8 - Skin and Hair Flashcards
What is the primary function of sweat?
To help cool down the body through evaporation
Where are sweat-producing glands primarily located?
Forehead, palms, and soles
What type of sweat is produced by glands in the armpits and groin?
Thicker and milkier sweat
What causes the characteristic body odor associated with sweat?
Skin bacteria feasting on the thicker sweat
What is hyperhidrosis?
Excessive sweating not related to body temperature
What is primary hyperhidrosis?
An inherited sweating condition affecting palms, soles, and armpits
At what age does primary hyperhidrosis usually begin?
Before age twenty-five
What is the main treatment for excessive sweating?
Aluminum-based antiperspirants
What is a common symptom of menopause?
Hot flashes
What causes hot flashes during menopause?
Decrease in estrogen levels
What is the definition of a fever?
A temperature greater than 100.4°F (38°C)
What can trigger a fever aside from infections?
Cancer, autoimmune diseases, blood clots, brain injury, severe physical stress
What should you do if your fever lasts for three or more days?
See your doctor
What are night sweats?
Sweats severe enough to change sheets or pajamas
What can cause night sweats?
Thyroid disease, infection, cancer, diabetes, acid reflux
What could frequent sweating indicate for someone with diabetes?
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
What is pheochromocytoma?
A rare tumor that releases surges of adrenaline
What common medications can cause excessive sweating?
Antidepressants, pain medications, heart medications, hormonal agents, sildenafil
What is a potential consequence of alcohol withdrawal?
Profuse sweating along with nausea, vomiting, and agitation
What temperature indicates a serious health risk requiring immediate medical attention?
Greater than 104°F
What are the three layers of the skin?
- Epidermis
- Dermis
- Hypodermis
What is the role of skin in the body?
Protects from infection, regulates temperature, prevents fluid loss, generates vitamin D
What can cause dry skin?
Cold weather, aging, excessive washing
What should you do if you have red, itchy skin after changing soaps?
Switch to an additive-free or gentle brand
What is the risk of getting sunburned?
Increased risk of developing skin cancer later in life
What SPF should sunscreen have for adequate protection?
SPF 30 or greater
What should be applied after a sunburn?
Calamine lotion or aloe
What is the recommended SPF for sunscreen to protect against melanoma?
SPF 30 or greater
Regular reapplication every two hours is also essential.
What should you apply to a sunburn to soothe the affected areas?
Calamine lotion or aloe vera
Drinking plenty of fluids is also important.
What skin condition during pregnancy is characterized by itchy, red bumps?
PUPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy)
It usually resolves within a few weeks.
What is ringworm?
A fungal infection that causes a ring-shaped, red rash
It is contagious and can be treated with antifungal cream.
What does athlete’s foot primarily affect?
The feet, especially between the toes
It can occasionally spread to palms and groin.
What chronic condition is characterized by redness and visible blood vessels on the face?
Rosacea
It is more common in smokers and light-skinned women over thirty.
What are skin tags also known as?
Acrochordons
They are benign outgrowths of normal skin.
What should you do if you suspect bedbugs in your home?
Hire a pest control service for confirmation and decontamination
Bedbugs are often hidden and can cause itchy bumps.
What could persistent, severe itchiness indicate?
Potential underlying diseases of the kidneys, liver, thyroid, nerves, or blood cells
A doctor may perform blood tests for diagnosis.
What is psoriasis?
An autoimmune disease causing itchy, scaly plaques
Treatment often involves steroid creams and immune-suppressing medications.
What is eczema also known as?
Atopic dermatitis
It often begins in childhood and may persist into adulthood.
What infection is characterized by a painful, warm, red area of skin?
Cellulitis
It may require antibiotics and possibly drainage of an abscess.
What condition is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus?
Shingles
It causes a blistering rash and may require antiviral medications.
What is scabies?
An infestation of tiny mites causing intense itchiness
It usually spreads through prolonged skin contact.
What is the ABCDE checklist used for?
Identifying suspicious moles for melanoma
It assesses asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolution.
What is erythema migrans associated with?
Lyme disease
It appears as a bull’s-eye rash and is treated effectively with antibiotics.
What is actinic keratosis?
A thick, crusty skin patch potentially leading to squamous cell carcinoma
It is often found on sun-exposed areas.
What does seborrheic keratosis look like?
A waxy, raised, brown growth that appears stuck on the skin
It is usually harmless but should be checked by a doctor.
What is a lipoma?
A rubbery lump under the skin made of fat
They are benign but should be monitored for changes.
What are signs of anaphylaxis?
Hives, swelling of tongue or throat, nausea, difficulty breathing
Common triggers include certain foods and medications.
What is the treatment for severe allergic reactions?
Antihistamines and potentially epinephrine injection
Severe cases may require steroids.
What is anaphylaxis?
