In the human body, there are several types of basic tissue.

Muscle tissue, nervous tissue, connective

tissue 0- each one serves a purpose within the body, through the transmission of messages, movement, and
the protection of organs. The epithelial tissues of the body are the tissues that line the surfaces of our skin,
our digestive organs, and our respiratory organs. These tissues are found anywhere in the body where a
barrier is put up, and things can selectively pass across that barrier. From the dead surface skin epithelial
cells to the absorbent epithelium of the interior of our lungs, epithelial tissue can take on many forms.

Types of Epithelial Tissue Diseases

There are many types of epithelial tissue diseases, spreading across all the forms of epithelial tissue. Here are a few key
diseases that are important to understand when discussing how disease affects epithelial tissue.

Eczema First, let's look at eczema. Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a disease that causes inflammation and irritation
of the skin. In fact, that's what dermatitis means: derma means 'skin,' and -itis means 'inflammation.' This irritation and
inflammation of the skin can take on many forms, including swelling, rashes, pustules, and itching. Common causes for
eczema include allergies, changes in hormone levels, stress, or genetic predisposition to the disease.

While there is no cure for eczema, there are ways to treat it. Ointments and medicated salves can help soothe the
symptoms, while prescription medications can help manage the dryness and irritation of the skin. Prevention is a best
bet for eczema, including moisturizing the skin and avoiding irritants.

Eczema affects the stratified squamous epithelium of the skin, and the underlying blood vessels.

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, itchy scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp.
Psoriasis is a common, long-term (chronic) disease with no cure. It tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or
months, then subsiding for a while or going into remission. Treatments are available to help you manage symptoms. And
you can incorporate lifestyle habits and coping strategies to help you live better with psoriasis.

Symptoms

Plaque psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis Open pop-up dialog box
Guttate psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis Open pop-up dialog box
Scalp psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis Open pop-up dialog box
Inverse psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis Open pop-up dialog box
Nail psoriasis
Nail psoriasis Open pop-up dialog box
Pustular psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis Open pop-up dialog box
Erythrodermic psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis Open pop-up dialog box
Psoriasis signs and symptoms can vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms include:
Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
Dry, cracked skin that may bleed or itch
Itching, burning or soreness
Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
Swollen and stiff joints
Psoriasis patches can range from a few spots of dandruff-like scaling to major eruptions that cover large areas. The most
commonly affected areas are the lower back, elbows, knees, legs, soles of the feet, scalp, face and palms.

Most types of psoriasis go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a time or even going into
remission.

There are several types of psoriasis, including:

Plaque psoriasis. The most common form, plaque psoriasis causes dry, raised, red skin patches (lesions) covered with
silvery scales. The plaques might be itchy or tender, and there may be few or many. They usually appear on elbows,
knees, lower back and scalp.
Nail psoriasis. Psoriasis can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration.
Psoriatic nails might loosen and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). Severe cases may cause the nail to crumble.
Guttate psoriasis. This type primarily affects young adults and children. It's usually triggered by a bacterial infection such
as strep throat. It's marked by small, drop-shaped, scaling lesions on the trunk, arms or legs.
Inverse psoriasis. This mainly affects the skin folds of the groin, buttocks and breasts. Inverse psoriasis causes smooth
patches of red skin that worsen with friction and sweating. Fungal infections may trigger this type of psoriasis.
Pustular psoriasis. This rare form of psoriasis causes clearly defined pus-filled lesions that occur in widespread patches
(generalized pustular psoriasis) or in smaller areas on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.
Erythrodermic psoriasis. The least common type of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis can cover your entire body with
a red, peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely.
Psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis causes swollen, painful joints that are typical of arthritis. Sometimes the joint
symptoms are the first or only symptom or sign of psoriasis. And at times only nail changes are seen. Symptoms range
from mild to severe, and psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint. It can cause stiffness and progressive joint damage that in
the most serious cases may lead to permanent joint damage.
When to see a doctor

If you suspect that you may have psoriasis, see your doctor. Also, talk to your doctor if your psoriasis:

Becomes severe or widespread

Causes you discomfort and pain
Causes you concern about the appearance of your skin
Leads to joint problems, such as pain, swelling or inability to perform daily tasks
Doesn't improve with treatment

Causes
Psoriasis is thought to be an immune system problem that causes the skin to regenerate at faster than normal rates. In
the most common type of psoriasis, known as plaque psoriasis, this rapid turnover of cells results in scales and red
patches.

Just what causes the immune system to malfunction isn't entirely clear. Researchers believe both genetics and
environmental factors play a role. The condition is not contagious.

