• Shave biopsy removes a superficial lesion, often used for raised or surface-level growths.

• Excisional biopsy removes an entire lesion, frequently used when skin cancer is suspected.

(Eponym: Named after Robert Williams Wood)

A Wood’s lamp uses ultraviolet light to highlight abnormalities in the skin. It is particularly effective for diagnosing bacterial or fungal infections and pigmentary disorders. For example, conditions like ringworm or vitiligo can fluoresce under this specialized light, making them easier to identify. This diagnostic tool has become a standard in dermatological evaluations.

Advanced diagnostic methods are sometimes required for complex conditions. Cryotherapy (cry/o = cold, -therapy = treatment)

Cryotherapy can be used as a diagnostic aid to test skin sensitivity to cold, especially in conditions like Raynaud’s phenomenon. Additionally, imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be employed for deeper skin lesions or suspected cancer metastases.

• Tomography (tom/o = to cut, -graphy = process of recording) refers to creating detailed cross-sectional images of the body. CT scans use X-rays to produce these images, while MRI relies on magnetic fields and radio waves. Both are invaluable in visualizing soft tissue and detecting abnormalities beneath the skin.