A severe allergic reaction that can occur in response to foods or medications.
Common food culprits include peanuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, and tree nuts.
What are the treatments for severe allergic reactions?
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine/Benadryl, steroids, and an emergent injection with epinephrine (from an EpiPen).
Severe cases require immediate medical attention.
What is Stevens-Johnson syndrome?
A life-threatening condition characterized by fever, painful blisters, and skin detachment, often in response to medication or infection.
What is alopecia?
Hair loss that can affect both sexes and often starts in men by their late thirties.
Most hair loss is attributed to genetic factors.
What are the three stages of normal hair growth?
- Anagen (growth) stage
- Catagen (loosening) stage
- Telogen (resting) stage
What is androgenetic alopecia?
The official term for male- or female-pattern baldness, most common in white men and women.
What is traction alopecia?
Hair loss caused by constantly pulling or tight hairstyles.
Affects only the portion of hair being tugged.
What medications promote hair growth in men?
- Minoxidil (Rogaine)
- Finasteride (Propecia)
What are the major options for hair growth in women?
- Minoxidil cream
- Spironolactone (Aldactone) pills
What can cause hair loss related to stress?
Telogen effluvium, where intense stress forces hairs into the telogen stage, resulting in hair loss after the stressor is resolved.
What condition involves smooth, round patches of hair loss?
Alopecia areata, where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles.
What is cicatricial alopecia?
A severe type of hair loss involving destruction of hair follicles, where hair does not regrow.
What is a potential cause of hair loss in young women?
Lupus, which may also cause a butterfly rash over the nose and cheeks.
What sexually transmitted infection can cause hair loss?
Syphilis, which leads to scattered patches of hair loss.
What is tinea capitis?
A fungal infection of the scalp that causes itchy, scaly areas of hair loss.
What should you do if you experience severe dizziness while taking hair loss medication?
Get help right away, as it may indicate dangerously low blood pressure or high potassium levels.
What is exsanguination?
The medical term for bleeding to death.
What can frequent nosebleeds indicate?
Possible issues such as nose picking, common colds, or underlying clotting disorders.
What class of medications may increase bleeding risk?
NSAIDs, including aspirin and ibuprofen.
What happens to the skin as a person ages that affects bruising?
Skin becomes thinner, making blood vessels more susceptible to injury.
What is the common cause of itchiness and burning with hair loss?
Cicatricial alopecia, which may require early diagnosis and treatment.
Fill in the blank: The average adult body contains about ______ liters of blood.
five
What should you do before stopping aspirin if you’re taking it to prevent a heart attack or stroke?
Speak to a doctor.
What is a recommended alternative to NSAIDs for pain management?
Acetaminophen/Tylenol.
What physical changes occur in the skin as people age that lead to increased bruising?
Skin gets thinner, and blood vessels become closer to the surface.
What should you do if you frequently notice large bruises without major injuries?
See a doctor for a bleeding disorder test.
What is von Willebrand disease?
A bleeding condition that affects one in a hundred people.
What are common symptoms that may indicate a bleeding disorder?
- Frequent large bruises * Frequent nosebleeds * Very heavy periods * Joint swelling after minor injuries * Excessive bleeding after dental work.
What should you consider if you miss school or work due to heavy periods?
Consider a clotting disorder.
What are the most common blood thinners?
- Aspirin * Clopidogrel/Plavix * Prasugrel/Effient * Ticagrelor/Brilinta.
What serious condition can vaginal bleeding indicate during pregnancy?
Pregnancy-related problems.
What is HELLP syndrome?
A condition causing bleeding in pregnancy due to abnormal destruction of platelets.
How can kidney or liver disease affect bleeding?
They can disrupt the filtering of blood or the production of clotting factors.
What vitamin is necessary for the liver to create clotting factors?
Vitamin K.
What is purpura?
The medical term for widespread tiny bruises.
What are common causes of purpura?
- Major disruptions in the clotting system * Severe infections * Autoimmune diseases.
What can cause frequent bruising and is linked to connective tissue?
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
What syndrome is characterized by frequent nosebleeds and tiny red dots on the skin?
Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome.
What deficiency can cause frequent bruising and was common among sailors?
Scurvy due to vitamin C deficiency.
What can happen if blood clots form in the arteries supplying the heart?
Heart attacks can occur.
What is a major risk associated with atrial fibrillation?
Increased risk of forming blood clots in the heart.
What is the main limitation of newer blood thinners compared to warfarin?
It’s not easy to reverse their effect in case of major bleeding.
What should you do if you have a deep or extensive gash?
Go to the E.R.
How long should you squeeze your nostrils to stop a nosebleed?
Twenty minutes.
What should you do if you have bright red blood coming from your bottom?
Get to the E.R. immediately.
What symptoms indicate significant blood loss?
- Lightheadedness * Dizziness * Weakness.
