Ch. 6 The Skin

Question 1

what is dermatitis?

Answer 1

Skin inflammation that can have a variety of causes from irritants and cosmetics, plant oils and household chemicals. Occurs in many forms, usually involving an itchy rash or swollen reddened skin

Question 2

Signs and symptoms of Dermatitis

Answer 2

1. Red, swollen, itchy skin
2. may blister and ooze clear to yellow fluid
3. develop a crust or flake off

Question 3

treatment principles for dermatitis

Answer 3

1. corticosteroid creams, antihistamines, wet compresses, covering the skin and avoiding irritants

Question 4

evacuation guidelines for dermatitis

Answer 4

1. when the patient becomes too uncomfortable to continue or a secondary skin infection develops

Question 5

Signs and symptoms of fungal infections of the skin

Answer 5

1. red
2. itchy
3. scaling, blistering, cracking
4. commonly in groin and feet

Question 6

treatment principles for fungal infections

Answer 6

1. wash the area thoroughly with soap and water
2. air dry
3. apply a thin layer of OTC fungal cream
4. consider prescription anti-fungals for severe infections

Question 7

prevention of fungal infections

Answer 7

1. wear well-ventilated quick-dry clothing
2. wash groin and feet daily
3. air dry groin and feet regularly

Question 8

Signs and symptoms of poison Ivy, Oak and sumac

Answer 8

1. red, itchy, blistered rash
2. scaly, crusting wounds
3. potential for significant local or systematic swelling

Question 9

treatment principles for poison ivy, oak, and sumac

Answer 9

1. wash area immediately with cold water after exposure
2. wash all clothes and equipment that may have been exposed
3. apply a thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce itching.
4. oral antihistamines may reduce itching
5. evacuate anyone who has inhaled fumes from burning poison ivy, oak and sumac or has extensive facial swelling and/or rash

Question 10

Prevention of Poison Ivy, Oak and sumac rash

Answer 10

1. learn to recognize poison ivy, oak and sumac
2. be aware of inhaling fumes from burning these plants
3. consider barrier creams for hyper-sensitive individuals

Question 11

Signs and symptoms of sun burn

Answer 11

1. superficial to partial thickness burn appearance

2. red painful swollen blisters

Question 12

treatment principles for sun burn

Answer 12

1. cool the burn
2. apply skin moisturizers or Aloe Vera gel
3. consider pain medications (NSAIDS often recommended)
4. hydrate
5. avoid further sun exposure

Question 13

prevention of sunburn

Answer 13

1. avoid the sun between 9am - 3pm
2. wear protective coverings
3. apply generous amounts of sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater that blocks UVA and UVB
4. apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to exposure
5. reapply during the day, especially if sweating or swimming