Pg 472 Flashcards
What are the three types of ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths?
- Ultraviolet A (UVA)
- Ultraviolet B (UVB)
- Ultraviolet C (UVC)
UVA can cause elastic tissue damage, UVB contributes to skin cancer, and UVC is blocked by the atmosphere.
Which skin type is especially at risk for sun damage?
Fair-skinned persons and those with light-colored eyes
They have less melanin, providing less natural protection against UV radiation.
What should patients be taught to avoid the damaging effects of the sun?
- Wear protective clothing
- Use sunglasses
- Wear a large-brimmed hat
- Use a darker colored, long-sleeved shirt of tightly woven fabric
- Carry an umbrella
The greatest risk is from midday sun, particularly between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
What percentage of UV rays occur during midday sun?
80%
This is the time when the risk of sunburn is highest.
What types of sunscreens are there?
- Chemical sunscreens
- Physical sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin, while physical sunscreens reflect UV radiation.
What does SPF stand for?
Sun Protection Factor
SPF measures the effectiveness of a sunscreen in filtering and absorbing UV radiation.
What is the minimum SPF recommended for daily sunscreen use?
15
Products labeled as ‘broad spectrum’ must have an SPF of at least 15.
How often should sunscreen be reapplied?
Every 2 hours
Sunscreen should also be reapplied after swimming.
Fill in the blank: Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or more filter _____ of the UVB rays.
92%
This makes sunburn unlikely when applied appropriately.
What are some common photosensitizing drugs?
- Antidepressants: fluoxetine, paroxetine, venlafaxine
- Antidysrhythmics: amiodarone, quinidine
- Antihistamines: cetirizine, chlorpheniramine
- Antimicrobials: tetracycline, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin
- Antifungals: griseofulvin, ketoconazole
- Antipsychotics: chlorpromazine, haloperidol
- Cholesterol-lowering agents: atorvastatin, simvastatin
- Diuretics: furosemide, thiazides
- Hypoglycemics: glipizide, glyburide
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen
These drugs can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.
What is the ABCDE rule for skin assessment?
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Color change and variation
- Diameter of 6 mm or more
- Evolving
This rule helps assess lesions for potential skin cancer.
True or False: Sunscreens are considered waterproof.
False
Sunscreens must be reapplied after swimming, as they are not waterproof.
What should patients taking photosensitizing drugs do to protect their skin?
Use sunscreen products
They should also assess their skin monthly and seek professional assessment for hard-to-see areas.
What is a common side effect of certain drugs that can lead to increased sensitivity to sunlight?
Photosensitivity
Photosensitivity can manifest as swelling, redness, and papular, plaque-like lesions similar to sunburn.
Name a category of drugs that may cause photosensitivity.
Antidepressants
Examples include fluoxetine, paroxetine, and venlafaxine.
List two examples of antidysrhythmic drugs that may cause photosensitivity.
- Amiodarone (Cordarone)
- Quinidine
What type of drugs includes cetirizine and diphenhydramine that may cause photosensitivity?
Antihistamines
Which category of drugs includes tetracycline and azithromycin that may cause photosensitivity?
Antimicrobials
Fill in the blank: Griseofulvin and ketoconazole are examples of _______ that may cause photosensitivity.
[Antifungals]
What are two examples of antipsychotic drugs that may cause photosensitivity?
- Chlorpromazine
- Haloperidol
Name a category of drugs that includes atorvastatin and simvastatin that may cause photosensitivity.
Cholesterol-lowering agents
What type of drugs includes furosemide and thiazides that may cause photosensitivity?
Diuretics
List two examples of hypoglycemics that may cause photosensitivity.
- Glipizide
- Glyburide
Which category of drugs includes diclofenac and ibuprofen that may cause photosensitivity?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
True or False: All drugs that cause photosensitivity have the same manifestations.
False
The manifestations can vary and may include different skin reactions.
What is essential for patients taking photosensitizing drugs to understand?
Their photosensitizing effect
What are the risk factors for skin cancer?
- Having fair skin
- Blond or red hair with blue eye color
- History of outdoor sunbathing
- Living near the equator or at high altitudes
- Family or personal history of skin cancer
- Having an outdoor occupation
- Spending a lot of time in outdoor recreation activities
- Indoor tanning
These factors increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer.
How does the Fitzpatrick Classification of Skin Type assist in skin cancer risk assessment?
It helps determine a person’s skin complexion and their risk for skin cancer.
The classification categorizes skin types based on their reaction to sunlight.
Why are dark-skinned persons less susceptible to skin cancer?
They have increased melanin, which acts like a sunscreen.
