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Common skin conditions
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Brown skin colour is most often due to melanin, a protein produced in the epidermis by melanocytes. Various dermopathies have characteristic patterns of pigmentation.
For each of the twelve cases, study the image(s) and then answer the questions. You can click on the image to view a larger version if required.
Each case should take approximately 2 minutes to complete. There is a list of suggested further reading material at the end of the quiz.
Name this/these brown-coloured skin patch/es.
Erythema ab igne
Describe the condition
Erythema ab igne is reticulated erythema due to prolonged localised exposure to heat at 43-47°C, for example, from a hot water bottle, heating pad or laptop computer. Cutaneous squamous cells become denatured. Affected areas develop persistent pigmentation. Repeated exposure may eventually result in thermal keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma.