Integumentary Pathology

Question 1

What is cellulitis?

Answer 1

• fast spreading inflammation from bacterial infection of skin and connective tissue
• Can develop anywhere under skin- typically affects extremities

Question 2

What is etiology of cellulitis?

Answer 2

Bacterial infections: streptococci or staphylococci
Presdisposing factors:
-increased age
-immunosuppression
-trauma
-presence of wounds
-venous insufficiency

Question 3

What are S/S of cellulitis?

Answer 3

• localized redness that may spread quickly
• skin is warm or hot to touch
• local abscess or ulceration
• tenderness to palpation
• chills
• fever
• malaise

Question 4

What is the treatment for cellulitis?

Answer 4

• immediately refer to physician for further assessment
• requires pharmacological intervention with systemic antibiotics
• differential diagnosis needed to rule out DVT or contact dermatitis
• PT may be warranted for wound care
• Can lead to sepsis or gangrene if not properly treated

Question 5

What is contact dermatitis?

Answer 5

• superficial irritaiton of skin from local irritant (ex: poison ivy, latex, soap, jewelry)
• acute or chronic based on exposure to precipitating agent
• common skin disease
• can occur at any age

Question 6

What is the etiology of contact dermatitis?

Answer 6

-occurs with exposure to mechanical, chemical, environmental or biological agents
-Common percipitating agents:
nickel
rubber
latex
topical antibiotics

Question 7

What are the S/S of contact dermatitis?

Answer 7

• intense itching, burning, and red skin in areas of topical irritation
• edema may also occur
• symptoms can expand beyond the initial point of the topical irritation

Question 8

What is the treatment for contact dermatitis?

Answer 8

• identify and remove source of irritation
• topical steroids commonly used
• acute lesions should resolve when irritant removed

Question 9

What is eczema?

Answer 9

• aka dermatitis
• group of disorders that cause chronic skin inflammation typically due to an immune system abnormality, allergic rwaction, or external irritant

Question 10

What is the etiology of eczema?

Answer 10

• based on the particular form of the disorder
• infants and children at higher risk, but may outgrow
• geriatric population also at risk for many forms of eczema

Question 11

What are the S/S of eczema?

Answer 11

• red or brown-gray, itchy, lichenified skin plauques
• can be exacerbated by topical agents such as soaps and lotions
• younger population: often has oozing and crusting of patchy areas

Question 12

What is the treatment of eczema?

Answer 12

• Pharmacological: variable from topical to oral corticosteroids or oral antibiotics and antihistamines
• cold compresses and other modalities may assist with reducing itching
• stress management techniques and avoidance of extreme temperatures should be employed