Ch10 - Integumentary System Flashcards
Integumentary system
The skin, the largest organ and system of the body
Functions of the integumentary system
Protects internal organs
Prevents excessive loss of water
Sense organ
Regulates body temperature
Normal changes of aging to the integumentary system
Thinner, drier, more fragile skin
Loss of skin elasticity
Less fatty tissue can make you feel colder
Wrinkles and brown spots
Harder, more brittle nails
Less oil from sebaceous glands can cause dry, itchy skin
Cellulitis
A bacterial infection affecting the skin and soft tissue
Malaise
A general sense of feeling unwell
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Bacteria (Staph) that have developed resistance to the antibiotic methicillin
Sepsis
An infection in the bloodstream
Treatments for cellulitis
Oral antibiotics for mild infections
IV antibiotics for more severe (systemic) cases
Most common: penicillin and cephalosporin
Treatments for MRSA
Can be difficult to treat - is a ‘super bug’
Oral antibiotics may be used for less severe cases
IV antibiotics for more severe cases (vancomycin)
Pruritus
Medical term for itching
Contact dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin caused by contact with an irritant
Atopic dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin not caused by contact with an irritant; also called eczema
Treatments for dermatitis
Skin hydration (lotions or creams containing petrolatum or lanolin)
Topical or oral corticosteroids reduce inflammation and swelling
Antihistamines can control overreactive allergic reactions
Immunosuppressant drugs for severe cases
Psoriasis
A chronic skin condition caused by an autoimmune disorder that results in the body creating too many skin cells which cause white or red skin patches that may be itchy and painful
Treatments for psoriasis
Milder cases: topical corticosteroids and moisturizing lotions/creams
More severe cases: phototherapy (light treatments), immunosuppressants
Candidiasis
Overgrowth of the fungus candida on the body (called thrush if in the mouth, yeast infection if vaginal)
Pediculosis
Infestation of the hair or body with lice eggs (nits) or adult lice
Scabies
A skin condition caused by a mite that burrows under the outer layer of the skin
Common fungal infections
Tinea pedis - athlete’s foot
Tinea cruris - jock itch
Tinea corporis - ringworm (not caused by a worm!)
Candidiasis (including thrush, yeast infection)
Fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails
Treatments for fungal infections
Topical antifungal agents kill the fungus causing the infection
Oral antifungals may be given for recurring fingernail/toenail fungus
Treatments for pediculosis and scabies
Drug class is known as miticides - kills parasites, most medications are topical
Pediculocides treat lice infestation
Scabicides treat scabies
Photosensitivity
Increased sensitivity to sunlight, may be caused by some common medications
Petechiae
A condition in which small flat red or purple dots appear on the skin as a result of leaking capillaries
Purpura
Dark red to dark purple patches that appear on the skin due to leakage of red blood cells
Treatment for burns
Silver sulfadiazine reduces risk of infection and helps healing
Topical antibiotics prevent or treat bacterial infection
Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation
Moisture barrier ointments such as Aquaphor for minor burns to protect skin (only as ordered)
