Definition Flashcards
Dermatologist
Is a physician who specializes in dermatology, the study of the skin, and the diagnose and treatment of skin orders.
Skin (integument)
Means a covering or skin
Is the external covering of the body, and is the largest organ of the body. It has many important functions, and the mnemonic DERMA will help you remember them.
*D vitamin synthesis
*Elimination of waste through
perspiration
*Regulation of body temperature
through perspiration
*Makes information about the
environment available to the brain
*Acts as barrier to pathogens
DERMA
The mnemonic for skin, integument.
Integumentary system
Is the skin and its glands, hair, nails, and other structures that are derived from it.
Word parts
Skin layers
adip(o) ——Fat
cutane(o), derma(a), derm(o)—-skin
dermat(o)
kerat(o)——horny, cornea
-derm———-skin or germ layer
Combining form
Accessory skin structures & substances
hidr(o)——-sweat
onych(o), ungu(o)———nail
pil(o), trich(o)———-hair
seb(o)———-sebum
Epidermis
Is located above the dermis
The thin outer layer, is composed of 4 to 5 layers. Underneath the epidermis is the thicker dermis, composed of connective tissue, containing lymphatics, nerves, blood vessels, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. Beneath the dermis is a layer of subcutaneous adipose tissue.
Epidermis consist of four or five layers
Dermis
thicker layer than the epidermis.
Also called the corium, is the thicker layer of the skin. It is a non-cellular connective tissue that is composed of collagen and elastic fibers that provide strength and flexibility. The dermis contains numerous blood vessels, nerves and glands. Hair follicles also are embedded in this layer.
Is the thicker layer underneath the epidermis composed of connective tissue containing lymphatic nerves, blood vessels, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands.
Subcutaneous adipose tissue
Is the layer beneath the dermis layer.
The skin consist of two main parts
Epidermis and The dermis, remember epidermis is located above the dermis
Epidermal
Means pertaining to or resembling epidermis
Palms and soles
The palms and soles have the greatest number of epidermis layers. The outermost layer of epidermis consist of cells that are nonliving and that are constantly being shed and replaced. These cells contain keratin, a waterproofing protein that hardens over several days. Keratin is a scleroprotein, a type of protein that is insoluble and has a fibrous structure, which helps to describe the scaly, or horny, nature of keratin.
Keratin
Is a protein that forms, the epidermidis, hair, and all horny tissue
A waterproofing protein that hardens over several days
Scleroprotein
A type of protein that is insoluble and has a fibrous structure, which helps to describe the scaly, or horny, nature of keratin
cornea
The convex, transparent structure at the front of the eye
kerat(o)
Cornea; hard, horny
Is used in discussion regarding the skin, it means hard or horny
Keratogenesis
Is the formation of keratin, a horny material.
Upper region of the dermis
Has many fingerlike projections. The ridges marking the outermost layer of the skin are caused by the size and arrangement of these projections. The ridge patterns on the fingertips and thumbs (fingerprints) are different for each person.
dermal
cutaneous
Means pertaining to the skin
Subcutaneous
Is just beneath the dermis
Means pertaining to below the skin
Subcutaneous dippers adipose tissue
Lies just under the dermis. It serves as a cushion against shock and insulates the body.
Adipose
Means pertaining to fat
As the skin ages
The number of elastic fiber decreases and much of the adipose tissue is lost. This causes the skin to wrinkle and sag. Loss of collagen fibers makes the skin more fragile, and reduced sebaceous gland activity causes dry, itchy skin.
Dermatone
Are named
C—cervical
T—thoracic
L—lumbar
S—sacral
Which correspond to the spinal nerves that innervate them.
Dermatome has 3 different meanings
1) in embryology, dermatome refers to a layer of tissue in early human development.
2) in surgery, a dermatome is an instrument used to cut thin slices of skin for grafting.
3) in anatomy and physiology, a dermatome refers to the skin surface are innervated (supplied) by a spinal nerve. A dermatome is named accordingly to the nerves source from the spinal cord.
Ectoderm
The skin is derived from a tissue layer called ectoderm that forms during embryonic development. Since receptors of the skin, as well as other parts of the nervous system are also derived from ectoderm.
Three germ layers form during early stages of embryonic development
Soon after fertilization, the fertilized egg undergoes cell division, producing a ball of cells that eventually differentiates into three distinct layers; endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm.
-derm Either means skin or germ layer. Here it is used to refer to germ layer, which is a primary layer of the cells of the developing embryo from which various organ system develop.
Endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm
Are the innermost, middle, and outermost germ layers respectively.
Accessory skin structures
Include hair, nails, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. They are embedded in the dermis.
Hair
Protects the scalp from injury
Eyebrows and eyelashes
Protects the eyes from injury
Hair in the nostrils and external ear canals
Protects the nose and the ears from dust and insects.
The differing distribution of hair in males and female individuals
Is controlled by hormones
Puberty
Hair develops in the armpit (axillary region) and pubic regions, and, in the mail, on the face and other parts of the body.
