Skin and scalp Flashcards
Outline dry skin as SKIN
- A problem which develops when the balance between moisture
content and natural moisturising factors, such as certain lipids, is
compromised. - Often temporary but can also be part of a long term condition.
Outline what causes dry skin and where itd most likely to appear
- Lack fo moisture
- Can appear anywhere on the body but mainly on face, hands, arms and legs
Outline internal factors of dry skin
- Skin-ageing
- Hormonal influences
- Age and gender
Outline external factors of dry skin
- Environmental causes
- Contact with washing
detergents/soaps - Certain skincare
products/medical preparations - Poor diet
- Smoking
- Exposure to UV rays
Outline signs and symptoms of dry skin
- Mild scaling
- Roughness
- A feeling of tightness
- Itching
Outline when to refer for dry skin and where it is common
- If the dry skin has cracked and the skin is broken or bleeding
- If the dry skin is painful or appears infected
- If the sufferer has extremely dry skin on their face
- COMMON IN CHILDREN UNDER 10, ADULTS OVER 60 AND WOMEN MORE THAN MEN
Outline 1 treatment option for dry skin
Emollient moisturisers which Form a protective layer on the skin
- Help to prevent moisture from escaping from the skin and soften it
- Improve appearance, roughness and dryness
- e.g
- Cetraben
Epaderm
Diprobase
Doublebase
Zerobase
Outline concerns with emollient moisturisers
- Commonly contain paraffin-based ingredients!!!
- There is a fire risk associated with the build-up of residue on clothing
and bedding - Patients encouraged not to smoke or go near naked flames as treated
skin can rapidly ignite
Outline lifestyle advice for dry skin
- Pat or tap the skin instead of scratching it
- Hold something cool on the skin like a damp towel
- Have cool or lukewarm baths/showers
- Use unperfumed moisturiser regularly
Outline eczema as SKIN
- A skin condition caused by skin inflammation
- Sufferers have very dry skin as their skin is unable to retain much
moisture - Patches of the skin become rough and inflamed with blisters which can
cause itching and bleeding
MAINLY AFFECTS WRISTS, NECK AND CREASES IN JOINTS OF ELBOWS &KNEES
Outline signs and symptoms os eczema
- Scaling
- Rough skin with thickening and cracking
- Intense itching
- Tendency to become red and inflamed
Outline when to refer for eczema
- If the sufferer presents with eczema on their face
- If the condition has not improved with the use of emollients
- If the dry skin/eczema has lasted longer than two weeks
Outline patients likely to suffer from eczema
- 1 in every 5 children in the UK is affected by eczema at some stage
- Patients who also suffer from asthma, hay fever and food allergies
- If one/both parents also suffer from eczema
Outline 1 treatment option for eczema
Emollient moisturisers
* Examples include:
Cetraben
Epaderm
Diprobase
Doublebase
Zerobase
Outline a 2nd treatment option for eczema
Topical Steroids
* Reduce inflammation and redness during flare-ups
e.g. Hydrocortisone 1% Cream (HC45 cream)
Apply THINLY once to twice a day for a maximum of 7 days
Outline a 3rd treeatment option fo eczema which is stilll a topical steroid
Hydrocortisone 1% Cream (HC45 cream)
- Apply THINLY once to twice a day for a maximum of 7 days
Eumovate cresm
- Apply THINLY twice a day for a
maximum of 7 days
- This product is licensed for adults
and children over 12 years old
- As a āPā medicine, it is not licensed
for use on the face!!!
Outline lifestyle advice for eczema
- Pat or tap the skin instead of scratching it
- Hold something cool on the skin like a damp towel
- Have cool or lukewarm baths/showers
- Use unperfumed moisturiser regularly
Outline body ringoworm as SKIN
- Small, ring-shaped
patches with scaly,red edges - These patches can multiply and
grow and the rings may merge
together - The rings will feel slightly raised to
touch and feel itchy
Outline what causes body ringworm and how it can spread
- Caused by types of fungi known as dermatophytes
- Thrive in warm, moist environments
- Skin, scalp and nails are prone to fungal infections as they offer an
ideal environment for dermatophytes to flourish in - SKIN TO SKIN CONTACT AND SURFACES ANOTHER INFECTED PERSON HAS TOUCHED
Outline when to refer for body ringworm
- If no improvement to infection after being treated for two weeks
- If you have ringworm on your scalp
- If you have a weakened immune system
Outline treatment options for body ringworm
- Imidazole Antifungals
E.g. Miconazole 2% Cream (Daktarin)
Apply TWICE daily to the affected area
treatment should be continued at least one week after
symptoms have disappeared
Outline lifestyle advice for body ringworm
- Wash towels and bed sheets regularly
- Keep your skin clean and wash your hands after touching animals or
soil
ALSO CAN SPREAD FROM OTHERS SO CHECK IF U TOUCH INFECTED PERSON
Outline dandruff as a scalp condition and causes
A build-up of dead skin cells on the scalp
CAUSED BY
- Not brushing the hair regularly
- An overgrowth of a fungal yeast called Malassezia
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- A diet high in sugars and refined carbohydrates
Outline signs and symptoms of dandruff
- White clumps seen in the hair (which can also fall onto the shoulders)
- Itchy Scalp
Outline when to refer for dandruff and who it is more common in
- Severe scaling on the scalp that is also affecting other areas of the body
- If the scalp appears infected
MORE COMMON IN MEN AND PEIPLE IN 20s and 30s
Outline 1 treatment option for dandruff and recommended dose
Medicated shampoos containing coal tar extract help remove the buildup of dead skin cells from the scalp.
e.g. Neutrogena T-Gel Shampoo
(contains 2% Coal Tar Extract)
Use TWO to THREE times weekly for up to six weeks
Outline Seborrheic dermatitis as a scalp condiditon and what causes it
- A type of skin inflammation that
can cause severe dandruff - Triggered by an over-reaction to the same fungus that causes dandruff (Malasezzia)
Outline signs and symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis
- Severe dandruff
- Patches of red, scaly, greasy skin
- Yellow-brown crusts formed on top of these patches
Outline when to refer for seborrheic dermatitis
- Severe scaling on the scalp that is also affecting other areas of the body
- If the scalp appears infected
- No response to over-the-counter antifungal treatments
Outline a treatment option for seborrheic dermatitis and recommended dose
Antifungal shampoo will help to treat the overgrowth of the fungal
infection
e.g. Ketoconazole 2% Shampoo (Nizoral)
Wash the hair every 3 or 4 days -
for two to four weeks
