Figure 3-12. Scar.
(7) Keloid. A keloid appears in an area of injury or just arises
spontaneously; it is a smooth overgrowth of fibroblastic tissue (tissues composed of
spindle-shaped cells). A typical keloid is first noticeable as a small, fairly firm nodule
and slowly becomes a marked, several-lobe mass of a dark brown color. The keloid
has spontaneous burning, itching, and tingling. Keloids are more frequent in blacks.
(8) Atrophy. Skin atrophy (figure 3-13) is a thinning and wrinkling of the
epidermis often seen in the aged. Another type of skin atrophy is the stretch marks
seen in the skin of women who have been pregnant or in the skin of people who have
had a large weight loss. Glistening white bands in the skin are typical of these stretch
marks, the bands having been caused by overstretching and weakening of the elastic
tissue of the skin.
Figure 3-13. Atrophy.
e. Special Skin Lesions.
(1) Comedo (blackhead). A comedo or blackhead develops when
sebaceous glands become enlarged because of accumulated serum. Blackheads more
commonly happen during adolescence and are usually found over the face, chest, and
MD0575
3-10