CH 11: Skin Conditions Flashcards
What is Dermatology?
The study of the skin
Why is being aware of skin conditions relevant to Athletic Therapists?
- Many skin conditions are more commonly seen in the physically active population
- Many skin conditions are contagious and we want to minimize the spread to ourselves and other athletes who are in proximity
- Early recognition of these conditions can minimize healing time and prevent spread
What are the 2(+1) layers of the skin?
- Epidermis - most superficial layer
- Dermis - Directly deep to epidermis
- Hypodermis / Subcutaneous/SubQ - Deep to dermis but not considered a layer of skin. Mainly compsoed of areolar and adipose tissue
What are the main 4 functions of the skin?
- Protection against contagions (Viral, bacterial, fungal etc)
- Regulation of body temperature
- Prevents fluid and nutrient loss
- Aids in transmission of information from outside the body to the brain (proprioception)
What is a Lesion and how are they identified?
What are the main ways the skin inccurs damage? (8)
Lesions are abnormalities in the skin that occur when the skin is damaged and are identified by their size, shape and depth.
Skin can be damaged by direct trauma, allergic reactions, chemical, heat, cold, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
What are the 3 lines of defense the body uses to prevent infections?
- Skin & mucous membranes
- Cellular response
- Immune system
What are 9 things that interfere with a hosts ablity to defend itself?
- Presence of immunodeficiency diseases
- Age of host (infancy & seniors)
- Actively recovering from surgery
- Actively recovering from burns
- Malnutrition
- Cancer
- Metabolic diseases
- Immunosupressive drugs
- Antibiotic drug therapy
What are the main differences between: Antiseptics, disinfectants, antibiotics and antifungals?
Antiseptics: Applies to skin/living tissue to inhibit or kill bacteria
Disinfectant: Applies to innanimate objects to kill microorganisms/ reduce contamination
Anti-fungals: Drugs that kill or prevent fungal infections (ingested or topical)
Anti-biotics: Drugs that fight and prevent bacterial infections.
What are the 5 classifications of skin injuries?
- Abrasions: Shear force used to scrape the skin, usually in one direction (road/turf burn)
- Incisions: Clean cuts produces by the application of a tensile force that is stretched along a sharp edge (being punched on/near a bony landmark)
- Laceration: Irregular tear that occurs from a combination of tension and shear forces (cut from a serrated blade)
- Avulsions: A more severe laceration that results in complete seperation of skin from underlying tissue
- Punctures: Sharp cylindrical objects that penetrate the skin & underlying tissues with tensile loading forces (stepping on a nail)
Compare the characteristics of Eczema, Psoriasis and Impetigo
Eczema: Generic term for acute or chonric inflammatory conditions of the skin
- Burning and itchiness aggravated by sweating and high body heat
- Treated with topical corticosteroids
- Non-contagious
Psoriasis: Autoimmune skin disorder that can affect the skin but also tendons, ligaments and joints
- Buildup of rough, scaley dead skin cells
- Usually triggered by systemic infections, emotional stress, certains meds, obesity & skin injury
- Flare up periodically
- Non-contagious
Impetigo: Caused by Staphylococcus Aureus and Group A Streptococcus. Usually appears as reddish sores on face, hands, and feet. Sores will eventually burst and form crusts on infected areas.
- Highly contagious
- Mainly affects infants and young children
What are sutures and when should you refer someone for them?
AKA Stiches and they are required under these conditions:
1. Wound length is greater than 5cm
2. Wound presents with high risk of infection
3. Full dermis is exposed
4. Damage was incurred less than 12 hours prior
If athlete does not get stitches, the wound is at risk for infection, the healing process takes much longer and produces a large scab that can be torn off and damaged again before fully healed.
What is Tinea Pedis?
Athlete’s Foot is the most frequent fungal infection in the phsyically active population. Can spread easily in locker rooms, communal showers and contaminated socks.
Can be prevented by wearing footwear in moist common areas and mitigated through thoroughly drying feet and applying anti-fungal powders in target areas.
What is Folliculitis?
AKA ingrown hairs. Infection occurs in the upper portion of a hair follicle and the surrounding areas. Caused by Staphylococci, and tend to grow in areas that have short, coarse hair like facial hair, chest, back etc. Can develop from shaving or friction pads.
What are Furuncles & Carbuncles?
Furuncles develop as a complication of folliculitis that is exposed to repeated friction or blunt trauma. Infection goes deeper and spreads out. Becomes hard and tender when subcutaneous tissue is invaded.
Carbuncles are close groupings of several Furuncles that have merged together into a deep communicating mass.
