Body Systems: Integumentary Flashcards
integumentary system is comprised of:
skin, accessory organs (hair, nails, associated glands)
skin
- largest organ of human body (17-20 sq ft)
- regulates temp
- receptors sense touch, pressure, pain, and temperature
- aids in excretion of urea and uric acids
- synthesizes vitamin D (thru sunlight exposure)
- protects body from: trauma, infections, damage, toxic chemicals, dehydration
3 structural layers of skin
- epidermis
- dermis
- subcutaneous layer
epidermis
- outer layer of skin
- thin, cellular, multilayered membrane
- responsible for production of keratin (protein for durability + water retention) and melanin (pigment)
dermis
- middle layer of skin
- dense, fibrous layer of connective tissue
- responsible for strength of collagen and elasticity/flexibility from elastin
- various sensory receptors hat provide info about external environment
- sebaceous glands: oil glands that secrete an oily substance called sebum (omg) to lubricate, moistens skin as well as moderate antibacterial + anti fungal effects
subcutaneous layer
thick and fat section (adipose tissue) that insulates body against heat loss
common symptoms that require med attention
- cutaneous lesions/eruptions
- pruritus (itching)
- pain
- edema (swelling)
- erythema (redness)
- inflammation
cyanosis
blue tint to skin, caused by deficiency of O2 in circulating blood
jaundice
yellow discolouration of skin and whites of eyes, caused by impaired liver and allows bile to accumulate and stain the skin
erythema
abnormal redness of skin, caused by increased blood flow and dilated blood vessels close to skin’s surface
pallor
pale skin, caused by decreased blood flow
hematoma
bruising, bluish, black or yellow mark on skin indicating breakdown of clotted blood under skin
shape and colour of nails provide info:
- clubbing or enlargement of ends of nails due to long term O2 deficiency
- pale nails may be a sign of anemia
- flat on conch nail beds may indicate iron deficiency
- cyanosis of nails is the first visible sign of iron deficiency
diagnostic procedures include:
- microscopic examination of skin scrapings
- cultures, DNA testing, antigens, antibodies may be used to identify causative organism in infectious diseases
hypersensitivity skin disorders
- complete medical history including prior outbreaks and their location helps identify allergen
- sensitivity or blood testing for antibodies to identify allergen
biopsies
- used to diagnose benign tumours or skin cancer
types of biopsies
- punch: round shape knife is rotated through the epidermis/dermis into subcutaneous tissue
- incisional: scalpel is used to make a cut through the epidermis down to subcutaneous tissue
- total excision: removes entire lesion or tumour
skin lesions
- Macule (freckle): discoloured spot of skin
- wheal (hive): localized elevation of skin and causes itching
- papule (pimple): solid, elevated area on skin. nodule is a large papule
- vesicle (blister): small fluid sac
- pustule: small, elevated lesion filled with pus
- ulcer: area of skin where the surface has eroded
dermatitis
- inflammation of the skin occurs in many forms, manifested by the pruritus, erythema, and the appearance of various cutaneous lesions
- can be acute, sub acute, or chronic
- family history increase risk
- common types: seborrheic, contact, atopic (eczema me:( ) dermatitis
seborrheic dermatitis SS
- inflammation of sebaceous/oil glands
- Symptoms & Signs:
- gradual increase in the amount and charge in quality of sebum produced
- inflammation occurs in area with greatest # of sebaceous glands (scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, sides of nose, behind ears, middle of chest)
- affected skin is reddened with yellowish, greasy appearing scales
- occurs at any age but common during infancy (cradle cap)
- occurs at a higher rate in adults with disorder of the central nervous system
seborrheic dermatitis patient screening
- gradual onset of disease
- increase of irritation
- earliest appointment made
seborrheic dermatitis etiology
- idiopathic
- emotional stress and hereditary may be precipitating factor
- may be intensified by pityrosporum (yeast-like organism this I normally found on skin in small #)
seborrheic dermatitis diagnosis + treatment
diagnosis: In rare cases where treatment is unresponsive, skin biopsy may be performed
treatment: low strength cortisone/hydrocortisone cream applied topically to affected area
contact dermatitis SS
acute inflammation response of skin triggers by an exogenous chemical, substance, or allergen
SS:
- actions of irritant on skin surface or contact with substances that cause an allergic response
- erythema, edema, small vesicles that ooze, itch, burb or sting
contact dermatitis patient screening
- patient reports itching, burning, stinging
- appointment made at earliest convenience
contact dermatitis etiology
- many substances may induce this disease
- 3 ways contact dermatitis develops: irritation, sensitization, photoallergy
contact dermatitis treatment
- after contact with known irritant, thoroughly clean skin surface
- topical application of corticosteroid cream
- oral steroid