The structure of hair and associated glands
The hair shaft extends beyond the surface of the epidermis, and the root is the portion of the hair that is below the surface of the skin.
Here contains no nerves. Two types of glands (sebaceous glands and apocrine glands) have ducts that open into the hair follicles, and their secretions are transported to the skin surface.
Stimulation of the eccrine sweat glands
causes perspiration through ducts that open onto the service of the skin. This is the signal most important factor in the regulation of body temperature.
Hair root
Is embedded in the dermis and is the portion of the hair below the surface. The hair shaft protrudes above the surface of the skin.
Arrector pili muscles
Also known as
Pilomotor muscles
Contract under stresses of cold or fright, straighten the hair follicles and raise the hairs, producing goosebumps and goose flesh.
apocrine sweat gland
And
Sebaceous gland
Two glands that are directly connected with the hair follicle
Most sebaceous glands
Are structurally associated with hair follicles, but those of the eyelids, nipples, and genitalia are freestanding.
Sebaceous glands are found in all areas of the body that have hair.
Sebum
The oily material secreted by the sebaceous gland, keeps hair and skin soft and pliable and also inhibits growth of bacteria on the skin.
Sudoriferous gland or sweat gland
Is another type of gland found in the skin
Sweat glands are found in most parts of the skin and are the most numerous in the palms and souls.
The sweat glands that are associated with the hair follicles interact with bacteria on the skin to produce a characteristic body odor.
Sweat glands that are not associated with hair follicles open to the surface of the skin through pores. When stimulated by temperature increases or emotional stress, these glands produce perspiration that evaporates on the skin surface and has a cooling effect.
Perspiration, or sweat
Is the substance produced by the sweat glands.
Sweat is a mixture of water, salt, and other waste products.
Although elimination of waste is a function of the sweat glands, their principal function is to help regulate body temperature.
As sweat evaporates on the skin surface, the skin is cooled and the body temperature is decreased.
Fingernails and toenails
Modifications of the horny, epidermal cells, are composed of keratin.
Nails are thin plates of dead epidermis that contain a very hard type of keratin, which protects the fingers and toes and helps us pick up small objects. The nail matrix is responsible for growth of the nail, and appears as a whitish, crescent shaped area called the lunula.
Each nail has a free edge, a nail body (the visible part), and a nail root which is covered with skin.
The nail bed is thickened to form the nail matrix, which is responsible for growth of the nail. The matrix is under the part of the nail body that appears as a whitish, crescent shaped area called the lunula. Nails appear pinkish because of the rich supply of blood vessels in the underlying dermis.
Cuticle
Is the thin edge of hardened epithelial cells at the base of the nail.
lunula
Is the growth of the nail that appears as a whitish, crescent shaped area. 
Nail matrix
Is responsible for growth of nails
The matrix is under the part of the nail body that appears as a whitish, crescent shaped area called the lunula.
Onychophagia
Is the habit of biting
Onychophagist
Habitually bites the nails
ungual
Means pertaining to the nail
Name the two layers of the skin
Epidermis and dermis
Ectoderm
Name the germ layer from which the skin is derived
Sebum
The name of the oily material secreted by sebaceous glands
Sudoriferous gland
Another term for a sweat gland
ungual
An adjective that means pertaining to the nail
Diagnostic test
Our generally performed when inspection of the skin is not sufficient to diagnose a suspected condition.
Biopsy (Bx, bx)
Is performed to remove samples of lesions if malignancy is suspected.
Removal of a small piece of living tissue
A sample of living tissue is removed for diagnostic purposes
Laboratory cultures
Are performed to identify the cause of an infection.
Skin test
Are used to determine the existence of allergies
Skin biopsy
May involve removal of a part of a tumor to establish a diagnose
Incisional biopsy
Removal of part of a tumor to establish diagnose
Excisional biopsy
Removal of the entire tumor
Punch biopsy
An instrument called a punch is used to remove a small amount of material (at least to the level of the dermis) for microscopic study.
The use of a specifically designed round knife, a core sample is removed from microscopic examination
Shaved specimen
Is performed on superficial lesions, using a razor blade to obtain the specimen
curettage
Material may also be obtained by curettage, the scraping of material from a lesion using an instrument called a curet.
A curet is used to scrape material from the surface of a wound.
Curettage is performed to obtain tissue for either microscopic examination or culture or to clear unwanted material from areas of chronic infection.
Fungal or bacterial infections
Are those caused by fungi or bacteria.
Tissue or fluids
(obtained by needle aspiration)
Can be examined, microscopically
Fluids can be removed from a wound by _______ ________.
Bacterial and fungal cultures
May be done in an effort to grow the causative organisms in an artificial culture medium to establish the cause of an infection.
