Category: Diagnostic Reference Sheets
General Information Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that usually begins in the lungs but with time can affect any organ in the body. Cutaneous involvement occurs with about 25% of patients, usually accompanying systemic involvement but may be the only site of involvement. When the skin is involved, it is either classified as specific or […]
General Information Rosacea is a common skin disorder causing facial flushing, papules and pimples and visible blood vessels. Rosacea mostly affects fair-skinned adults between the ages of 30 – 60 and is more common in females, although males may show signs that are more apparent. Surveys show that women are more likely to get redness […]
General Information Pyogenic Granuloma is a common skin growth characterized by small, red, papules, that can bleed easily often following trauma. The lesion grows rapidly in a period of a few weeks to an average size of around a 1 cm. Pyogenic granulomas are benign growths often occurring on the hands, arms or face. They […]
General Information Pyoderma Gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon cause of ulcerations in the skin which may affect other organs. PG is classified into two types Classic or Atypical. Classic pyoderma gangrenosum consists of deep ulcerations with a purple border. The lesions often occur on the legs, but may occur anywhere on the body. Atypical pyoderma […]
General Information Psoriasis Vulgaris is the most common form of psoriasis affecting 80% – 90% of individuals with the disease. Red irregular to oval plaques located on the scalp, trunk and the limbs typically characterizes psoriasis vulgaris. These plaques are covered with silver scales. The cause is related to a type of white blood cell […]
General Information Prurigo Nodularis (PN) is a skin condition that causes sores after repetitive trauma to the skin. Intense pruritus is the main symptom with PN, the individual cannot control the urge to rub or scratch the area, which then results in discrete, nodular, hyperpigmented/purpuric lesions with surfaces that are scaly, excoriated, and possibly crusted. […]
General Information Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common type of porphyria, a group of diseases in which the production of heme is disrupted. PCT is due to a defective enzyme (uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase) in the liver. There are two forms of the disease, the more common acquired form that is triggered by nongenetic factors […]
General Information Porokeratosis is a skin disease characterized by a thickening of the stratum corneum together with progressive centrifugal atrophy. Classic porokeratosis of Mibelli is one type of porokeratosis usually appearing in childhood, but lesions may be present at birth, puberty or later. Occasionally there is a family history of porokeratosis, suggesting a genetic predisposition. […]
General Information Polymorphous Light Eruption is a skin condition that occurs as a result of photosenitivity (sensitive to UV radiation). UV radiation can be found in sunlight, tanning lamps and tanning beds. Individuals that are sensitive to the light can experience a rash that appears mainly on the face, neck, sternal region, arms and dorsa […]
General Information Pityriasis Rosea is a common cutaneous disease. Pityriasis rosea is characterized by an initial plaque (Herald Patch) located on the body, followed by a systemized eruption within one to two weeks. The primary patch (often misdiagnosed for eczema) is characterized as a single scaly red spot, usually located on the trunk of the […]