- dermatitis can rebound after short Cours steroids
contact dermatitis prognosis
- varies depending on the amount of skin area involved and likelihood that the irritant can be removed
- therapy is usually positive when combined with removal of irritant
contact dermatitis prevention
- identification of irritant and contact avoidance
atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- chronic inflammation of the skin that trends to occur in patients with a family history of allergic conditions
atopic dermatitis SS
- rash with vesicular and exudative eruptions in children
- dry leathery vesicles in adults
- rash occurs in characteristic pattern on face, neck, elbows, knees, and upper trunk of body is accompanied by pruritus (itchy skin)
- frequently associated with other allergic conditions
atopic dermatitis diagnosis
- medical history and examination of skin
- skin testing for certain allergies
atopic dermatitis treatment
- reducing frequency and severity of eruptions
may be treated with skin moisturizers, sunlight therapy, vitamin D, or calcipotriene - no medications can eliminate
- topical ointments or creams contain cortisone derivative are primary treatment
- non steroids anti-inflammatory agents Protopic and elides are prescribed to specifically treat it
- secondary viral/bacterial infections can result
- antibiotics for secondary infections
atopic dermatitis prognosis
- reducing frequency and severity of eruptions and itching
- medications are prescribed to control the itch-scratching cycle
urticaria (hives)
associated with severe itching following the appearance of redness and an area of swelling(wheal) in localized area of skin
urticaria SS
- hives of various sizes can erupt as a few lemons anywhere on skins and area usually scattered
- in gastrointestinal involvement, patient complains about abdominal colic
- if hives develop in pharyngeal mucosa, airway can be obstructed and lead to asphyxiation
- if swelling involves deeper tissues, condition is called angioedema and is more serious
- urticaria is usually common, acute, and short
- hives can continue over months or years to become a chronic condition
urticaria patient screening
- gives can develop into life-threatening situation if they involve respiratory system
- cutaneous symptoms may make patients very uncomfortable
urticaria etiology
- affected dermis and results form an acute hypersensitivity and release of histamine
- causes localized inflammation and vasodilation of capillaries with substantial edema
- common causes are allergic reactions
urticaria diagnosis
- visual inspection
- patient history of exposure to allergens
- sensitivity testing and blood tests for antibodies help identity irritant/allergen
urticaria treatment
- is possible, remove allergen
- antihistamines bring quick relief
- injection of epinephrine in severe cases (epipen)
- in persistent cases, a Corus of prednisone or methylprednisolone os therapeutic. variety of corticosteroid topical drug is used
- if exposed to allergen again, reaction will occur even after medication
psoriasis
an inflammatory chronic recurrent skin condition marked by thick, flaky, red patches of various sizes, covered with characteristic white and silvery scales
psoriasis SS
- scales develop into dry plaques that can progress to pustules
- affected skin is dry, cracked, encrusted
- common areas are scalp, outer arms and legs, labor and knees, trunk of body
- psoriasis plaques can develop in area of physical trauma (koebner phenomenon)
- most common between 10-30 years old
- noninfectious and doesn’t really affect general health
psoriasis etiology
- cause is unknown but seems to be hereditary
- may be an autoimmune disorder
- more common in white race
- causes can be: hormonal changes, climate changes, emotional stress, period of generally poor health
- some drugs )lithium, beta-blockers, NSAIDS are suspected of exacerbating psoriasis
psoriasis treatment
- goal is to reduce inflammation nd slow rapid growth of affected skin cells
- skin should be kept moist and lubricated
- options include: UV light, psoralen medication, topical steroids, can tar or retinoid applications, low-dosage antihistamines, oatmeal baths
rosacea
chronic inflammatory disorder of the facial skin, causes redness, primarily in area that blush or flush
rosacea symptoms
- increasing redness after dryness and pimples
- small blood vessel of the cheeks and face enlarge and are visible
- small knobby bumps appear on nose, mostly in males
- ocular rosacea is an inflammatory eye condition and is rarer (blood vessel inflamed, eyelids red and swollen, burning or gritty feeling in eyes)
rosacea etiology
- possible correlation with frequency of blushing or flushing
- lighter complexions suffer more, can be inherited
- not considered contagious
rosacea diagnosis
- diagnosed from facial blushing/flushing
- similar to acne but individuals do not have blackheads or white heads typical of acne
rosacea treatment
- no cure but can be controlled through finacea (azealic acid), metronidazole cream,. sodium sulfactemide, and topical antibiotics,
- change of lifestyle; avoid activities that cause flushing like sunlight, extreme hot or cold, etc.