Special microscopic studies
Can demonstrate the presence of fungal or bacterial infections, and the presence of certain parasites, such as lice.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is also called a black light
Wood lamp
Some fungi are fluorescent when viewed with the wood lamp, which is an ultraviolet UV light
Skin test
Is one that is performed to determine the reaction of the body to a substance by observing the results of either injecting, the substance or applying to the skin.
Is one that is done to determine the reaction to a substance by observing the results of either injecting the substance or applying it to the skin.
Allergy test or patch test
When it is done to determine whether an allergy to a particular substance exists.
A skin test that is performed to detect allergic reactions
Cystic fibrosis
A sweat test is specifically performed to diagnose. It is a congenital disorder that causes abnormally thick secretions of mucus, particularly in the lungs. Increased levels of sodium and chloride are present in the sweat of individuals who have cystic fibrosis and sweat tests are used to diagnose the disorder.
Sweat test
Demonstrates increased levels of sodium and chloride in cystic fibrosis.
Is specifically performed to diagnose cystic fibrosis.
Increase the levels of sodium and chloride are present in the sweat of individuals who have cystic fibrosis and sweat test are used to diagnose the disorder.
Important characteristic of skin
Is it ability to communicate information to the trained observer.
Normal skin has an even tone that is free of lesions, bruises, or signs of inflammation (pain, heat, redness, or swelling )
Different appearances of the skin
Excessively red: high blood pressure
Appear very pale: anemia
Exfoliation
Is a falling away of tissue in scales or layers.
Induration
Is hardening of a tissue, especially the skin, and is usually caused by edema and inflammation.
Albinism
A partial or total absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. It is present at birth, and is due to a defect in melanin precursors.
Lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes.
Albino
Is a person affected with albinism
Cyanosis
A bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes
Discoid lupus erythematosus DLE
Chronic systemic disease characterized by lesions that are covered with scales; named because of the reddish facial rash that appears in some patients; believed to be an autoimmune disease.
erythema
Redness or inflammation of the skin (for example, sunburn) or mucous membranes that is the result of dilation of the superficial capillaries.
ichthyosis
Any of several skin conditions in which the skin is dry and scaly, resembling fish skin. Some forms are hereditary, and the skin is described as ichthyoid,
Resembling fish skin
Skin condition resembling a fish
Ichthyoid
Resembling fish skin
Jaundice
Is yellowing of the skin due to increased bile pigments in the blood
A yellow discoloration of the skin, mucus membranes, and whites of the eyes.
pediculosis
Infestation of human lice, Pediculus, of the scalp, skin, or pubic hair region. The egg is called a nit.
scleroderma
Hardening of the skin
A general term for hardening and thickening of the skin, which is a finding in various diseases. Systemic scleroderma is an auto immune disease.
xeroderma
A mild nonhereditary form of ichthyosis, which is characterized by roughness and dryness of the skin.
xerosis
Is any dry condition (excessive dryness of the skin)
Excessive dryness of the skin, causing it to be vulnerable to scaling, thinning, and injury; the term also means abnormal dryness of the eye, skin, or mouth.
Condition of dryness
Lesion
A skin lesion is any visible local abnormality of the tissues of the skin, such as a sore, a rash, or a tumor. Most skin lesions are benign, but one type, a melanoma, is among the most malignant of all kinds of cancer.
Trauma
Such as cuts, punctures, or burns, exposes the underlined tissue to infection. Climate, hygiene, and general health also also play a part.
Abscess
Localized collection of pus
Is any pus containing cavity that is surrounded by inflamed tissue and is characteristically caused by infection with staphylococci. Healing usually occurs when the abscess drains or is incised.
Staphylococci
Staph
Are pyogenic bacteria, which means they produce pus.
Cyst
Is a fluid filled sac
Is a closed sack in or under the skin that contains fluid or semisolid material.
palpation by a physician will usually distinguish between a fluid filled cyst and a solid nodule.
Sac filled with clear fluid
Sebaceous cyst
Contains a collection of yellow cheesy sebum, and is sometimes open to the surface
pilonidal cyst
Often develops in the sacral region of the skin, and is sometimes considered a poorly drained anaerobic abscess rather than a true cyst.
Cyst that often develops in the sacral region of the skin and contains hairs. Sometimes these open to the surface and drain.
Nodule
Is a solid elevated lesion 1 cm or more in diameter, for example, and enlarge lymph node.
Is solid, more than 1 cm wide, and can be detected by touch.
Palpation by a physician will usually distinguish between a fluid filled cyst and a solid nodule.
Primary lesions
Because they are initial reactions to an underlying problem
macule
papule
plaque
vesicles
bullae
pustules
wheals
macule
A non-raised, small dark spot on the skin; for example, freckles, or some rashes.
Discolored spot, not elevated
papule
Is solid raised lesion that is less than 1 cm in diameter; for example, a mole
Solid elevation, less than 1 cm in diameter
plaque
A flat, dry, often raised patch; for example, dandruff.
Vesicles
Small blisters containing clear fluid
bullae
Singular bulla; blisters greater than 1 cm and filled with clear fluid.