Despite this, they still face risks and should wear sunscreen.
Where do melanomas commonly occur in dark-skinned individuals?
- Palms
- Soles
- Mucous membranes
- Under the nails
These areas have less melanin, making them more susceptible to melanoma.
What are the two most common forms of skin cancer?
Nonmelanoma skin cancers, specifically basal cell and squamous cell cancers.
More than 5.4 million new cases are diagnosed each year.
What is the most common causative factor for nonmelanoma skin cancers?
Sun exposure.
Nonmelanoma skin cancers usually develop in sun-exposed areas.
What are the characteristics of actinic keratosis (AK)?
- Most common precancerous skin lesion
- Affects older White population
- Appears on sun-exposed skin
- May spontaneously resolve with reduced sun exposure
AK is also known as solar keratosis.
What is the typical presentation of basal cell cancers?
They may occur in sun-protected areas and do not follow the same pattern as squamous cell cancers.
Squamous cell cancers usually occur on the head and neck.
What is the Fitzpatrick Classification for skin type with the highest risk of burning?
Type I: White, freckles, very fair; always burns, never tans.
This classification helps in predicting skin cancer risk based on skin type.
True or False: Nonmelanoma skin cancers develop from melanocytes.
False.
Nonmelanoma skin cancers develop in the basement membrane of the skin.
Fill in the blank: The potential for severe local destruction, disfigurement, and disability is associated with _______.
nonmelanoma skin cancers.
While there are few deaths, these cancers can have serious consequences.
What is the incidence of skin cancer among Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics compared to other groups?
Lower incidence than Caucasians
Melanoma in dark-skinned persons often goes unrecognized until advanced stages.
What increases the risk of melanoma in dark-skinned individuals?
History of dysplastic nevi and lower levels of vitamin D
Less protection against UV radiation.
What is Actinic Keratosis (AK) characterized by?
Irregularly shaped, flat, slightly red papule with indistinct borders and hard keratotic scale
AK can be impossible to distinguish from squamous cell cancer.
How is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) described?
Locally invasive cancer arising from epidermal basal cells, most common but least deadly skin cancer
Typically occurs in middle-aged to older adults.
Where do most BCCs occur?
Head and neck area, followed by trunk and extremities
Sun-exposed areas are most affected.
What are the main risk factors for Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)?
Sun exposure, immunosuppression after organ transplant, smoking
SCC can be aggressive and has the potential to metastasize.
What is the significance of a biopsy in suspected SCC?
A biopsy should always be done when a lesion is thought to be SCC
It helps confirm the diagnosis.
What is the ABCDE rule used for?
To evaluate suspicious skin lesions for melanoma
It assesses Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving characteristics.
What is the cornerstone of skin assessment for melanoma?
Dermoscopy examination
It helps determine if a lesion should be biopsied.
What does the Breslow measurement assess?
Tumor thickness in millimeters
It is the most important prognostic factor for melanoma.
What is the prognosis for melanomas less than 1 mm thick?
Small chance of spreading
Thicker melanomas have a greater chance of metastasizing.
What is melanoma primarily caused by?
UV radiation from the sun and artificial sources
It damages the DNA in skin cells.
What is the initial treatment for melanoma?
Wide surgical excision
Additional therapy may be required if it has spread.
What is the 5-year survival rate for advanced melanoma?
Around 27%
This rate significantly worsens with deep tumors or lymph node involvement.
What is Actinic Keratosis?
A premalignant skin condition caused by sun damage, characterized by flat or elevated, dry, hyperkeratotic scaly papules, often multiple
Common in older Whites and may recur even with adequate treatment.
What are the clinical manifestations of Actinic Keratosis?
• Flat or elevated, dry, hyperkeratotic scaly papule
• Often multiple
• Rough adherent scale on red base
• Often found on sun-exposed areas
Can be rough or wart-like.
What treatments are available for Actinic Keratosis?
• Excision
• Cryosurgery
• Laser
• Chemical peel
• Topical fluorouracil
• Imiquimod
• Ingenol mebutate
• Photodynamic therapy
Recurrence is possible even with adequate treatment.
What are Atypical or Dysplastic Nevi?
Morphologically between common acquired nevi and melanoma, may be a precursor of melanoma
Often >5 mm with irregular borders and varying colors.
What are the characteristics of Atypical or Dysplastic Nevi?
• Often >5 mm
• Irregular border, possibly notched
• Varying colors within a single mole
• Central part often raised
Most common on the back but can occur in unusual sites.
What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
A slow-growing tumor related to sun exposure, characterized by changes in basal cells with no maturation or normal keratinization
Metastasis is rare with a 90% cure rate for primary lesions.
