Lesson 4 - Skin Diseases

You DO NOT want to get these in your body!!!!!

Diseases of the Integumentary:
    Cancers:
        Malignant Melanoma: It is a cancer that develops in the melanocytes (from lesson 2). It is can be caused by tanning beds and ultraviolet light overexposure. It is the most dangerous of skin cancers. It easily metastasizes through dermal blood vessels. They are normally black or dark brown in color.
        Basal Cell Carcinoma: It is a cancer that develops in the stratum basale. It is the least dangerous of all cancers. It rarely metastasizes. It is generally raised off the skin in bumps. It is the most common skin cancer.
        Squamous Cell Carcinoma: It is a cancer that develops in the squamous cell. It mainly affects the epidermis. It causes scars and bumps with a central depression.

    Other Diseases:
        Psoriasis: It is a chronic skin disease that is characterized by silvery, white inflamed lesions. It is caused by overactive T-cells collecting in the skin. It can be treated with small doses of sunlight, salicylic acid, and prescription retinoids.
        Vitiligo: It is a disease that causes the depigmentation of the skin. It occurs when pigment cells die or malfunction.
        Ringworm: It is a fungal infection caused by dermophytes that feed on keratin. These dermophytes thrive in warm and moist conditions. They can be treated with gold bond, different prescription creams, and drier feet.

ABCDE: A rule to determine a skin cancer. A-Asymmetry, B-Border, C-Color, D-Diameter, E-Evolution


There are still other diseases that you need to learn.