Psoriasis triggers
Many people who are predisposed to psoriasis may be free of symptoms for years until the disease is triggered by some
environmental factor. Common psoriasis triggers include:

Infections, such as strep throat or skin infections

Weather, especially cold, dry conditions
Injury to the skin, such as a cut or scrape, a bug bite, or a severe sunburn
Stress
Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
Heavy alcohol consumption
Certain medications — including lithium, high blood pressure medications and antimalarial drugs
Rapid withdrawal of oral or systemic corticosteroids

Risk factors
Anyone can develop psoriasis. About a third of instances begin in the pediatric years. These factors can increase your
risk:
Family history. The condition runs in families. Having one parent with psoriasis increases your risk of getting the disease,
and having two parents with psoriasis increases your risk even more.
Stress. Because stress can impact your immune system, high stress levels may increase your risk of psoriasis.
Smoking. Smoking tobacco not only increases your risk of psoriasis but also may increase the severity of the disease.
Smoking may also play a role in the initial development of the disease.
Complications
If you have psoriasis, you're at greater risk of developing other conditions, including:

Psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints
Eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis and uveitis
Obesity
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Cardiovascular disease
Other autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease, sclerosis and the inflammatory bowel disease called Crohn's disease
Mental health conditions, such as low self-esteem and depression

What are connective tissue diseases?

A connective tissue disease is any disease that affects the parts of the body that connect the structures of the body
together. Connective tissues are made up of two proteins: collagen and elastin. Collagen is a protein found in the
tendons, ligaments, skin, cornea, cartilage, bone and blood vessels. Elastin is a stretchy protein that resembles a rubber
band and is the major component of ligaments and skin. When a patient has a connective tissue disease, the collagen
and elastin are inflamed. The proteins and the body parts they connect are harmed.

Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder of the connective tissue that causes abnormalities in the eyes, bone, heart and
blood vessels.
Symptoms
There is a great variation in symptoms between one individual with Marfan syndrome and another, even within the
same family. Sometimes an individual will show only some features associated with the condition. In this case, they are
described as "Marfanoid" or "Marfan-like." Some of the symptoms (by category) that may be present when a person has
Marfan syndrome are:

Symptoms affecting the bones:

People with Marfan syndrome tend to have excessively long bones and are commonly thin, with long, "spider-like"
fingers. They may also have other skeletal malformations that require the attention of an orthopaedic specialist. Some of
the bone-related symptoms of Marfan syndrome include:
Being taller than average for his or her age and family
Arms that are disproportionately long compared to his or her height
Unusually long, thin, spider-like fingers and toes
Chests that are either pushed outward or caved inward
Joints, including the knees, that can flex backward to an unusual degree
Flatfeet
A backward and sideways curve in the back (kyphoscoliosis)
Hernias
Very little fat beneath the skin
A high-arched palate

Symptoms affecting the eye:

Dislocation of the lens of the eye. The margin of the lens can sometimes be seen through the pupil even without
dilation. Extreme nearsightedness (myopia) A tendency toward sudden detachment of the retina
Symptoms affecting the heart and blood vessels:
Progressive enlargement of the aorta as it rises above the heart Tears in the aorta that can begin appearing in childhood
or as late as the 50s Back flow of blood into the heart because the valve isn't closing properly Bacterial endocarditis may
occur Mitral valve prolapse or regurgitation may occur, producing a clicking or murmuring sound when the heart beats
Cystic disease of the lungs may occur, along with repeated bouts of air or gas collecting in the space around the lungs
inside the chest (recurring spontaneous pneumothorax

Causes and Risk Factors

Much is still unknown about what causes Marfan syndrome. Research is underway at a number of centers.
Once Marfan syndrome has been identified in a family, it is important that all members to evaluated for it. It is
particularly important to have regular diagnostic testing of the aorta and heart for early detection of abnormalities,
which may become life-threatening.
Diagnosis
It can be challenging to diagnose Marfan syndrome because many persons with it have few major features and no
specific cellular or biochemical changes. Many partial cases of Marfan's syndrome exist. There are no specific tests that
can be done nor can it be diagnosed before birth.

A doctor will base his or her diagnosis on the person's cardiovascular, eye and bone symptoms and on the individual's
family history.

Treatment

Although there currently is no cure for this condition, advancements in medical and surgical treatments have improved
both the length and quality of life for those affected by it.

Anyone who may have Marfan or Marfanoid syndrome should be screened with echocardiography every year. Once the
aorta, as it rises above the heart, is larger than 3.5 centimeters, screening with echocardiography should be done every
six months. When the aorta reaches 4.0 centimeters, the patient should schedule a consultation with a cardiac surgeon
specializing in aortic surgery for Marfan syndrome.

Issues such as family history and symptoms must also be weighed in making the decision about surgery. The goal is
always to avoid emergency situations, which can either be life-threatening or cause lower survival rates after surgery.

Even before aortic surgery, persons with Marfan syndrome should be treated with blood pressure drugs such as beta
blockers and ACE inhibitors. In general, people with Marfan's syndrome should keep their systolic blood pressure (which
is a measurement of the blood pressure after the heart has just contracted) range from 105 to 110 during normal
activities. This keeps the force of pressure on the aorta lower and reduces the risk of a tear.