Blister, larger than 1 cm
pustules
Is a visible collection of pus within or beneath the epidermis
Small circumscribed elevation of the skin containing purulent fluid.
Fluid filled sac containing pus
Wheals
Transient, elevated, and irregularly shaped lesions resulting from an allergic skin eruption called urticaria. Treatment includes antihistamines and removal of the stimulus or allergen.
Lesions resulting from allergic skin reaction
Secondary lesions
Are changes in the appearance of the primary lesion that will occur with normal progression of the disease, and include the following lesions:
fissures
scales
scar
ulcers
atrophy
excoriation
fissures
Leaner cracks in the epidermis, such as the lesions of athletes foot or other cracklike lesions of the skin.
Split, cleft, or groove
Scales
Dried fragments of sloped epidermis; frequently seen in psoriasis, which is a common chronic skin disease.
scar
A mark remaining after the healing of a wound
ulcers
Deep, irregular erosions that extend into the dermis
atrophy
Thinning of the skin with loss of skin markings
excoriation
Is the skin injury caused by trauma such as a scratch, abrasion, chemical/thermal burn
A scratch; an injury to the surface of the body caused by trauma
Dermatitis
Inflammation condition of the skin
It may be acute or chronic and is a very general term that applies to any type of inflammation of the skin, including skin infections.
Sunburn is a type of dermatitis that resolves from over exposure to the sun.
Skin infections are caused by specific types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Contact dermatitis
Results from exposure to an irritant that initiates an allergic response, such as poison ivy, or a reaction to a chemical.
Verruca
Another name for wart
Is a benign warty skin lesion (wart) with a rough surface caused by a common contagious virus.
Wart is a skin infection.
Herpes simplex virus HSV
HSV infection is the most common viral infection of adult skin.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes the classic fever blisters.
Herpes zoster, causes shingles and occurs with reactivation of the herpes virus in individuals who have previously had chickenpox.
Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV) - which causes genital herpes infections that are generally limited to the genital region.
Fever blisters
Infection is caused by a virus and has an affinity of mucous membranes of the mouth and nose.
furuncle or boil
Commonly called boil, is a localized suppurative (formation of pus) infection that begins with infection of a hair follicle or sebaceous gland by pathogenic staphylococci.
Suppuration
Purulence
Pyogenesis
Production of pus
Dermatomycosis
Is a superficial fungal infection of skin
Superficial fungal infection; also called mycodermatitis
Ringworm or tinea, is a group of dermatomycosis that affect various parts of the body
eczema
Superficial dermatitis of unknown clause in confined to the surface of the skin.
herpes zoster
An acute infection caused by reactivation of the dormant, chickenpox virus, characterized by the development of painful blisterlike eruptions that followed the underlying route of cranial or spinal nerves; commonly called the shingles. Vaccination to prevent herpes zoster is available.
Photodermatitis
Inflammation of the skin resulting from an abnormal skin reaction to light; this is a common symptom of DLE
Scabies
A contagious dermatitis caused by the itch mite and transmitted by close contact.
seborrhea
Excessive secretion of oil
Excessive production of sebum, the only secretion of the Seuss glands. Increased activity of these glands at puberty may block the hair follicle and cause blackheads or pus pimples; this leads to acne, also called
acne vulgaris, which is characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, nodules, and cysts. Blackheads are partially blocked, sebum plugs, whereas whiteheads are closed. Pimples are small pustules.
seborrheic dermatitis
A chronic inflammatory condition of the skin that is characterized by greasy scales and yellowish crust. Dandruff is an example.
Skin infection
Invasion of the skin by pathogenic microorganisms.
Ringworm
A superficial fungal infection of the nonhairy skin of the body. The disease is named for the characteristic circular lesions.
acne
acne vulgaris
Inflammatory disease of the hair, follicles and sebaceous glands characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cysts
Which is characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, nodules and cyst.
Acne is common were sebaceous glands are numerous (face, upper back, and chest)
Crust
Dried serum, sebum,blood, or pus on the surface produces a crust. Crusts frequently result from broken vesicles, bullae, or pustules.
petechiae
Refers to tiny red or purple spots appearing on the skin as a result of tiny hemorrhages
Are tiny purple or red spots appearing on the skin as a result of tiny hemorrhages within the dermal or submucosal layers. They are flush with the skin and range in size from pinpoint to pinhead size.
The spots that result from tiny hemorrhages in the skin __________.
Appear on the skin as a result of tiny hemorrhages beneath the surface.
Tiny purple or red spots that result from tiny hemorrhages within the dermal or submucosal layers
ecchymosis
Is a hemorrhagic spot, larger than a petechia. It forms a non-elevated blue or purpleish patch.
It’s a large hemorrhagic spot.
Is an escape of blood into the subcutaneous tissue
Tumor or neoplasm
New or abnormal growth
Is a new growth of tissue characterized by a disordered growth of cells.
