Skin Diseases And Conditions Flashcards
Milia
> Keratinization of the skin over the hair follicle, causing sebum to build up in the hair follicle
> It isn’t infectious
> Small hard, white cysts
> They are found in the upper part of the face or close to the eyes
> They can be removed by a qualified and trained beauty therapist or GP.
Impetigo
> Impetigo is a bacterial infection. It is an inflammatory disease of the surface of the skin, usually appearing on exposed areas.
> It is infectious.
> Initially the skin appears red and feels itchy, Small thin walled blisters appear, which burst and form honey coloured crusts. Untreated it can lead to small puss filled ulcers with a dark thick crust which can lead to scarring.
> The commonly affected areas are the nose, mouth and the ears but it can also appear on the scalp and limbs.
> Medical treatment, usually antibacterial cream of medication.
Herpes zoster / shingles
> It is a viral infection caused by the chicken pox virus. In this painful disease the virus attacks the sensory nerve endings and is thought to lie dormant (inactive) in the body and be trigger when the body’s defences are lowered.
> It is infectious.
> Redness of the skin occurs along the line of the affected nerves. Blisters develop and form crusts, leaving purplish-pinkish pigmentation.
> Commonly found on the chest and abdomen
> Medical treatment usually anti-viral medication, calamine lotion can help to soothe it.
Herpes simplex / cold sore
> It is a recurring viral infection that appears at times when the skins resistance is lowered through till health or stress, it may also be caused by exposure of the skin to extremes of temperatures or to UV light.
> It is infectious
> Inflammation of the skin occurs in localized areas, as well as being red, the skin becomes itchy and small vesicles (blisters) appear. These are followed by a crust which my crack and weep tissue fluid.
> It usually occurs on the mucous membranes of the nose or lips, it can also occur on the skin.
> There is no specific treatment, they usually clear in 7-10 days.
Warts and Verrucae
> Small epidermal skin growths. They can be raised or flat, depending on their position. Warts are found on the hands and verrucas are found on feet.
> It is infectious.
> They vary in size, shape, texture and colour. Usually they have a rough surface and are raised.
> They are usually found on the hands and feet.
> Medical treatment, using acids i.e. salicylic acid, solid carbon dioxide (cryotherapy) or electrocautery.
Scabies / sarcoptes scabiei
> It is a condition in which an infestation of tiny parasitic mites burrow beneath the skin and invaded the hair follicles. The mites feed on tissue and fluids as it burrows into the skin.
> It is infectious.
> initially, minute papilla and wavy greyish lines appear, where dirt has entered the burrows, secondary bacterial infection may occur as a result of scratching.
> Usually seen in warm areas of loose skin, such as the webs of the fingers, under the fingernails and the crease of the elbow.
> Medical treatment, antiseptic lotion containing and insecticide.
Pediculosis / Head lice
> A condition in which small life parasites infest scalp hair.
> It is infectious
> The lice cling to the hair of the scalp. Eggs are laid, attached to the hair close to the skin. The lice bite the skin to draw nourishment from the blood this creates irritation and itching of the skin, which may lead to secondary bacterial infection.
> It is found on the scalp.
> Medical treatment usually a insecticide lotion or rinse.
Tinea pedis / Athletes foot
> A common fungal foot infection
> It is infectious
> The skin can appear white and spongy looking. Small blisters form, which later burst. The skin in the area can become dry, crack and peel, giving s scaly appearance.
> Commonly affects the webs of the skin between the toes.
> For treatment, thorough cleansing of the area, medical application of fungicides. Untreated infections such as bacterial infections may occur. It can also lead to infections of the toenails.