Surgery on the aorta today avoids replacing the aortic valve with a mechanical one. When a mechanical valve is used, a
person must take drugs (such as coumadin) to prevent the blood from clotting for the rest of his or her life. These anti-
clotting drugs (anticoagulants) can be risky for people with Marfan syndrome. If a part of the aorta tears after surgery,
people with Marfan syndrome can face a life-threatening situation as their blood doesn't have the ability to clot and
stop the bleeding. These individuals may also need more surgery as the disease progresses. Anticoagulants can increase
the risk of bleeding complications during and after surgery.
Medical treatment is also ongoing. This typically involves either two or three drugs to prevent high systolic blood
pressure. Managing blood pressure to prevent a tear or rupture or the aorta as well as to reduce the risk of strokes or
heart attacks is important.

Persons with Marfan syndrome who follow a healthy lifestyle, eat a nutritionally sound diet and do moderate exercise
will have a better quality of life. This may also lower the risks of future surgery, enhance healing and recovery and make
managing a stable blood pressure easier.

What is scleroderma?
Scleroderma is a rare, long-term (chronic) disease that causes abnormal growth of connective tissue. It can affect the
joints, skin, cartilage, and internal organs. It is degenerative and gets worse over time. The disease can be in one part of
the body. This is called localized scleroderma. Or it may affect the whole body. This is a more serious condition called
systemic sclerosis. Scleroderma is more common in women.

What causes scleroderma?

Scleroderma is thought to be an autoimmune disease. This means the symptoms are caused by the body attacking its
own healthy tissues. Genes play a role in the disease, but the environment may also play a role. Family members of
people with scleroderma have a mildly increased risk of developing scleroderma. But many people with scleroderma
don't have family members with the condition.

What are the symptoms of scleroderma?

Scleroderma can lead to scarring of the skin, joints, and internal organs. Symptoms can be a bit different for each
person, and may include:
Calcium bumps on the fingers or other bony areas
Grating noise as inflamed tissues move
Heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms
Immovable fingers, wrists, or elbows because of scarring, hardening, and tightening of the skin
Joint pain
Kidney disease
Pale and tingly fingers that may turn numb when exposed to cold or during emotional upset (Raynaud’s phenomenon)
Scarring of the esophagus. This leads to heartburn and trouble swallowing.
Scarring of the lungs. This leads to shortness of breath.
Sores on fingertips and knuckles
Spider veins
Tight, shiny, darker skin on large areas that may cause problems with movement
Fingertips get thick and swollen
The symptoms of scleroderma can look like other health conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
How is scleroderma diagnosed?
The process starts with a health history and a physical exam. Diagnosis is based on the changes in the skin and internal
organs. An antibody test may help show the type of scleroderma. You may need tests such as:

What are possible complications of scleroderma?

With localized scleroderma, some symptoms may get better over time. But damage to skin and other organs may be
lifelong (permanent). With systemic sclerosis, symptoms can over time lead to damage to the skin and cause thickened,
tight skin. This may change the way you look and cause problems with your movement. It can also cause severe kidney,
lung, digestive, or heart problems. In severe cases, these organ problems can lead to death.

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your healthcare provider tells you.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any
new instructions your provider gives you.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your healthcare provider if you have questions.
MY PART:

What are connective tissue diseases?

A connective tissue disease is any disease that affects the parts of the body that connect the structures of the body
together. Connective tissues are made up of two proteins: collagen and elastin. Collagen is a protein found in the
tendons, ligaments, skin, cornea, cartilage, bone and blood vessels. Elastin is a stretchy protein that resembles a rubber
band and is the major component of ligaments and skin. When a patient has a connective tissue disease, the collagen
and elastin are inflamed. The proteins and the body parts they connect are harmed.

Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder of the connective tissue that causes abnormalities in the eyes, bone, heart and
blood vessels.
Symptoms
There is a great variation in symptoms between one individual with Marfan syndrome and another, even within the
same family. Sometimes an individual will show only some features associated with the condition. In this case, they are
described as "Marfanoid" or "Marfan-like." Some of the symptoms (by category) that may be present when a person has
Marfan syndrome are:

Symptoms affecting the bones:

People with Marfan syndrome tend to have excessively long bones and are commonly thin, with long, "spider-like"
fingers. They may also have other skeletal malformations that require the attention of an orthopaedic specialist. Some of
the bone-related symptoms of Marfan syndrome include:
Being taller than average for his or her age and family
Arms that are disproportionately long compared to his or her height
Unusually long, thin, spider-like fingers and toes
Chests that are either pushed outward or caved inward
Joints, including the knees, that can flex backward to an unusual degree
Flatfeet
A backward and sideways curve in the back (kyphoscoliosis)
Hernias
Very little fat beneath the skin
A high-arched palate

Symptoms affecting the eye:

Dislocation of the lens of the eye. The margin of the lens can sometimes be seen through the pupil even without
dilation. Extreme nearsightedness (myopia) A tendency toward sudden detachment of the retina
Symptoms affecting the heart and blood vessels:
Progressive enlargement of the aorta as it rises above the heart Tears in the aorta that can begin appearing in childhood
or as late as the 50s Back flow of blood into the heart because the valve isn't closing properly Bacterial endocarditis may
occur Mitral valve prolapse or regurgitation may occur, producing a clicking or murmuring sound when the heart beats
Cystic disease of the lungs may occur, along with repeated bouts of air or gas collecting in the space around the lungs
inside the chest (recurring spontaneous pneumothorax