Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology

The Integumentary System 127

Common Disease, Disorder, or Condition

Ringworm continued

most people. Moles reach maximum size and elevation at puberty. They vary in size and

may have hair associated with them. If they enlarge and darken later in life, moles may be a

first indication of skin cancer. Moles should be regularly monitored for changes, beginning in

midlife at around age 30. Moles that are consistently irritated or become infected on a

normal basis should be removed surgically and sent to a pathology lab for examination.

Alopecia^
Alopecia (al-o-PE-she-ah) is commonly known as baldness and can be caused by a number
of factors in both men and women. Male pattern baldness (common baldness) is influ-enced
by genetic factors and aging. Some individuals may begin losing scalp hair as early as in
their 20s, while others may have a full head of hair well into their senior years. Baldness is
also influenced by male sex hormones. The cosmetic industry has marketed a number of
drugs, such as minoxidil, to regrow and counter the effects of pattern bald-ness. Alopecia
may also be caused by malnutrition, -diabetes, certain endocrine disorders, chemotherapy
for cancer, and drug interactions. Other forms of alopecia include alo-pecia universalis,
which is a total loss of all body hair; alopecia areata, which results in bald spots on the face
and scalp caused by an autoimmune disorder; and alopecia capitis totalis, an uncommon
disorder, which results in the complete loss of all scalp hair.

Chickenpox^
Chickenpox is caused by the virus Varicella zoster (Figure 6-9). It develops in young
-children producing many highly itchy, vesicular eruptions all over the skin. The fluid of the
-eruptions and their scabs are highly contagious, except when completely dry. -Transmission
occurs through contact with the skin lesions but can also occur through droplets sneezed or
coughed up from infected individuals. A vaccine is available for -children 12 months or older
to prevent the disease.

Poison Ivy, Oak, And Sumac Dermatitis^
Poison ivy dermatitis is caused by contact with a chemical toxicodendrol, present in the
leaves of the poison ivy, climbing vine, plant Rhus, which is characterized by three pointed
shiny leaves. It is characterized by itching and burning vesicular eruptions. It can be treated
with topical applications of corticosteroid creams or lotions. Poison oak and poison sumac
are caused by contact with species of the shrub plant also of the genus Rhus (Figure 6-10).

M.D.,

Department

University

Silverman,^

Professor,

Georgetown

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Associate^
Pediatrics,-
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Figure 6- 8 Impetigo pustules on the
arm and trunk caused by
Staphylococcus.
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Uni ver si t y-^
Dermatology
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Pr of essor ,^
MD,^
University
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Sil verman,^
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Georgetown^
Dept.^
A.^
M. D. ,^
Francisco,^
Robert^
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Berger,^
San^
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California,
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Figure 6- 9 Chickenpox pustules Figure 6- 10 Contact dermatitis (^)
on the trunk of a young child. caused by poison oak. (^)