Mica-like scale describes a silvery-white, parakeratotic, lamellated scale often seen in skin conditions. Its distinctive sheen is due to light reflecting off the air-keratin interfaces within the layers of the scale.
This type of scale is often associated with specific skin conditions:
- Appearance: The scale is typically described as silvery or silvery-white. The layered structure allows light to bounce off the keratin layers, creating the shimmering appearance.
- Parakeratosis: The presence of nuclei in the stratum corneum (outer layer of the skin) indicates parakeratosis, an abnormal keratinization process. This is a common feature of mica-like scale.
- Lamellated: The scale is composed of thin layers or plates (lamellae), which contribute to its characteristic texture and appearance.
Example:
- Psoriasis vulgaris: This is a common skin condition characterized by inflamed, scaly plaques. The scales in psoriasis vulgaris often exhibit a mica-like appearance.
In summary, mica-like scale is a distinctive type of skin scale characterized by its silvery-white color, lamellated structure, and association with parakeratosis, often seen in conditions like psoriasis.
