Skin Diseases, Disorders and Injuries

Question 1

Cancer

Answer 1

Includes diseases caused by abnormal cells in the body dividing uncontrollably

Question 2

What can most cancers be identified by?

Answer 2

The organ or tissue in which the cancer originates

Question 3

What are the effects of overexposure to UV radiation

Answer 3

Overexposure to UV radiation damages DNA which can lead to the formation of cancerous lesions (melanin offers some protection against
DNA damage from the sun)

Question 4

Basal cell carcinoma

Answer 4

• Basal cell carcinoma affects the mitotically active stem cells in the stratum basale of the epidermis

Question 5

Where is basal cell carcinoma frequently found?

Answer 5

On the head, neck, arms and back (areas most susceptible to long-term sun exposure)

Question 6

What does basal cell carcinoma spread from and form into?

Answer 6

Spreads from the stratum basale toward surface and become an uneven patch, bump, growth or scar on the skin surface

Question 7

Squamous cell carcinoma

Answer 7

Affects the keratinocytes of the stratum spinosum. Lesions commonly found on the scalp, ears and hands. More aggressive than basal cell carcinoma and if not removed, can metastasise

Question 8

Acne

Answer 8

Acne is a skin disturbance that typically occurs on areas of the skin (face and back) that are rich in sebaceous glands

Question 9

What symptom of acne can block hair follicles?

Answer 9

Overproduction and accumulation of sebum along with keratin

Question 10

What stimulates the release of sebum

Answer 10

Hormones such as androgen

Question 11

When is acne most common?

Answer 11

During onset of puberty due to hormonal changes but can also occur in infants and continue into adulthood

Question 12

Eczema

Answer 12

Eczema is an allergic reaction that manifests as dry, itchy patches of skin that resemble rashes. May also present with swelling of the skin, flaking and in severe cases, bleeding

Question 13

What can symptoms of eczema be managed with?

Answer 13

Moisturisers, corticosteroid creams and immunosuppressants

Question 14

Scars

Answer 14

Cuts or wounds that go deeper than epidermis and lead to scar formation. A scar is collagen-rich skin formed after wound healing that differs from normal skin. A scar forms when there has been repair of skin damage, but the skin fails to regenerate the original skin structure

Question 15

Keloids

Answer 15

Overproduction of scar tissue, because collagen formation does not stop when the wound is healed. This process results in the formation of a raised or hypertrophic scar called a keloid

Question 16

Bedsores (pressure ulcers)

Answer 16

Skin and its underlying tissue can be affected by excessive pressure (e.g. bedsores). Result from constant, long-term, unrelieved pressure on certain body parts that are bone, reducing blood flow to area and leading to tissue death (necrosis)

Question 17

Stretch marks

Answer 17

Results when dermis is stretched beyond its limits of elasticity, as the skin stretches to accommodate the excess pressure. Usually accompany rapid weight gain during puberty and pregnancy

Question 18

Calluses

Answer 18

Calluses form at the point of contact where abrasion occurs (e.g. toes in shoes that do not fit well). Occurs because the basal stem cells in the stratum basale are triggered to divide more often to increase the thickness of the skin (protect rest of body from further damage)