Symptoms and signs: Skin and subcutaneous tissue

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The skin, being the largest organ of the body, can manifest a wide range of symptoms and signs that can indicate not only local conditions but also may reflect issues within the body. Symptoms and signs related to the skin and subcutaneous tissue are crucial in the diagnosis of various dermatological conditions as well as systemic diseases. This article aims to provide an overview of common and significant symptoms and signs associated with skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Erythema

Erythema refers to redness of the skin caused by capillary congestion. It is a common response to infection, inflammation, or allergic reactions. Conditions such as sunburn, eczema, and rosacea are characterized by erythema.

Pruritus

Pruritus, or itching, is an uncomfortable, irritating sensation that leads to the desire to scratch. It can be a symptom of many skin conditions, including dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis, as well as systemic diseases like chronic renal failure and liver disease.

Rash

A rash is a broad term that refers to a temporary eruption of the skin. Rashes can have various appearances (e.g., red, scaly, vesicular) and can be a symptom of numerous skin conditions, including dermatitis, herpes zoster, and allergic reactions.

Urticaria

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is characterized by the sudden appearance of raised, red, itchy welts on the skin. It can be triggered by various factors, including allergic reactions, infections, and stress.

Purpura

Purpura involves the appearance of red or purple discolorations on the skin that do not blanch on applying pressure. It can indicate a range of conditions, from vasculitis to blood disorders like thrombocytopenia.

Edema

Edema is the swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues. While it can occur in any part of the body, when it affects the skin and subcutaneous tissue, it is often a sign of systemic conditions such as heart failure, renal failure, or lymphatic obstruction.

Ulceration

Ulceration refers to the development of open sores on the skin. It can result from various factors, including prolonged pressure (pressure ulcers), vascular insufficiency (venous ulcers), and diabetes (diabetic foot ulcers).

Changes in Pigmentation

Changes in skin pigmentation can manifest as hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin). Conditions such as melasma, vitiligo, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are characterized by pigmentary changes.

Skin Texture Changes

Changes in skin texture, including thickening (lichenification), thinning (atrophy), and scaling (desquamation), can indicate a variety of skin conditions. For example, psoriasis often leads to thickened, scaly skin, while aging and steroid use can cause skin thinning.

Neoplasms

Skin neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (e.g., seborrheic keratosis) or malignant (e.g., melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma). Early detection and treatment of skin cancers are crucial for a favorable outcome.

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