What is the prognosis for Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Metastasis is rare, and there is a 90% cure rate with primary lesions
Early detection and treatment are crucial.
What is Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma?
A localized chronic skin disease possibly related to environmental toxins, with Mycosis fungoides as the most common form
Prevalence is higher in men, and the disease course is unpredictable.
What are the main characteristics of Melanoma?
Neoplastic growth of melanocytes anywhere on skin, eyes, or mucous membranes, with a correlation between survival rate and depth of invasion
Poor prognosis unless diagnosed and treated early.
What are the classic stages of Melanoma?
• Patch (early)
• Plaque
• Tumor (advanced)
Each stage indicates progression in disease severity.
What symptoms are associated with Melanoma?
• Irregular color, surface, and border
• Variegated color (red, white, blue, black, gray, brown)
• Itching
• Lymphadenopathy
Often <1 cm in size, with specific common sites differing by gender.
What treatments are available for Melanoma?
• Surgical excision
• Sentinel lymph node evaluation
• Adjuvant therapy (if lesion >1.5 mm)
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
Key adjuvant therapies include cytokines and inhibitors.
Fill in the blank: The most common site for Melanoma in males is the _______.
back
True or False: Melanoma can spread through local extension, regional lymphatic vessels, and bloodstream.
True
What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)?
Cancer of squamous cell of epidermis.
Where does Squamous Cell Carcinoma often occur?
On previously damaged skin.
What are the clinical manifestations of early Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Firm nodules with indistinct borders, scaling, ulceration.
What are the clinical manifestations of late Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Covering of lesion with scale or horn from keratinization, ulceration.
What is the cure rate of Squamous Cell Carcinoma with early detection and treatment?
High cure rate.
What treatments are available for metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Immunotherapy for metastatic lesions.
What is the common location for Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Sun-exposed areas such as face and hands.
What is an Atypical or Dysplastic Nevus?
Larger than usual nevi with irregular borders and various shades of color.
What is the increased risk of developing melanoma with Dysplastic Nevi?
The more DN a person has, the higher the risk; 10 or more DN increases risk by 12 times.
What is the role of immunotherapy in melanoma treatment?
Enhances immune response against melanoma cells.
What are some anti-PD-1 agents used in melanoma treatment?
- Nivolumab (Opdivo) * Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
What are BRAF and MEK inhibitors used for?
Targeted therapy for melanoma.
What is the function of the BRAF gene in melanoma?
Signals melanoma cells to proliferate.
What chemotherapy drugs are used for advanced melanoma?
- Dacarbazine * Temozolomide
True or False: Chemotherapy is highly effective for melanoma.
False.
What is the role of radiation therapy in melanoma treatment?
Treating lymph node and brain metastases.
What is the size of a Dysplastic Nevus?
Greater than 5 mm across.
What are the ABCDE characteristics in reference to moles?
Characteristics that may indicate melanoma.
What is the Breslow measurement used for?
To report tumor thickness.
What cytokines are mentioned for immunotherapy?
- a-interferon * Interleukin-2
What is the effect of PD-1 inhibitors?
Boost the immune response against melanoma cells.
Fill in the blank: Dysplastic nevi may have the same _______ characteristics as melanoma.
ABCDE
What are the main types of bacteria that cause primary and secondary skin infections?
Staphylococcus aureus and group A B-hemolytic streptococci
These bacteria can lead to conditions like impetigo, erysipelas, and cellulitis.
What skin conditions can Staphylococcus aureus cause?
Impetigo, folliculitis, cellulitis, and furuncles
These conditions are common results of infections caused by this bacterium.
What viral infections are commonly associated with the skin?
Herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and warts
These are among the most common viral infections affecting the skin.
What are the two common types of contact dermatitis?
Irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis
These types differ in their causes and responses.
What is the primary cause of irritant contact dermatitis?
Direct chemical injury to the skin
This type occurs due to exposure to irritants.
What is the primary treatment for allergic dermatitis?
Avoid known irritants
Identifying and eliminating exposure to allergens is crucial.
Fill in the blank: The lesions in Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) start as
a red, macular rash with purpuric centers.
The rash typically evolves and can lead to blisters and skin detachment.
What are the systemic symptoms that can precede skin findings in SJS/TEN?
Fever, cough, headache, anorexia, myalgia, and nausea
These symptoms may appear 1 to 3 days before skin lesions develop.
What are the three classifications of the severity of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)?
SJS, SJS-TEN overlap, and TEN
These classifications depend on the percentage of total body surface area affected.
True or False: Most fungal infections of the skin are harmful in healthy adults.