- redness can be treated through laser surgery
acne vulgaris
inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles
acne vulgaris symptoms
- appearance of paupers, pustules, and comedones
- deeper, boil-like lesions called nodules can occur
- scars may develop if the chronic irritation and inflammation continue for a long period
- acne is found most often on the face but also can occur on the neck, shoulders, chest, and back
acne vulgaris etiology
- hormonal changes of adolescence that affect the activity of the sebaceous glands
- hereditary tendencies also are known to be predisposing factors
- precipitating factors may include food allergies, endocrine disorders, psychological factors, fatigue, and the use of steroid drugs
- sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands, reaches the skin surface through the hair follicle
- overproduction of the oil seems to stimulate he follicle walls causing a faster shedding of skin cells
- cells and sebum to stick together and to form a plug, which promotes the growth of bacteria in the follicles forming pimples
acne vulgaris treatment
- topical or systemic antibiotics or both
- topically applied keratolytic agents may prove appropriate
- topical application of medications chemically related to vitamin A (tretinoin) reduces the skin’s natural oils and promotes drying and peeling of the acne lesions
- benzoyl peroxide gels are also effective
- antibiotics are prescribed to kill bacteria residing on the skin or in the lesions
- long-term antibiotic use of acne treatment, however, may have side effects
- for severe acne, isotretinoin may be indicated
- isotretinoin helps to reduce the amount of sebum the body manufactures
- low-dose estrogen is prescribed to balance hormone levels
- optimal results usually are obtained by incorporating medications
- caution must be taken with the use of isotretinoin due to serious psychological; side effects (depression, psychosis, suicide, WOAH)
- pregnant/nursing mothers should never take isotretinoin
herpes zoster (shingles)
acute inflammatory dermatomal eruption of extremely painful vesicles
herpes zoster symptoms
- occurs in bundling unilateral pattern along the course of the peripheral nerves or dermatomes that are affected
- does not cross the midline of the body
- pain, often in tingling or burning, begins about 2 or 3 days before the appearance if the lesions and sometimes accompanied by fever
- eruptions begins a rash that develop into vesicles
- occasionally occurs on the face, neck, and scalp
- when nerves supplying the eye are involved, the disease may cause serious damage to the eye structure
herpes zoster etiology
- the cause is the herpes varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox
- for unknown reasons, after lying dormant in the dorsal root ganglia, it become reactivated in later years
- stress appears to be a precipitating factor
herpes zoster treatment
- analgesics, midl tranquilizers/sedatives, antipruritics, steroids, and a drying agent to be applied directly to the vesicles made be prescribed
- acyclovir (Zovirax) used orally, parenterally, or topically also is prescribed and is quite effective
- her antiviral agents that may be prescribed include famciclovir, valacyclovir, or foscarnet sodium
- antibiotic therapy may be necessary to prevent a secondary infection
- if the eye is affected, early treatment with idoxuridine is necessary
- topical treatment with capsaicin cream may provide relief in some cases
- when the pain is intolerable, injections of lidocaine and nerve-block agents may be attempted
- if these steps do not provide relief, permanent nerve blocks via alcohol or nerve resection may be used as a last resort
- shingles occasionally recurs at later dates
- most cases resolve within a month
- common complication for some patients is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)
- a vaccine for herpes zoster, Zostavax, is now available
impetigo
common, contagious, superficial skin infection. it manifests with early vesicular or pustular lesions that rupture an form thick yellow crusts
impetigo symptoms
- lesions, a honey-coloured crust, usually develop on the legs and are found less often on the face, trunk, and arms
- small vesicles are surrounded by a circle of reddened skin and usually are accompanied by pruritus
- adjacent lesions may develop as a result of autoinoculation resulting from scratching, but systemic symptoms are uncommon
- ulcerations with erythema and scarring also may result from scratching or abrading of the skin
impetigo etiology
- impetigo is caused by either streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus
- the infection is thought to originate from insect bites, scabies infections, poor hygiene, anemia, and malnutrition and impairment in skin integrity related to eczema
impetigo treatment
- systemic use of antibiotics and proper cleaning of lesions two or three times a day are affective treatments for impetigo
- mupirocin ointment or cream along with penicillin, cephalexin, erythromycin, or dicloxacillin are used in treatment
