Ageing and Diseases of Skin

Question 1

Children’s skin

Answer 1

Skin is smooth, unwrinkled, and characterised by elasticity and flexibility
Few sweat glands
Rapid healing

Question 2

Adults

Answer 2

Development and activation of sebaceous and sweat glands
Increased sebum production; can result in acne

Question 3

Ageing

Answer 3

Decreased sebaceous and sweat gland activity
Wrinkling
Decline in body’s ability to cool itself

Question 4

First degree burn

Answer 4

Superficial burn that affects only epidermis. Heals on their own within a few days

Question 5

Second degree burn

Answer 5

Goes deeper and affects both the epidermis and a portion of the dermis. Results in swelling and painful blistering of skin. Heals within several weeks

Question 6

Third degree burn

Answer 6

Full extend into epidermis, destroying tissue and affecting nerve endings and sensory function.

Question 7

Fourth degree burn

Answer 7

Even more severe, affecting underlying muscle and bone

Question 8

Melanoma

Answer 8

Cancer characterised by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes
Typically develops from a mole
Most fatal of all skin cancers (highly metastatic and can be difficult to detect before it has spread to other organs)

Question 9

ABCDE mnemonic

Answer 9

Asymmetry - the two sides are not symmetrical
Borders - the edges are irregular in shape
Colour - the colour is varied shades of brown or black
Diameter - it is larger than 6mm
Evolving - its shape has changed