Integumentary Disorders Flashcards
What is Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper dermis and subqutaneous layer of the skin.
What causes Cellulitis?
Strep Pyrgenes or Staph Aureus
How do microbes gain entry into the integumentary system?
Via compromised skin like wounds. This usually occurs on the legs, then hands and pinna.
What are the characteristics and manifestations of cellulitis?
Erythema. Warmth. Edema. Fever. Pain.
How does bacteria spread through tissue? What else can it affect?
It spreads through tissue spaces. It can also affect the lymphatic system.
What is treatment for mild and severe cases of cellulitis?
Mild: Oral Abx. Severe: IV Abx (7-14 days).
What can occur if Cellulitis is not treated?
There can be severe complications. Lymphangitis (infl of lymp system), Gangrene, Absessess, Sepsis.
What are the three populations or high risk groups when discussing cellulitis
The elderly. Immunocompromised. Patients with ulcers and leisions.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammation disorder. It has a very variable course.
What is the etiology of psoriasis?
Largely idiopathic. There is a genetic component (30%). Autoimmunity.
What is the pathophysiology of Psoriasis? (not sequential)
T-cell autoimmune response. Skin trauma which activated the T-cells. Mediators are released and there is an abnormal growth of keratinocytes and blood vessels. There is an influx of inflammatory cells resulting in inflammatory damage. Epidermal cells turnover at an excellerated rate and stack instead of shedding resulting in scaly patches. Exacerbations of psoriasis occure during times of stress, trauma, infection or from drugs. There is a patter of remission and exacerbations.
What are the manifestations of Psoriasis?
Psoriatic patches on elbows, knees, sacral region, scalp. Nail dystrophy and pitting. Psoriatic arthritis in the distal joints.
What is the treatment for Psoriasis?
No cure. Topical vitamin D help modulate keotinocytes and regulates T-cells. Topical steroids. Topical retinoids help as anti-inflammatories and modulate keratinocytes. For severe psoriasis methotrexate and cyclosporine which are immunosuppressants and cytotoxic and suppresses cell division. Phototherapy. Biological agents (TNF).
What are the three common types of skin cancer?
Basal Cell Carcinoma. Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Malignant Melanoma
What is actinic keratosis?
Pre-CA lesion. It has a 95% cure rate. Lesion from radiation from sun.
What is the etiology of Skin Cancer?
Excessive sun exposure or UV light. Skin damage is cumulative. Prevelence is proportional to age, and inversely proportional to amount of melatonin.
What is basal cell carcinoma?
It is a common form of skin cancer. Basal cell origin (epidermis). Slow, appearing on exposed areas (head, face, neck). It is characterized by a dome shape and nodular lesion. There is local invasion and destruction. It usually does not metastasis. Biopsy is required for Dx.
What is squamous cell carcinoma?
Origin in the epidermis keratinocytes and present in exposed areas. It is faster growing than basal cell and characterized by poorly defined and variable appearance (nodule, papule, mass, ulceration). It may infiltrate local structures and metastasize to local lymph nodes and enter the blood.
What is malignant melanoma?
Cancer of melanocyte origin. This is the worst form, very progessive and metastsis. Appears on exposed and non-exposed surfaces. The main features are: Doubling in size (3-8 mths). Change in color. Irregular border. Pruritus. Bleeding. Crusting. Ulceration. Mets to brain, bone, lung, liver. Can be fatal
What is the ABCDE of cancer characteristics?
Asymetry, Boarder, Color Change, Diameter, Elevation.
What is treatment for skin cancer?
Early detection. Surgical excision. More advanced cancers may require radiation/chemotherapy.
