Integumentary Flashcards
Impetigo
Superficial bacterial infection of the skin.
Characterized by itchy, superficial pustules that rupture and leave behind honey-coloured scabs
Easily spread.
Commonly found on kids (faces, arms, legs)
What causes impetigo?
Streptococci or S.aureus
Cellulitis
Localized bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin
Characterized locally by swelling, tenderness, warmth, redness; possible bruising and blisters.
May develop systemic symptoms (fever, chills, HA)
Cause of cellulitis
Streptococcus, sometimes staphylococcus
Folliculitis
Inflammation of the hair follicle.
Bacteria enters hair shaft, pus develops, follicle becomes irritated and red.
Cause of folliculitis
Usually S. aureus
What happens when folliculitis spreads into perifollicular tissue?
Faruncle develops
Erysipelas
Bacterial infection of the skin. More superficial than cellulitis but clinical similar.
Characterized by shiny, red, slightly swollen rash, often with small blisters.
Local lymph nodes may be inflamed.
Faruncles
AKA boils
Large tender swollen area caused by folliculitis spreading into perifollicular area.
Usually has pus in centre; commonly found on neck, face, breast, buttocks.
Furunculosis
Persistent, recurrent faruncles
Carbuncle
When more than 1 hair follicle inflamed and original abscess enlarges
Characterized by one large abscess or a cluster of faruncles.
Commonly on neck, more common in men. Can lead to systemic symptoms (fatigue, fever)
Hiradenitis Suppurativa
Chronic, scarring inflammation of the apocrine (sweat) glands.
Axillae, ground, around nipples, anus.
Swollen, tender masses resembling cutaneous abscesses; may present as cord-like fibrotic band. Possible pain and foul odour.
Hiradenitis Suppurativa: cause
S. aureus, but can also result from Proteus infection
Fungal Pathogens
Live in superficial, dead skin. Cause no inflammation.
Like it moist and warm.
Ringworm
Common fungal infection of the skin
Tinea pedis
Ringworm of the feet (Athlete’s foot)
Mild scaling, possibly itchy. Can cause skin to crack in severe cases (possibly leading to bacterial infections)
Tinea unguium
Ringworm of the nail (most often toenails)
Gets into newly forming part of nail –> thickened, deformed nail.
Tinea Corporis
Ringworm of the body
Red circular rings, clear in the centre.
Round rashes can be characteristic of:
Tinea corporis (circular rings, clear in centre)
Tinea cruris (Red, ring-like areas, sometimes blistered. Itchy and painful)
Erythema multiforme (red, raised rings that look like targets; symmetrical distribution over body)