5. Skin and visible mucosa - physical examining, pathological changes
Covers physical examination of the skin and visible mucosa, mainly by inspection with palpation for lesions. It goes through skin colour changes such as pallor, cyanosis, jaundice and pigmentation, then moisture, rashes, and petechiae, purpura and ecchymosis by size. Oedema grades and pitting types, spider angiomas, nodules, scars, keloids and hair changes are also described, with several summary tables.
Topic 4 of 30 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Internal Medicine (Practical) (Medicine, Year 3). The free AceMed note covers it in 1 section, about 122 words (3 min of reading), with 15 flashcards.
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Skin and visible mucosa - physical examining, pathological changes
Skin and visible mucosa - physical examining, pathological changes
The skin is the largest organ and a key indicator of general health.
Examination mainly by inspection, but palpation is also used for skin lesions. Skin Colour
Examples of hypopigmentation:
Vitiligo: White patches; associated with autoimmune diseases like Addison’s or hyperthyroidism.
Albinism: Genetic disorder; ↓ or absent melanin → pale skin, hair, eyes.
Skin Moisture
Rashes
Desquamation
Definition: Peeling or shedding of skin cells.
Pathological: Can be significant and visible in diseases like scarlet fever.
Subcutaneous Haemorrhages
Spider Angioma (Telangiectasia)
Red central dot with radiating vessels = looks like a spider web.
Associated with liver disease or hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy).
Oedema
Types:
Pitting oedema: Indentation remains after pressing.
Non-pitting oedema: No indentation; due to lymphedema or myxedema.
Nodules, Scars, and Hair
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