Exam Concept Review: Chapter 8 Flashcards
What are the functions of the skin?
Acts as first line of defense
Prevents excessive fluid loss (PROVIDES A BOUNDARY)
Controls body temperature through sweat
Active in sensory perception
Synthesizes vitamin D (UV light)
What does Pruritus mean?
Itchy
What does Urticaria mean?
Hives
What is urticaria (hives) a result of?
Result of Type I Hypersensitivity:
Ingestion of substance
Ex: shellfish, drugs, certain fruits
Describe Urticaria (hives)
Lesions are highly pruritic
Raised, red lesions that scatters throughout the body
Hives are often a part of anaphylaxis:
Check for swelling around mouth and check airway
Administer EpiPen or other first aid as required
Anaphylaxis: is a severe, potentially life threatening allergic reaction. It can result within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you are allergic to (ex: peanuts or bee stings)
What is Basal cell carcinoma?
Most common form of skin cancer
Appears as pearly papule and in
the middle develops a central ulceration
Patients experience no pain or pruritus
Persistent:
Remains and grows slowly
Slowly invasive to subcutaneous tissue
What is malignant melanoma?
Highly metastatic form of skin cancer (can travel throughout the body)
Develops in melanocytes: from a nevus (mole)
Often appear as multicolored lesion with irregular border:
Grow quickly
Change in color, shape, size, and texture
May bleed
What is the treatment for malignant melanoma?
Treatment: surgical removal and radiation plus chemotherapy depending how far advanced it is
What are the ABCDE of Melanoma?
Melanoma is suspected in any Nevus that shows:
Change in appearance/asymmetrical (is not even)
Change in border (are the borders irregular)
Change in color
Increase in diameter (is it getting bigger)
Evolution (how is it changing overtime)
