Chapter 24: The Skin Flashcards
Largest Organ of the Body
The Skin
Functions of the Skin
- Acts as a mechanical barrier to infection.
- Enables and enhances the sense of touch.
- Assists in the regulation of body temperature.
- Allows excretion of waste products and salt from the body.
- Through exposure to sunlight, it enables synthesis of vitamin D for the absorption of calcium.
The Epidermis, Dermis, and Subcutaneous Layer
3 Main Layers of the Skin
Outermost Layer of the Skin
Epidermis
Contains Melanocytes (where pigment is stored)
Thinnest Layer of Skin
AKA Scarfskin or Cuticle Layer
Middle Layer of the Skin
Dermis
Contains Fibroblasts
Contains Immune Cells Involved in Defense.
Houses follicles, blood vessels, sweat and oil glands, and sensory receptors for touch, pain, heat, and cold.
Helps Maintain Body Temp @ 98.6 degrees.
Innermost Layer of the Skin
Subcutaneous Layer (aka hypodermis)
Outermost Part of the Muscle is Located Here.
Stores Adipose (fat) Tissue and Contains Connective Tissue.
An Area of Red, Inflamed Skin, or a Group of Red Spots Caused by Irritation, Allergy, Infection, or Defects in the Skin Structure
Rash
Examples of Rash: Contact Dermatitis and Hives
A Skin Inflammation That Manifests With Red Pimple-Like Bumps and is Characterized by Itching, Blistering, or Oozing Areas That Progress to Scaly, Brownish, or Thickened Skin
Eczema
Treatments Include Immunomodulator (modulates the immune system to help body respond to condition) Creams and Ointments.
Elidel (pimecrolimus) (cream): used for mild-to-moderate atopic eczema
Protopic (tacrolimus) (cream): used for severe atopic eczema.
A Noncontagious Chronic Immune Disorder in Which Specific Immune Cells Become Overactive and Release Excessive Amounts of Proteins Called Cytokines (TNF)
Psoriasis
Treatments Include:
Enbrel (etanercept) (SC injectable) (Anti-TNF)
Remicade (infliximab) (IV infusion) (combined with methotrexate (MTX))
Viral, Bacterial, and Fungal
Types of Skin Infections
Herpes Simplex, Warts, Shingles
Viral Skin Infections
Antivirals Must be Used to Treat.
ABX (antibiotics) and Antibacterials Cannot Cure Viral Infections.
Aldara (imiquimod) 5% Cream
A New Drug For Treating Sexually Transmitted External Genital and Anal Warts.
Immunomodulator
The Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection
HPV (human papillomavirus)
Gardasil Vaccine
An Invasion of Pathogens Into the Body. Occurs When a Pathogenic Microbe is Able to Multiply in the Tissues (colonize)
Infection
A Disease-Causing Microorganism
Pathogen
Kills Microorganisms
Bactericidal
Inhibits the Growth and/or Reproduction of Microorganisms
Bacteriostatic
Lyme Disease, Impetigo, Folliculitis, and Cellulitis
Bacterial Infections
ABX (antibiotics) can be applied topically or taken orally.
Athlete’s Foot, Yeast Infections, Jock Itch, and Ringworm
Fungal Infections (aka mycoses)
Treated With Antifungals (-azole)
An Acute, Deep Infection of the Connective Tissue Accompanied by Inflammation.
Cellulitis
RX Treatment includes oral ABX (antibiotics) like cefazolin (Ancef) or a piggyback IV infusion of Ancef (cefazolin)
isotretinoin
Accutane
Treatments for Acne
IPledge Program
Category X Pregnancy Precaution
An Organism That Lives Inside Another Organism
Parasite
Scabies is an example.
A Malignant Tumor
Carcinoma
Occurs When Skin Cells Multiply or Reproduce Faster Than Normal
Tumors and Cancerous Growths
