Skin Disorders Quiz: Dermatology Terms and Lesions

An abscess is a localized accumulation of pus caused by bacterial infection and immune response. Neutrophils gather at the infection site, forming purulent material. Unlike ulcers or general lesions, abscesses specifically contain pus within a confined cavity. Boils are a type of abscess involving hair follicles, but abscess is the broader medical term describing any pus-filled localized collection in tissue.

Acne develops when sebaceous glands become obstructed by excess sebum and keratin, leading to bacterial growth and inflammation. This produces papules and pustules. Psoriasis and eczema are inflammatory but not primarily gland-based disorders. Rosacea causes redness but differs in pathology. Therefore, acne specifically describes inflammation of sebaceous glands and follicles.

Acne rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting adults. It presents with facial flushing, telangiectasia, and small inflammatory papules concentrated on the nose and cheeks. Unlike comedonal acne, rosacea lacks blackheads. The persistent redness differentiates it from typical acne forms. Thus, acne rosacea matches the described chronic facial presentation.

Acne vulgaris is the most common adolescent acne type driven by hormonal stimulation of sebaceous glands. It includes comedones, papules, and pustules. Hormonal increases in androgens raise sebum production during puberty. Other listed conditions are unrelated inflammatory skin disorders. Therefore, acne vulgaris correctly defines teenage acne presentation.

Albinism is an inherited disorder characterized by defective melanin synthesis due to tyrosinase enzyme abnormalities. Reduced pigment causes pale skin, white hair, and light-sensitive eyes appearing red from visible blood vessels. Vitiligo involves patchy pigment loss, not total absence. Therefore, albinism is the systemic melanin deficiency disorder described.

Basal cell carcinoma originates in the basal epidermal layer and grows slowly. It rarely metastasizes because it typically remains localized. Although it can invade nearby tissue, distant spread is uncommon. Melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma have higher metastatic risk. Therefore, basal cell carcinoma matches the description of low metastatic potential.

Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection affecting deeper dermis and connective tissue layers. It causes swelling, redness, warmth, and systemic symptoms. Unlike superficial conditions such as eczema, cellulitis spreads diffusely without clear borders. Bacterial pathogens like Streptococcus commonly cause it. Thus, cellulitis correctly describes diffuse connective tissue infection.

A decubitus ulcer develops from prolonged pressure over bony prominences, restricting blood flow and causing tissue breakdown. Immobility increases risk. Though commonly called bed sores or pressure sores, the precise medical term is decubitus ulcer. The pathophysiology involves ischemia leading to tissue necrosis from sustained compression.

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, presents with redness, itching, vesicles, and crusting due to inflammatory immune responses. It often results from allergens or irritants. Psoriasis produces thick plaques, and ringworm is fungal. Therefore, eczema matches the superficial inflammatory dermatitis described.

Gangrene refers to extensive tissue necrosis resulting from prolonged loss of blood supply, often compounded by infection. Ischemia is reduced blood flow but not necessarily tissue death. Necrosis describes cell death broadly. Infarction involves localized ischemic death. Therefore, gangrene best describes visible tissue death from prolonged vascular compromise.

Ichthyosis is a genetic disorder causing abnormal keratin accumulation, producing dry, thickened, scale-like skin. It results from defective skin shedding processes. Eczema and psoriasis involve inflammation but not primarily inherited keratinization disorders. Therefore, ichthyosis specifically describes keratinized scaling skin condition.

Impetigo is a superficial bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus species. It produces pustules that rupture and form characteristic honey-colored crusts. It spreads easily through contact, especially in children. Unlike cellulitis, it remains superficial. Thus, impetigo fits the highly contagious crusting infection description.

Kaposi's sarcoma is a vascular tumor linked to human herpesvirus eight and commonly seen in immunocompromised AIDS patients. It appears as brown-purple skin lesions due to abnormal blood vessel proliferation. Other cancers listed do not show this immunodeficiency association. Therefore, Kaposi's sarcoma matches the clinical description.

Malignant melanoma arises from melanocytes and has high metastatic potential due to rapid invasion into lymphatic and blood vessels. Early detection is critical. Basal and squamous carcinomas are less aggressive. Therefore, malignant melanoma is the most dangerous melanocyte-derived skin cancer.

Pediculosis refers to infestation by lice species such as Pediculus humanus. It causes itching and scalp irritation. Scabies involves mites, not lice. Dermatitis and psoriasis are inflammatory disorders. Therefore, pediculosis is the specific medical term for lice infestation.