Comprised of keratinized cells, it provides insulation, protection, and sensory input. Hair follicles are rooted in the dermis and are associated with sebaceous glands that secrete sebum, an oil that moisturizes the skin.

A genetic condition characterized by the absence of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes, leading to increased sensitivity to sunlight and vision issues.

The production and excretion of sweat, which can be excessive (hyperhidrosis) or reduced (anhidrosis), depending on the condition.

• A yellowish, fatty deposit under the skin, often associated with high cholesterol or lipid disorder

AT = Alopecia Totalis

• 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.

BCC = Basal Cell Carcinoma

• 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.

CD = Contact Dermatitis

• 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.

I&D = Incision and Drainage; Irrigation and Debridement

• 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.

MM = Malignant Melanoma

• 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.

MRSA = Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

• 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.

NF = Necrotizing Fasciitis

• 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.

PDT = Photodynamic Therapy

• 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.

Ps = Psoriasis

• 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.

SCD = Scleroderma

• 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.

SCC = Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• 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.

SLE = Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

• 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.

TEN = Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

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

Kaposi's Sarcoma

• 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.

Langer's Lines

• 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.

Visual Inspection and Dermatoscopy (dermat/o = skin, -scopy = visual examination)

Biopsy (bi/o = life, -opsy = view of)

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.

Wood’s Lamp Examination (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.

Microbial Cultures (micro- = small, bi/o = life, -al = pertaining to)

Microbial cultures help isolate and identify bacteria, viruses, or fungi causing skin infections. A sample taken from the skin, nails, or wounds is grown in a lab to detect pathogens. This test is particularly valuable for diagnosing conditions such as impetigo, cellulitis, or fungal infections like athlete’s foot or onychomycosis.

Skin Scrapings and Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) Test

Skin scrapings are examined under a microscope after being treated with potassium hydroxide (KOH). This test helps identify fungal elements and is often used to diagnose tinea (ringworm) infections or candidiasis.