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Turner’s Syndrome 

Hyperkeratosis Back of Arm. GFW Photo.
Hyperkeratosis Back of Arm. GFW Photo

What Is Follicular Hyperkeratosis?

F ollicular hyperkeratosis is an abnormal skin condition characterized by disordered overgrowth of the horny layer of the epidermis with horny plugs filling the openings of hair follicles. The plugs look like bumps in hair follicles.

Follicular hyperkeratosis with corkscrew hairs (coiled hairs in the follicles) appears in scurvy, which is advanced vitamin C deficiency.1

Typical  hyperkeratotic papules first appear on the extensor surfaces of the extremities (e.g. the back of upper arms), shoulders, and buttocks.

Phrynoderma is a distinctive form of follicular hyperkeratosis with papule formation in dilated hair follicles believed to be a manifestation of severe malnutrition.

Q: Why does hyperkeratosis develop?

A: Follicular hyperkeratosis develops from lack of necessary nutrients to support healthy skin. Although originally thought to represent only vitamin A deficiency or vitamin C in the case of scurvy, several studies have demonstrated deficiencies of B vitamins and vitamin E. General malnutrition seems to be the strongest association. The clinical picture typically improves with enhanced nutritional status.2

What Is Follicular Hyperkeratosis In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

Sources:
  1. Krause’s Food, Nutrition, & Diet Therapy. 10th Edition. Kathleen Mahan, Sylvia Escott-Stump. 2000. W.B. Saunders Company. [↩]
  2. Maronn M, Allen DM, Esterly NB. Phrynoderma: a manifestation of vitamin A deficiency?… The rest of the story. Pediatr Dermatol. 2005 Jan-Feb;22(1):60-3. [↩]

Down Syndrome

Crohnie_sores_4[1]What Is Erythema Nodosum?

E rythema nodosum is an inflammatory disorder involving the deep dermis layer of skin and subcutaneous fat septa that underlies the skin. It is characterized by eruptions of recurrent or persistent multiple painful, red nodules under the skin that leave a bruised appearance when healing and do not scar.

The lower legs are most affected, but sores can appear anywhere there is subcutaneous fat.

Q: How do the nodules develop in erythema nodosum?

A: The edges of nodules are poorly defined, and the nodules vary from 2-6 cm.

During the first week of eruption, nodules become tense, hard, and painful. During the second week, they change color from bright red to bluish or livid and may become soft, but do not ulcerate. As absorption progresses, the color gradually fades to a yellowish hue, resembling a bruise. This disappears in 1 or 2 weeks as the overlying skin sloughs off and is replaced.1

The eruptive phase of erythema nodosum begins with flulike symptoms of fever and generalized aching followed by a painful rash within 1-2 days.  Aching legs and swelling ankles may occur and precede the eruption or appear during the eruptive phase and may persist for weeks.2

Currently, the most common cause of erythema nodosum is streptococcal infection in children and streptococcal infection and sarcoidosis in adults.3 Most sores in infection-induced erythema nodosum heal within 7 weeks, but active disease may last up to 18 weeks.

In contrast, 30% of idiopathic erythema nodosum cases may last more than 6 months. Idiopathic means that the cause is not known.

What Is Erythema Nodosum In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

Sources:
  1. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1081633-clinical#a0217 [↩]
  2. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1081633-clinical [↩]
  3. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1081633-overview#a0199 [↩]

Cystic Fibrosis 

stages of melanoma
The dark brown coloring represents the progression of melanoma as it begins to grow in skin.

What Is Melanoma?

M elanoma is a cutaneous malignancy with rapid invasion and metastasis to other parts of the body.

Melanoma is characterized by growth from melanocytes appearing as a new mole or enlarging from an exisiting mole, changing shape, size or color.

Melanocytes are cells found in the lower epidermis layer that produce melanin, or pigment, that colors the skin.

What Is Melanoma In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?