- avoiding infected individuals is essential
furuncles and carbuncles
furuncle/boil: pus-containing abscess that involves the entire hair follicle and adjacent subcutaneous tissue
carbuncle: an unusually large furuncle or multiple furuncles that develop in adjoining follicles, connected by many drainage canals
furuncles and carbuncles symptoms
- furuncles begin as the inflamed hair follicle become infected and the infection extends beyond the follicle
- the affected area is red, swollen, and painful
- over several days, the pus-filled abscess either bursts through the skin or, less often, discharges internally
- in either case, the pain is relieved and the boil heals
- erythema and edema may persist at the site for several more days or weeks
- boils are extremely common, they can effect almost everyone
- carbuncles are much rarer
furuncles and carbuncles etiology
- most common cause is bacterial infection with staphylococcus, usually S. aureus
- both are localized infections and heal by themselves <3
- predisposing factors include diabetes mellitus, nephritis, immunodeficiency, intravenous drug abuse, and other digestive/gastrointestinal conditions
- many have no underlying medical disease. inc one cases, that result from poor resistance to infection or poor hygiene
furuncles and carbuncles treatment
- applying hot compresses every few hours helps to relieve the discomfort and to hasten the draining
- surgical incision and draining may be necessary
- antibiotic treatment also may be needed for several weeks
cellulitis
an cute, diffuse, bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
cellulitis symptoms
- occurs most often in the lower extremities, but any part of he body can be affected
- clinically, erythema and pitting edema develop and the skin becomes tender and hot to the touch
- infections develops and spreads gradually over a couple of days
cellulitis etiology
- caused by either streptococcus or staphylococcus that enters skin’s surface via a small cut or lesion
- bacteria produces enzymes that break down soil cells, causing the infection to spread locally
- enzymes prevent body responses that normally would reduce local spread of infection
cellulitis treatment
- affected limb should be immobilized and elevated
- cool MgSO4 (epsom salt) solution compresses can be used for discomfort
- warm compresses should be applied to increase circulation to the affected area
- systemic antibiotics, usually penicillin, are prescribed for the infection
dermatophytosis
(tinea), a chronic superficial fungal infection of the skin
dermatophytosis symptoms
- classified by body region the inhabit
- lesions are characterized by an active border and ar marked by scaling with central clearing
- tinea wapitis (scalp), tinea corporis (body), tinea unguium (nails), tenia pedis (foot), tenia cruris (groin)
decubitus ulcers
commonly called a pressure ulcer or bed sore. a localized area of dead skin that can affect. the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers
decubitus ulcers symptoms
- an early sign is shiny, reddened skin appearing over a bony prominence in individuals with prolonged immobilization
- other signs eventually occur including blisters, erosions, necrosis, ulceration
decubitus ulcers etiology
- caused by impairment or lack of blood supply to affected area of skin
- the result of constant pressure against the surface of skin, seen in people who are debilitated, paralyzed, or unconscious
decubitus ulcers diagnosis and treatment
- visual examination of the ulcer for diagnosis. if infection suspected, culture and sensitivity may be needed to isolate causative organism
- topical agent used include absorbable gelatine sponges, granulated sugar, katana gum patches, antiseptic irrigations, debriding agents, and antibiotics
pls do mites and lice I can’t bring myself to do it rn IM SO ITCHY
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benign and premalignant tumours
- noncancerous growths
- benign tumours are usually a cosmetic problem only
- premalignant must be identified and treated asap before they become cancerous
- common benign and premalignant tumours include seborrheic kurtosis, dermatofibromas, keratoacanthomas, keloids, and hypertrophic scars, epidermal cysts, acrochordons (skin tags), actinic keratoses, and nevi
seborrheic keratosis
- benign growths in epidermis, clinically appearing tan-brown, greasy papule or plaques, looks like they were pasted onto skin
- usually painless lesions may be black ,brown, yellow, or other colours and can be on face, chest, back, shoulder, or other areas
- lesions have rough, wart-like texture and may be slightly elevated
- cause is unknown
dermatofibroma
- asymptomatic, can be anywhere but particularly on the front of the lower leg
- most common in young adults and more common in women
- lesions thought to be caused by fibre reactions to viral infections
- can be also caused by insect bites and trauma
- scaly, hard growths that are slight raised and pinkish brown
keratoacanthoma
