Cutaneous vasculitis encompasses a spectrum of disorders characterized by vessel wall inflammation resulting in purpura, nodules, ulcers, and livedoid changes. Small-vessel neutrophilic vasculitis—classically leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV), also termed cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis (CSVV)—presents with palpable purpura on dependent areas. Etiologies include…
Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy characterized by pathognomonic cutaneous findings and variable muscle, lung, and systemic involvement. Cutaneous dermatomyositis (CDM) may occur with minimal or absent myositis (clinically amyopathic DM). Hallmark rashes include heliotrope erythema, Gottron papules/sign, photosensitive…
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) encompasses a spectrum of lupus-specific skin diseases that may occur with or without systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Major subtypes include acute CLE (ACLE), subacute CLE (SCLE), and chronic CLE (CCLE; e.g., discoid lupus erythematosus, DLE). Pathogenesis…
Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute, immune-mediated eruption characterized by target lesions, commonly triggered by herpes simplex virus (HSV). Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe, life-threatening mucocutaneous reactions—usually drug-induced—marked by epidermal necrosis and detachment. EM is…
Urticaria (hives) consists of transient, pruritic wheals with or without angioedema due to mast cell activation and histamine release. It is classified by duration into acute (<6 weeks) and chronic (≥6 weeks), and by triggers into spontaneous and inducible (physical)…
Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a self-limited papulosquamous eruption characterized by a herald patch followed by a secondary exanthem of oval, erythematous plaques with collarette scale along cleavage lines, producing a “Christmas-tree” pattern on the trunk. Human herpesviruses 6 and 7…
Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic, inflammatory, papulosquamous disorder affecting skin, mucous membranes, hair, and nails. It presents most commonly with pruritic, flat-topped, violaceous papules and plaques with Wickham striae. Mucosal involvement, particularly oral LP, can be chronic and erosive.…
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease characterized by well-demarcated, erythematous plaques with silvery scale, driven primarily by the IL-23/Th17 axis. It affects skin, nails, scalp, intertriginous areas, and may involve joints (psoriatic arthritis). Management depends on severity, distribution, comorbidities, and…
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory dermatosis affecting sebaceous-rich areas (scalp, face, chest), characterized by erythematous plaques with greasy scale and pruritus of variable intensity. Multifactorial pathogenesis implicates host susceptibility, Malassezia yeast overgrowth, altered skin barrier and immune…
Contact dermatitis (CD) is an eczematous reaction of the skin triggered by exogenous agents via two principal mechanisms: irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) due to direct cytotoxicity, and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) mediated by type IV delayed hypersensitivity. CD is common,…
