Integumentary system Flashcards
(46 cards)
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.