Example of benign tumors: warts & moles.
Nevus
Plural is nevi
Another term for mole
Lipoma
Is a common benign tumor consisting of mature fat cells, usually removed by surgical excision.
Keratoma
Also called callus
Is a tumor composed of keratin (horny material)
Is a flat, poorly defined mass, usually at locations of external pressure.
Corn
Is caused by pressure or friction but, unlike a callus, is round or conical and usually painful.
Petechiae
Ecchymosis
Are forms of hemorrhages into the skin caused by trauma to the underlying blood vessels or fragility of the vessel walls.
Calluses and corns
Are caused by external pressure or friction
Keratosis
Is a condition of the skin characterized by the formation of horny growths or excessive development of the epithelium( horny growth)
Seborrheic keratosis
One type of keratosis
Is a consequence of aging. This common benign lesion may occur anywhere on the body of an older person but is more commonly found on the face, neck, upper trunk, and eyes.
An abnormal appearance of the skin such as this, with well defined edges and definite boundaries, is described as a circumscribed lesion, because one could easily draw a circle around it.
Large lesions that show characteristics of stuck on appearance. They are benign tumors that can be removed by curettage, cryotherapy, or application of caustic agents.
Actinic keratosis
Is a premalignant lesion that is common in people with chronically sun damaged skin.
These premalignant lesions may progress to skin cancer if the lesions are not removed.
They are usually removed, because this type of keratosis can progress to squamous cell carcinoma
Basal cell
Squamous cell cancers
Are common types of skin cancer that are rarely invasive. In other words, they rarely spread to other organs.
Basal cell carcinoma
Is a malignant epithelial cell tumor that begins as a papule and continues to enlarge.
Malignant melanoma
Often shortened to melanoma, is a pigmented neoplasm that originates in the skin and is composed of melanocytes. It is highly metastatic, one of the most aggressive of all skin cancer, and causes a high mortality rate in affected individuals.
One type of skin cancer that is included in cancer statistics
Because about half of malignant melanoma arise from moles, Nevi with irregular edges or variegated colors, are usually surgically removed and examined microscopically to determine their cell type
Literal interpretation of melanoma is a black tumor.
Kaposi sarcoma
Is a common malignancy associated with AIDS. Small purplish brown malignant lesions on the skin.
Is the most common malignancy associated with acquired immuno deficiency syndrome, (AIDS)
The lesions are small, purplish brown papules that spread throughout the skin, the lymph nodes, and the internal organs. Other disorders associated with this lesion include diabetes and malignant lymphoma.
Wound
Is a physical injury involving a break in the skin, usually caused by an act or accident other than a disease.
Unintentional wounds often take longer to heal, and the risk for infection is greater than for intentional wounds, which are the result of planned invasive therapy or treatment, as in surgery.
Unintentional wounds occur from unexpected trauma or forcible injury, such as scrapes, burns, or stabbing. This type of wound usually occurs in an unsterile environment, the edges are jagged, and bleeding, may be uncontrolled.
Intentional edges are clean, bleeding is controlled, the wound is usually made under sterile conditions, and the risk of infection is low.
Surgical incision
Classified as an intentional wound
Aseptic
Free of pathogenic, organisms, or infective material
Trauma to the skin and underlying tissues
Requires healing to repair the defect, whether the wound was created by a surgical decision or an accident.
Surgical wound
Generally heals quickly because of its aseptic (free of infection) nature.
Things that slow the healing process
1) infection, presence of foreign material, or necrotic tissue
2) movement (lack of immobilization) of the wound
3) poor blood circulation in the area of an abscess or in the individual in general
4) decreased number of white blood cells in the blood
5) deficiency of antibodies in the blood
6) malnutrition in the individual
Pressure ulcer
Also called bed sores or decubitus ulcers
This is a special type of injury to the skin that occurs almost exclusively in people with limited mobility.
Decubitus ulcers occur in the skin over a bony prominence as a result of mechanical trauma and lack of adequate blood circulation to the affected area. Once formed, they are slow to heal.
Keloid
And overgrowth of scar tissue
Excessive overgrowth of unfriendly, scarred tissue after skin injury, particularly wounds or surgical incisions
Refers to sharply elevated, irregularly shaped progressively enlarging scar resulting from excessive amounts of collagen in the dermis during connective tissue repair.
Scars
Are marks left in the skin or an internal organ by the healing of a wound, sore, or injury. Replacement of normal tissue by fibrous tissue results in a scar that is red or purple at first, then later becomes white or shiny.
A mark that is left by healing of a lesion where excess collagen was produced to replace the injured tissue.
Laceration
Is a torn, jagged wound.
Puncture
Is a wound made by piercing.
Abrasion
Skin is scraped or rubbed away by friction
Contusion
Is called a bruise and is characterized by swelling, discoloration, and pain.
An injury caused by a blow to the body that causes subcutaneous bleeding that does not disrupt the integrity of the skin.
