Reinkes edema is the swelling of the vocal cords due to fluid (edema) collected within the Reinkes space. First identified by the German anatomist Friedrich B. Reinke in 1895, the Reinkes space is a gelatinous layer of the vocal cord located underneath the outer cells of the vocal cord. When a person speaks, the Reinkes space vibrates to allow for sound to be produced (phonation). The Reinkes space is sometimes referred to as the superficial lamina propria.Reinkes edema is characterized by the "sac-like" appearance of the fluid-filled vocal cords. The swelling of the vocal folds causes the voice to become deep and hoarse. Therefore, the major symptom of Reinkes edema is a hoarseness similar to laryngitis. The major cause associated with Reinkes edema is smoking. In fact, 97% of patients diagnosed with Reinkes edema are habitual smokers. Other identified risk factors include overuse of the vocal cords, gastroesophageal reflux, and hypothyroidism. The disease is more often cited in women than in men, because lower voice changes are more noticeable in women.The first cases of Reinkes edema were recorded in 1891 by M. Hajek, followed by F. Reinke in 1895. In his investigations, Reinke injected a stained glue into the superficial lamina propria (Reinkes space) to mimic edema. Reinkes edema is considered to be a benign (non-cancercous) polyp (protrusion) that represents 10% of all benign laryngeal pathologies. Treatment of Reinkes edema starts with the elimination of associated risk factors, such as smoking, gastric reflux, and hypothyroidism.
Ecthyma( ec·​thy·​ma | \ ek-ˈthī-mə )is a variation of impetigo, presenting at a deeper level of tissue.It is usually associated with Group A (beta-hemolytic) Streptococcus (abbreviated GAS). See also
Ecthyma gangrenosum

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