Final answer:
Nikolsky's sign is a dermatological sign used to diagnose certain skin conditions. It is significant because it can indicate the presence of diseases such as pemphigus vulgaris and toxic epidermal necrolysis. This sign is commonly observed in pemphigus vulgaris and TEN.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nikolsky's Sign
Nikolsky's sign is a dermatological sign that is used to diagnose certain skin conditions. It is characterized by the ability to induce blistering of the skin through a gentle lateral pressure or rubbing motion.
Significance
Nikolsky's sign is significant because it can indicate the presence of certain diseases, such as pemphigus vulgaris and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). These conditions cause the skin to become fragile and easily detachable, leading to blister formation with the application of gentle pressure.
Common Conditions
Nikolsky's sign is commonly observed in pemphigus vulgaris and TEN, as mentioned earlier. Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disorder, while TEN is a severe mucocutaneous reaction commonly associated with drug use.