- benign growth caused by a virus and generally seen in people in their 60s
- growth s a smooth, red, dome-shaped papule with a central crust that appears single or in many numbers
- can disappear spontaneously but scarring is common
- must be differentiated from squamous cell carcinoma
keloid and hypertrophic scars
- occurs after trauma or surgery
- first appears normal, bit after several months, it become noticeably larger and thicker
- harmless, may cause pain for deformities
- more common in black-skinned people
- extend beyond wound site and does not decrease spontaneously
- hyper-trophic scars, do not extend but stay confided to site and get better overtime
- can be taken out surgically
epidermal (sebaceous) cyst
- when a sebaceous gland slows fills with thick fluid
- can take many yeas but is usually painless and harmless
- some small cysts have blackhead in the pore connecting to surface, larger cysts are closed on surface
- cysts are palpable and movable, range in size
- commonly found on scalp, face, base of the ears, the chest
acrochordon (skin tag)
- benign
- painless and usually caused by friction, mainly found in axilla (armpit) and inguinal(groin)
- can be brown or skin-coloured, flat or elevated, attached to body by short stalk
actinic keratosis
- common premalignant lesions in sun-exposed parts of the body
- caused by long-term exposure to UV sunlight, numbers increase with age
- light-skinned people have higher risk
- initially appears as an area of rough, vascular skin, later form a yellowish brown with adherent crust
skin carcinomas
- skin cancers represent the most common type of malignancy
- basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer worldwide
- BCC and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) do not metastasize so they are not included on most cancer registries
- if left untreated, nonmelanoma skin cancer can be extremely locally destructive and can invade and destroy nerves, lymphatics, blood villes, cartilage, and bone
non melanoma skin cancer
- basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- affect more than 1 million American each year
- BCC arises in basal (deepest) layer of epidermis, SCC arises on epithelial (outer) layer
- BCC and SCC lesions can appear anywhere on the body. Most common sites are sun-exposed areas: face, scalps, ears, back, chest, arms, and back of hands
- treatment consists of conventional or Mohs surgical excision (90% of cases), cryosurgery, electrodesiccation, curettage, radiation therapy
- drug therapy can include 5 fluorouracil or other chemotoxics
- nutritional supplement like vitamins may be given
malignant melanoma
- most serious of the three types of skin cancer but not common
- arises in epidermal melanocytes, cells that make the brown pigment (melanoma)
- mostly occur as solitary lesions
- can be found anywhere, most common on backs of men and legs of women
- most common symptom is change in newly pigmented area of skin or mole that has been present for a long time
abnormal skin pigmentation
- skin normally contains special cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin, a black pigment for skin colour
- ## condition cna causę melanocytes to develop/distribute abnormally, be few in number, or less active than usual
albinism
- rare inherited condition when melanocytes are unable to produce melanin
- patient is pale skinned, white haired, and generally pink or pale blue eyes
- occurs in all races, usually accompanied with eye problems including: myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, nystagmus, strabismus, photophobia
- albinism patients should avoid the sun to prevent their eyes and skin form burning
- no cure but many eye problems can be treated
vitiligo
- possibly auto-immune condition
- produces abnormally pale patches of skin, often located on one side of the body
- patches can change size
- can occur on any area and affects all races
- often follows a stressful incident
- no cure, but cosmetics can cover affected areas
- patients should be encouraged to wear sunscreen
melasma (chloasma)
- occurs in some women during hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or oral contraceptives use
- patches of darker skin develop on face, especially cheeks
- disappears after childbirth or when contraceptive is discontinued
hemangiomas
- benign lesions of proliferating blood vessel sin dermis that produce red, blue, or purple colour
- ex. nevus flames (portwine stain, dark red or purple)
nevi (moles)
- small dark area of skin composed of dense collections of melanocytes, some may contain hair
- occasionally becomes malignant
pityriasis
- fungal infection that causes patches of flaky, light, or dark skin to develop on trunk of the body
- uncommon
abnormal suntan
- unspecified adverse after resulting from a proper dry, medicinal, or biologic substance properly administered
- some drugs and diseases (Addison’s disease) can produce suntan without exposure to sunlight
- nonperscription depigmenting creams can be used to lighten area
