Introduction to Dermatology

By
Marwa El-Samongy
Lecturer of Dermatology and Venereology
Tanta University
 Functions of the Skin:
• Protective covering for the body and internal organs.

• A mirror for internal organs

• Excretory function through sweating

• It regulates the body temperature

• A sensory organ containing nerve endings for all sensations

• Vitamin D is formed in the skin from dietary sterols by sunlight.

• Its melanin content protects it against malignant changes.

• Immunological functions
Histology of the skin
The skin consists of two layers:
1- Superficial layer (Epidermis)

2- underlying layer of connective tissue (Dermis).

N.B
❖Another layer of connective tissue loose in texture lies
beneath the dermis (Hypodermis), and provides fixation of
the skin and allows a great deal of its movement.

❖The skin possesses appendages which are the sweat

glands, sebaceous glands, hairs and nails
 Epidermis

Keratinocytes Dendritic cells

1- Basal cell layer (stratum germinativum)

-Melanocytes

2- Squamous layer (stratum malpighii) -Langerhans cells

3- Granular cell layer (stratum granulosum)

4- Stratum lucidum

5- Stratum corneum
 Dermis:
-Fibrous tissue -Collagen

-Elastic fibers -Blood vessels

separated from the epidermis by the basement membrane, which needs

periodic acid schief stain (PAS) to be seen.

Its superficial layer forms upward projections called dermal papillae. The
epidermis in between these dermal papillae is called rete ridges .

The dermis contains sweat glands, sebaceous glands and hair follicles. It
contains also blood vessels and nerves. The latter pierce the basement
membrane to reach the epidermis while the blood vessels cannot do so. So,
the epidermis is a non-vascular stratified epithelium.
 Dermatologic Lesions

Primary Secondary

-Macule -Patch -Crust

-Wheal
-Papule -Nodule -Scab -Plaque
-Burrow
-Vesicle -Pustule -Erosion-Bullae -Ulcer
-Comedones
-Tumour -Fissure
-Scales
-Excoriation (scratch marks)
•Erosion: Localized loss of epidermis alone, it heals without scar.

•Ulcer: Is dissolution of continuity of the skin, i.e. localized loss of

substance of dermis as well as epidermis.

•Scar: Is a fibrous tissue replacement of the skin substance after

healing of defects or ulcers.

•Fissure: Is a crack i.e. linear discontinuity which is sharply defined

and has two opposing walls.

•Excoriation (Scratch mark): Is a superficial linear discontinuation

of the skin.