An injury that causes subcutaneous bleeding but does not result in a break of the skin
Urticaria
Is an allergic skin reaction (hives)
Skin eruption that is also known as hives.
Vascular reaction of the skin marked by transient appearance of wheals
Burns
Are tissue injuries resulting from excessive exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, or gases, in which extent of the injury is determined by the amount of exposure, and the nature of the agent that causes the burn. The magnitude of the injury is based on the depth and extent of the total body service area (TBSA) that is burned.
Burns are sometimes classified as first-, second-, third/, and fourth-degree injuries.
The American burn association ABA advocates categorizing the burn injury according to the depth of tissue destruction as a superficial or deep partial thickness burn or as a full thickness burn (third or fourth degree)
Superficial partial thickness burn
1st degree
Does not extend beyond the epidermis, layer of skin.
Red; no immediate blisters but may blister after 24 hours
Deep partial thickness burn
2nd degree
Damage does not extend beyond the dermis, layer of skin
Red and moist, blistered
Full thickness
3rd degree
Throughout the dermis and epidermis, sometimes into the subcutaneous fat layer
Appearance of skin: Hard, dry, and leathery; white, deep red, yellow, brown to black
Deep full thickness burn
4th degree
No skin layers remain; underlying bone and muscle are damaged
Muscle and bone are exposed and wound is blackened and depressed
Appearance of skin: wound is blackened and depressed; muscle and bone are exposed
Burn injuries
Range from a sunburn to complex injuries that are systemic, involving electric shock, and even death. When the skin is injured, fluid loss and large inflammatory responses change the function of most body systems.
The “rules of nines”
Page 604
Calculates the size of a burn injury.
Is a formula for estimating the percentage of adult body surface covered by burns, and is modified in infants and children because of the proportionately larger head size.
Serious burn injuries can result in systemic disturbances, including fluid and protein, losses, and abnormalities in many bod systems.
In addition, infection is a serious threat when the skin is destroyed, and can no longer protect the underlying tissues from microorganisms
Sepsis
Another term for infection
Frostbite
Is damage to the skin, tissues, and blood vessels, as a result of prolonged exposure to cold.
Hypoxic tissue
Injury is greater
The individuals health affects the severity of injury
Hypoxia
Means a condition in which the amount of oxygen is below normal 
Necrosis
Death of tissue
Is localized tissue death that occurs in response to disease or injury.
Death of areas of tissue or bones surrounded by healthy parts.
Necrotic
Dead tissue
When tissue is badly damaged, it becomes necrotic.
Tissue decay
In gangrenous necrosis, ischemia combined with bacterial action causes tissue decay.
Alopecia
Baldness
Absence of hair from the skin, where it is normally present
Pathologies
Also occur with the hair, nails, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands
follicul/itis
folliculitis
Follicle/inflammation
A superficial bacterial infection involving the hair follicles. Without treatment, folliculitis can progress to cellulitis, a localized bacterial invasion of subcutaneous tissue.
cellul/itis
Cellulitis
Is an acute spreading, edematous, inflammation of the deep subcutaneous tissue. It is usually caused by infection of a skin lesion.
little cell or compartment/inflammation
A localized bacterial invasion of subcutaneous tissue
hidr/aden/itis
hidradenitis
Perspiration/gland/inflammation
Inflammation of a sweat gland. A chronic form is caused by closure of the pores with secondary bacterial infection of apocrine gland, chiefly in the axillary and anogential areas, forming an abscess or a cyst.
Leuko/derma
leukoderma
White/skin
Localized loss of skin pigment. One form is vitiligo, irregular depigmentation of patches of the skin.
vitiligo
Irregular depigmentation of patches of the skin.
Hypopigmented area parched of the skin
onycho/lysis
onycholysis
nail/loosening, freeing, or destroying
Separation of a nail from its nail bed, beginning at the free margin, associated with dermatitis, fungal infection, or psoriasis.
onycho/malacia
onychomalacia
nail/softening
Abnormal softening of the nails
onycho/pathy
onychopathy
nail/disease
Any disease of the nails
onych/osis
onychosis
nail/condition
Atrophy of other unhealthy condition of the nails
onycho/myc/osis
onychomycosis
nail/fungus/condition
A fungal condition of the nails
Is the disease of the nails caused by fungus
Discoloration of the nail and the redness around the nail, indicating inflammation
tricho/pathy
trichopathy
hair/disease
Any disease of the hair
trich/osis
trichosis
hair/condition
And abnormal growth or development of hair
dia/phoresis
diaphoresis
Through/transmission
Means excessive sweating, or perspiration
Perspiration
Is only one means of ridding the body of excess heat. The level of heat produced within the body and lost from the body surface is regulated and controlled by the brain.
Hypothermia
Low body temperature
A condition of less than normal heat.
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can lead to___________.
Is a condition in which the body temperature is below normal
Hyperthermia
Examples, heat, stroke, and sunstroke
Greatly increased body temperature
This condition is caused by prolonged exposure to excessive heat or sun, and may be life-threatening.