- vitiligo can be improved by UV lamp treatments and drug therapy
- pityriasis can be cured by application of anti fungal ointments
- moles can be removed surgically
- skin blemishes can be covered with cosmetics
- laser surgery can be used to treat hemangiomas
alopecia
- baldness
- loss or absence of hair, especially on scalp
alopecia symptoms
- temporary or permanent
- can appear gradually with aging or suddenly with alopecia areata
- may be a consequence of certain systemic illnesses like thyroid disease, iron deficiency anemia, syphilis, or autoimmune diseases
- treatment varies depending on cause
- effective treatment to underlying disease stops it
- minoxidil preparations can be used topically and sprayed for male baldness
- finasteride is additional drug therapy but cannot be taken by women who can give birth
folliculitis
an inflammatory reaction of the hair follicles that produces erythema, pustular lesions
folliculitis symptoms
- pustules of folliculitis are individual and do not combine
- usually found on thighs and buttocks but can occur on beard area or scalp
- some patient report mild discomfort but is usually asymptomatic
- relatively common, affects young adults, can be chronic or recurrent
folliculitis etiology
- bacterial infections caused by staphylococcus aureus
- bacteria enters the skin through opening hair follicle and causes low-grade infection within epidermal layer
- shaving with a straight raze is a common factor
folliculitis treatment
- mild cases –> topical antiseptic cleanser les povidone-iodine (betaine)
- extensive involvement requires a systemic antibiotic, such as erythromycin taken 4 dats for 10 days, or cephalexin taken 2 daily with cleanser
corn and calluses
- extremely common, localized hyperplastic area of stratum corner layer of the epidermis
corns and calluses symptoms
- corns: glass core, small, less painful, develop on toes
- calluses: larger, commonly on ball of foot or palms, tenderness and pain over affected area
corns and calluses etiology
- both may be due to pressure or friction caused by ill-fitting shoes, orthopaedic deformities, or faulty weight bearing
- people who play stringed instruments and manual labourers are prone to calluses
- impaired circulation resulting fro peripheral neuropathy
corns and calluses treatment
- pads and sponge rings
- chemical agents to soften and loosen corns
- pumice stone to rub off dead skin resulting from calluses
verrucae (warts)
elevated growths of the epidermis that result from hyperplasia
verrucae symptoms
- cutaneous manifestation of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- 3 most common: common warts, plantar warts, flat warts
- common warts: small, hard, white or pink lump with cauliflower-like surface, inside wart are small clotted blood vessel like black splinters
- verruca can develop anywhere, but most common on hands or soles of feet
- wart is painless, but a wart on sole (plantar wart) can feel like a stone in shoe
- pruritus can also accompany a wart
- most common among teenager and children but no serious health risks
verrucae etiology
- caused by viruses and are spread by touch or contact with skin shed from wart
- each of the types of viruses tend to infect different parts of body
- most warts disappear naturally over time
deformed or discoloured nails
nails with any unusual thickening, shape, or color that deviates from normal are classified as deformed or discoloured nails
dd nails symptoms
- unusual thickening, color variation, change in shape can be symptoms of an underlying disease or disorder
dd nails etiology
- injury to nail bed caused by continuous pressure from ill-fitting shoes or poor circulation caused by arteriosclerosis can lead to thickening
- nail discolouration is caused by many illnesses
- vitamin or mineral deficiencies and injury to nail may cause one or more white patches to develop in the nail
dd nails treatment
- deformities and discolouration caused by underlying illness resolve when illness is corrected
- physician can remove in-growing edge of nails and the toe’s nail fold, apply chemical to edge to relieve discomfort and prevent edge from ingrowing again
- discolouration caused by fungus, lamisil can be prescribed
paronychia
infection of the skin around a nail
paronychia symptoms
- acute parochial, cuticle or nail fold becomes edematous, red, and painful
- if cuticle lift away from base of nails, purulent material can be expressed
- when nail fold is affected, blister of pus (whitlow) develops beside nail
- chronic infections produce similar symptoms, often several nails are affected. when cuticle lifted, nail roots no longer are protected and become damaged
- produces deformed or discoloured nails
paronychia etiology
- infection may be caused by bacteria or fungi
- bacteria usually cause acute, fungi cause chronic
- chronic infections develop slowly and less painful but more persistent
- paronychia occurs particularly in people who have hands in water for long periods
- antibiotics correct bacterial, if infection chronic, anti fungal cream/paint is prescribed