What is candidiasis? Skin candidiasis is an inflammatory response to epidermal infection with the yeast Candida albicans. It appears as a strikingly red area with “satellite” papules and, frequently, pustules. The primary risk factor is a moist environment; it is common in diaper-wearing infants, patient’s with excessive skin folds (e.g. obesity), those who occupationally have prolonged immersion [...]
What is Bullous Pemphigoid? Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disorder that results in the formation of bullae, most often in the groin, axillae, and intertriginous areas. It is primarily a disease of the elderly. Oral involvement occurs in approximately 33% of patients. Bullae form at the subepidermal junction. This results in tense bullae that do [...]
What is Bowen’s Disease? Bowen’s disease is carcinoma in situ (the transformed cells remain confined to the epidermis above the basement membrane) derived from epidermal keratinocytes. It can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. It appears as an erythematous scaling or crusted patch, which may slowly enlarge. Bowen’s disease may also occur on mucous membranes, such as the [...]
What is Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome? Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by a mutation in the gene FLCN, which codes for the protein folliculin. FLCN is though to act as a tumor suppressor. Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome is marked by the occurrence of multiple benign tumors derived from the hair follicle. Associated conditions include: Benign and malignant renal [...]
What is Behcet’s disease? Behcet’s disease is a multisystem disease marked by exacerbations and remissions. Symptoms include recurrent oral and genital ulcerations, a variety of ocular manifestations, and cutaneous lesions. The first symptom is frequently aphthous stomatitis, which may precede other disease manifestations by months or years. The oral ulcers are painful and appear as [...]