Is a state in which an individuals body temperature is elevated above his or her normal range.
In a healthy person, internal body temperature is maintained within a narrow range by the brain, resulting in a balance between generation and conservation of heat.
Pyrexia or fever
Is an increased body temperature that is mediated by an increase in the heat regulatory setpoint.
Thermoplegia
Another name for heat stroke or sunstroke
Translated, liberally, thermoplegia means heat paralysis, but you know it as heat stroke or sunstroke
Wound irrigation
Is the flushing of an opened wound using a medicated solution, water, sterile saline, (a salt solution, usually an isotonic solution of sodium chloride), or an anti-microbial liquid preparation.
Antimicrobial
Pertains to an agent that kills microorganisms
Means pertaining to a substance that acts against microorganisms, either killing or inhibiting their growth.
This type of irrigation is done to cleanse and remove debris or excessive drainage. The wound is irrigated, and the rinsing solution is aspirated and discarded until the returning solution is clear.
Negative pressure wound therapy
Vacuum assisted closure (VAC)
Uses suction and controlled negative pressure (vacuum) to remove drainage and speed wound healing.
The VAC system pulls infectious materials and other fluids from the wound via tubing. Wounds suitable for this type of therapy include acute or traumatic wounds, chronic, ulcerated, wounds, or surgical wounds that have dehisced,
Dehiscence
Splitting open
Is the rupture of a wound closure or the separation of the surgical incision, typically an abnormal incision.
Amputation
The surgical removal of a limb or part of the body.
Skin graph
Is transplantation of skin to cover areas where skin has been lost through a burn or other trauma, or to replace diseased skin that has been removed.
Dermatome
Is used to cut thin slices of skin for graphing
autograft
Literal translation is self graft
If the graft is from the patient’s own body
Tissue graft, whereby one’s tissue is transplanted to another side of one’s body
Skin flap
Is a special type of skin graft that involves moving a section of skin to a nearby area without cutting off the end of the transplanted tissue. This is done to leave some of the blood circulation intact.
Allograft
Is a graft of tissue between two genetically different individuals of the same species
Tissue graft between two genetically different individuals
Histocompatibility
Is necessary for a successful transplant of any organ or tissue.
Means that the transplanted tissue is capable of surviving without ill effects.
Incompatibility
If the tissue is not compatible
Mohs surgery
Is tissue sparing and is often used on the face. Thin layers of malignant tissue are removed, and each slice is examined microscopically for malignant margins until the specimen is clear of malignancy.
cryosurgery
Destruction of small growth, such as warts, by application of extreme cold; cryotherapy
Debridement
Refers to removal of foreign material and dead, or contaminated tissue from an infected or traumatic lesion until surrounding healthy tissue is exposed
The removal of foreign material and dead, or damaged tissue, especially from a wound.
Cutting away of dead, or damaged tissue in a wound
Debride
Is to remove by dissection
Electrodessication
Destruction of superficial skin growth by burning with an electric spark
Escharotomy
Surgical incision of constricting necrotic tissue resulting from a severe burn, done to relieve pressure from severe swelling and restore blood flow.
Surgical incision to relieve pressure after a severe burn
Incision and drainage. (I&D)
Opening of an infected wound and withdrawal of its fluids and discharges
onychectomy
Excision of a nail; declawing of an animal
Plastic surgery
Is the replacement or restoration of parts of the body and is performed to correct a structural or cosmetic defect.
Hair transplantation
Graphs or plugs of skin containing hair follicles are transplanted from some other part of the body to the head. An oral medication is effective in restoring hair and certain types of hair loss, but must be taken the remainder of one’s life to prevent hair loss.
Collagen injections
A reconstructive technique to enhance the lips or plump sagging facial skin. This is sometimes used with injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) also called botulinum toxin type A, a potent bacterial toxin that relaxes facial wrinkles. Botox is also used to relax the muscles involved in spasm of the eyelid or spastic ailments.
Dermabrasion
Physical “sanding of the skin” to remove superficial scars or tattoos on the skin. Alternatives to dermabrasion are chemical peels or laser destruction of the outermost epidermal layers.
electrolysis
Destruction of a tissue such as hair follicle by using electric current
Laser treatments
Destruction of skin imperfections, dark spots are hair follicles
Liposuction, suction lipectomy
Excision of subcutaneous fat from the neck, legs, arms, belly, and elsewhere by placing a narrow tube under the skin and applying a vacuum.
Injection lipolysis
The breakdown or destruction of that by injection, or laser treatments are alternatives for liposuction.
rhytidoplasty
Is plastic surgery to eliminate wrinkles from the facial skin
Surgical repair for wrinkles; facelift. Skin of the face is tightened, and the skin is made to appear firm and smooth.
Tattoo removal
Multiple treatments, either dermabrasion or laser removal. The age, density, type and color of ink, and depth of pigment insertion determine the number of treatments.
