Integumentary system Flashcards
Define macule
A flat, distinct, discoloured area of skin. It usually does not include a change in skin texture or thickness, usually smaller than 1 cm(freckles).
Define nodule
A growth or lump that develops on or within the body, solid elevated lesion larger and deeper than a papule. (cysts, blisters, skin tags)
Wheal
A round, transient area of the skin which is temporarily raised, typically reddened, and usually accompanied by itching. Caused by dermal edema and capillary dilatation. White in center, red in periphery (mosquito bite, hives) .
Urticaria
The medical term for hives. Hives are raised or puffy areas of the skin that itch intensely.
Vesicle
Small blisters on the skin. A thin-walled sac filled with a fluid, usually clear and small, forms when fluid becomes trapped under the top layer of skin (epidermis), creating a bubble-like sac. (Chickenpox, eczema, rash due to skin irritation or allergy)
Pustule
A small elevation and collection of pus in the top layer of skin (epidermis) or beneath it in the dermis. (acne)
Stasis dermatitis
Skin changes that are caused by poor circulation, blockage and slow blood flow, and the resulting pooling of blood normally in the lower extremities.
-Can develop with aging, but it could also indicate the presence of another condition, like kidney or heart disease.
Symptoms of stasis dermatitis
Leg swelling.
Aching or heaviness in the legs.
Pain that worsens when standing or walking.
Crusting or cracking skin.
Skin ulcers, thickening, bumpiness, or a dark brown tone could develop over time.
Pruritus
Itchy skin
Senile keratosis
Common benign (noncancerous) skin growth. It tends to appear in middle age and you may get more as you get older.
Epidermis
Outer waterproof, protective layer of the skin. Cutaneous membrane, contains germinative.
Germinativum
Deepest layer of the epidermis, provides the germinal cells necessary for the regeneration of the layers of the epidermis (keratin and new cells).
Dermis
Irregular connective tissue layer between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue. A fibrous structure composed of collagen, elastic tissue, and other extracellular components that includes vasculature, nerve endings, hair follicles, and glands.
Hypodermis (subcutaneous)
Bottom layer of fatty tissue, helps provide insulation, regulate temperature, and store fat. Because subcutaneous tissue is the deepest layer of the skin, it attaches the other skin layers to tissues under the skin, like bones and muscles.
Malignant melanoma
Highly metastatic, most deadly skin cancer. The spread of primary melanoma cells to distant organs such as lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain, and bones.
Malignant melanoma S+S
The mole / lesion has irregular/jagged borders, more than one colour or black / brown, sudden progressive increase in size, colour, or shape.
Prevention of malignant melanoma
Limiting exposure to UV rays, wearing protective sunscreen spf 15+ and protective clothing when in the sun, avoid long periods of direct sun exposure, seek medical advice if there are changes in the size, colour or shape of mole.
What is the ABCDE self assessment for malignant melanoma
Asymmetry
Border irregularity
Colour change / variation
Diameter of 6mm +
Evolving / changing
Risks for malignant melanoma
Chronic sun exposure
Severe / reoccurring sunburns in childhood
Multiple moles on body
Genetic
Fair skin, blue eyes
Excisional biopsy vs Incisional biopsy
Excisonal: Remove entire area of abnormality (more involved)
Incisional: Remove small amount (not entire area)
Teaching to avoid metastatic melanoma
Wearing sunscreen
Avoiding UV
Self assessing regularly
Primary lesions
Develop as a direct result of the disease process.
Secondary lesions
Develop from primary lesion, result from changes over time caused by disease progression, manipulation (scratching, picking, rubbing), or treatment.
Eczema
Inflammatory disorder of the skin characterized by papules, vesicles and crusts.
S+S for eczema
Red rash, itchy, dry, thickened, scaly skin.
Red hot and oozing puss.
Treatment for eczema
Antibiotics to prevent secondary infection.
Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin (usually hands) characterized by itchiness, redness and skin lesions with varying borders and distribution patterns.
Prevention of dermatitis
Avoiding irritants, allergens, excessive heat, dryness, controlling perspiration (sweating), avoid itching, wearing gloves for care.
Shingles / herpes zoster
Acute inflammation and infectious disease caused by varicella herpes virus. Can occur in immunosuppressed clients.
S+S of shingles
Malaise, vesicles, plaques, itching, fever, pain.
Treatment of shingles
Acyclovir (zovirax) antivirus
Fungal infection
Tinea, several different types of fungus.
-Treatment is usually topical antifungal.
Tinea corporis
Definition, symptoms, and treatment / teaching.
-Fungal infection that effects the whole body. Appears as errythematus macule (red). Progresses to ring vesicles / scale, clear center, alone or in clusters.
-Topical/ systemic anti-fungal agents are used for treatment
-Avoid heat, moisture and friction.
Tinea capitis
Definition, symptoms, and treatment / teaching.
-Ringworm of the scalp, red scaly patches, temporary baldness, itching and pain.
-Oral / topical antifungal agent used for treatment.
-Contagious, don’t share hats, brushes, pillow cases.
Tinea crutis
Definition, symptoms, and treatment / teaching.
-Ringworm of the groind, also called jock itch.
-Infection on the inner groind, inner thighs and buttocks are, lesions first appear as small red scaly patches and progress to sharply demarcated plaque, elevated borders and itchy.
-Thin layer of topical anti-fungal used for treatment.
-Bathe daily, change underwear, avoid tight clothing.
Tinea pedis (athletes foot)
Treatment / teaching.
-Thin layer of anti-fungal topical cream used for treatment.
-Keep feet dry, cotton socks, foot powder.
Tinea unguium (ringworm of the nail)
Definition, symptoms, and treatment / teaching.
-Yellow thickening of toe nails.
-Keep nails trimmed and clean.
-Very hard to treat, takes a long time.
Scabies Definition
Contagious skin disease caused by mites that burrow into the skin, mites penetrate the skin and deposit eggs.
How is scabies transmitted?
Transmission from direct contact (infected clothing, bedding, animals)
Scabies S+S
Severe itchiness especially at night time, pimple-like (papular) itchy “scabies rash” is also common.
Treatment for scabies
-Topical lotion
-Treat environment with plastic covering for 5 days
-Bed linens and clothes washed in hot water and dried in high heat
-They will reoccur if not treated properly
Lice
Definition and S+S
Parasites that suck blood, leave excrement and eggs that can cause itchiness.
-Red non inflammatory parts on scalp, pruritus.
Abrasion
Wound caused by superficial damage (rubbing, friction, scraping of skin)
-No deeper than the epidermis
Laceration
Deep cut wound produced by tearing or snagging of soft body tissue (flesh), irregular or jagged
Skin tear
Acute traumatic wound, result from external friction and / or shearing forces that separate the epidermis from the dermis.
Risk factors for skin tears
Older adults
Comprised nutrition
Cognitive impairment
Disease process
Impaired mobility
Dry / dehydrated skin
Pressure / shear
Use of corticosteroids