False
While they may cause embarrassment and distress, they are generally harmless.
What does a microscopic examination showing hyphae in a skin scraping indicate?
A fungal infection
Hyphae are thread-like structures characteristic of fungal infections.
What is a common preventive measure against insect bites?
Using repellents and maintaining meticulous hygiene
These practices can reduce the incidence of infestations and bites.
What role do allergies play in reactions to insect bites?
An allergy to the venom can play a key role in the reaction
This can lead to varying degrees of hypersensitivity.
What is the most important action in caring for a patient with SJS/TEN?
Identifying and stopping the offending drug(s)
This is crucial to halt the progression of the disease.
Fill in the blank: Fungal infections can infect the skin, hair, and _______.
nails
This highlights the broad impact of fungal infections.
What is the common treatment for skin drug reactions like SJS and TEN?
Supportive care, including airway management and fluid replacement
These interventions are vital for patient recovery.
What can prompt, routine skin inspection help prevent?
Tick bites and related diseases such as Lyme disease
Regular inspections are particularly important in areas at risk for tick exposure.
What is a carbuncle?
Multiple, interconnecting furuncles with many pustules in a reddened area, most common at the nape of the neck.
What are the clinical manifestations of cellulitis?
Hot, tender, red, edematous area with diffuse borders; may include chills, malaise, and fever.
What is the usual causative agent of cellulitis?
Staphylococcus aureus and streptococci.
What is erysipelas?
A superficial cellulitis mainly involving the dermis, presenting as a red, hot, sharply demarcated plaque.
What is the potential complication of erysipelas?
Bacteremia.
What bacteria commonly cause folliculitis?
Usually staphylococci.
Fill in the blank: Folliculitis has an increased incidence in patients with _______.
diabetes.
What are the common treatment methods for a furuncle?
Incision and drainage, warm moist compresses, systemic antibiotics.
What are the symptoms of furunculosis?
Lesions similar to furuncles, malaise, regional adenopathy, fever.
What is impetigo?
A contagious infection with vesiculopustular lesions that develop thick, honey-colored crust surrounded by redness.
What is the most common location for impetigo?
Face as a primary infection.
What are the topical treatments for impetigo?
Incision and drainage, warm moist compresses, antimicrobial cream, and antiseptic measures.
What systemic antibiotics are often used for widespread infections of impetigo?
Systemic antibiotics like cephalexin, doxycycline, dicloxacillin, or clindamycin.
Furuncles are often associated with
severe acne or seborrheic dermatitis.
What is a common characteristic of a furuncle?
Tender, red, painful area around hair follicle with draining pus.
What is the main goal of treatment for folliculitis?
To relieve symptoms and prevent further infection.
What is the typical healing outcome for folliculitis?
Usually heals without scarring.
What are the common areas affected by folliculitis?
Scalp, beard, and extremities in men.
What is the most common benign skin problem?
Acne
Other common benign skin problems include psoriasis and seborrheic keratoses.
What is psoriasis?
A chronic autoimmune disease affecting around 7.5 million Americans
It is fairly common and affects men and women at equal rates, with the highest occurrence in Whites.
At what age does psoriasis usually develop?
15 to 35 years old.
What percentage of people with psoriasis have at least one relative with the disease?
One-third.
What are some health conditions associated with psoriasis?
- Metabolic syndrome
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Psoriatic arthritis
What is the most common form of psoriasis?
Plaque psoriasis.
How are lesions of plaque psoriasis characterized?
Red, scaling papules that merge to form plaques with adherent silver scales.
What areas of the body are commonly affected by psoriasis plaques?
- Knees
- Elbows
- Scalp
- Hands
- Feet
- Lower back
What is the primary goal of psoriasis treatment?
Varies from improved quality of life to complete disease resolution.
How can psoriasis affect a person’s emotional health?
It erodes self-image, leading to self-consciousness, social withdrawal, and depression.
What is isotretinoin used for?
To treat acne.
What are the serious precautions associated with isotretinoin?
- Can cause serious damage to fetus
- Contraindicated in pregnant women or those wanting to become pregnant
- Cannot donate blood during and for 1 month after treatment
What are some side effects of phototherapy?
- Nausea
- Itching
- Redness
What is the role of methoxsalen in phototherapy?
It is combined with UVA light (PUVA) for treatment.
How often are phototherapy treatments generally given?
2 to 3 times a week.
True or False: Psoriasis is more physically disabling than emotionally disabling for most patients.
False.
Fill in the blank: Psoriasis is associated with _______.
[metabolic syndrome, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, psoriatic arthritis].
What are the two types of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)?
HSV-1 and HSV-2