Types of plastic surgery
Collagen injections
Dermabrasion
Electrolysis
Laser treatments
Liposuction
Rhytidoplasty
Tattoo removal
Aerosol
A liquid that is vaporized and propelled into the air by gas under pressure within a chamber
Antibiotics
Antimicrobial agents derived from cultures of microorganisms or produced synthetically
Antipruritics
Agents that relieve or prevent itching
Antiseptics
Substances that inhibit the growth of microorganisms, without necessarily killing them
Ointment (ung)
A medicated, fatty, soft substance for external application
Retinoids
Compounds that increase the sloughing of epithelial cells; often used to treat acne, they are structurally related to substances that exhibit vitamin A activity.
Topical medications
Drugs placed directly on the skin. Topical antimicrobial agents and dressings are applied to injured or burned tissue to prevent infection.
Topical anesthetics are applied to the skin to prevent feeling. Antibacterial, antifungals, and antivirals treat bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, respectively.
Transdermal drug delivery
A method of applying a drug to the skin (often called a skin patch), which is absorbed through the skin, and enters the circulatory system; use particularly for estrogen, nicotine, and scopolamine (for prevention of motion sickness).
Medication supplied to the skin
Aerosol
Antibiotics
Antipruritics
Antiseptics
Ointment
Retinoids
Topical medication: antibacterials, antifungals and antivirals
Transdermal drug delivery
UV light therapy
Is a common physical treatment in psoriasis and other skin conditions
UV radiation
One of the types of energy that is included in sunlight, is more readily assessable and easier to control than exposure to the sun
Helio/therapy
Heliotherapy
Sun/therapy
Exposes the body to the sun
Is a treatment of disease by exposing the body to sunlight.
Heat hydro/therapy
Heat hydrotherapy
Heat water/therapy
Therapy with warm water
Uses warm water
Ultrasound
Is used therapeutically as a penetrating, deep, heating agent for soft tissue. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves.
Diathermy
Uses high frequency current to generate heat for healing
Another method of generating heat and soft tissue.
Both diathermy and ultrasound are used to increase circulation to an inflamed area.
Diathermy means passing high frequency current through tissue to generate heat in a particular part of the body.
Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation TENS
Delivers electric current through the skin to painful areas
Is one of the methods used to give stimulation to the skin and subcutaneous tissue offer pain relief.
Transcutaneous means that the electrical current is delivered across
(or through) the skin
Electrodes are placed over painful sites, and small amounts of electric current are delivered to painful areas
Topical medications
Are drugs placed directly on the skin. Topical antimicrobial agents and dressings are applied to injured or burn tissue to prevent infection.
Anesthetics, topical
Relieve pain at the site of contact
Benzocaine (Orajel)
Lidocaine (Xylocaine)
Antihistamines, topical:
Relieve surface allergy symptoms
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Antiinfectives, topical:
Inhibit the growth of or kill microorganisms on the skin
Antibacterials: treat bacterial infections
clindamycin (Cleocin)
mupirocin (Bactroban)
neomycin, polymyxin B sulfate (Neosporin)
silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene)
Antifungals:
Treat fungal infections
butenafine (Mentax)
ciclopirox (Loprox)
clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
Antivirals:
Treat viral infections
acyclovir (Zovirax)
penciclovir (Denavir)
Antiinflammatories, topical:
Reduce inflammation
Corticosteroids: treat various skin disorders
amcinonide (Cyclocort)
hydrocortisone (Cortizone)
Immunosuppressants:
Treat a topic dermatitis or eczema
pimecrolimus (Elidel)
tacrolimus (Protopic)
Antipruritics: Topical, anti-inflammatories, anesthetics, antihistamines, or counterirritates that may be used to relieve itching
Antipsoriatics:
Treat psoriasis
anthralin (Drithocreme)
calcipotriene (Dovonex)
tazarotene (Tazorac)
Antiseborrheic Drugs:
Reduce amount of sebum produced to treat dandruff
selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue)
zinc pyrithinone (Dandrop, with ketoconazole)
Astringents:
Dry and contract skin tissue
calamine lotion (Calamine Plain)
Witch hazel
Counterirritants/Rubefacients:
Create inflammation topically to relieve local pain and swelling
camphor (Vicks VapoRub)
menthol (Halls)
Keratolytics:
Shed top layer of skin to treat acne or remove warts, corns, or other lesion
azelaic acid (Azelex)
benzoyl peroxide (Benzac AC)
salicylic acid (Compound W)
Retinoids:
Regulate epithelial cell growth to treat acne, psoriasis, and other skin problems
adapalene (Differin)
fratotene (Tazorac)
tretinoin (Retin-A)
Scabicides/Pediculicides:
Kill scabies, lice, or mites
lindane (Scabene)
permethrin (Nix)
Cutaneous
Is pertaining to the skin
Axillary
Is pertaining to the armpit
Ichythyoid
Is resembling fish
