Skin disorders Flashcards
What causes venous ulcers?
Consistently high venous pressure in the legs:
-DVT
-Injury
-Obesity
-Static lifestyle or decreased mobility
-Varicose veins
-Previous surgery
What is the most common type of leg ulcer?
Venous ulcer
Where are pressure ulcers usually found?
On bony parts of the body that are under pressure when the patient in a long term resting position.
What complications can pressure ulcers cause?
-sepsis (bacteria entering the bloodstream)
-cellulitis (inflammation of body tissue, causing swelling and redness)
-bone and joint infections.
-abscess (a collection of pus)
-cancer (squamous cell carcinoma).
What are the different burn zones?
Zone of Coagulation
-Area of irreversible necrosis and damage
Zone of Stasis
-Area of decreased perfusion where the tissue is potentially salvageable. This area is the main focus of treatment
Zone of Hyperaemia
-Well-perfused area with increased erythema due to increased vascular permeability
Which burn zone is usually the main focus of treatment?
Zone of stasis
What are the main complications of burns?
Bacterial infection
Fluid loss
Hypothermia
Scarring
Breathing difficulties
Contractures
What is cellulitis?
An infection of the deeper layers of skin and the underlying tissue.
What is erysipelas?
A skin infection involving the dermis layer of the skin, but it may also extend to the superficial cutaneous lymphatics
What factor differentiates cellulitis and erysipelas?
Depth of infection
How does cellulitis and erysipelas present?
They can be spontaneous or secondary to insult and will present unilaterally in the first instance with symptoms of:
Local:
Pain (often severe)
Erythema and swelling
Warm to touch
Ecchymosis
Blisters
Ulcerations
Petechiae
Abscesses may form
Systemic:
Malaise
Pyrexia
Chills and rigors
How is cellulitis/erysipelas diagnosed and managed?
Diagnosed with:
Bloods tests
Cultures
Ultrasound (if DVT suspected)
Treated with:
Antibiotics
Analgesia
Rest & elevation
Surgery
Treatment of cause and/or other illnesses/injuries
What are the two most common types of fungal skin infection?
Nail infections
Ring worm (tinae)
What may a yellow spot on the nail bed spreading to the rest of the nail indicate, why is this especially significant?
Proximal Subungual infection
If there is no Hx of injury to the site it can be a sign of a compromised immune system
What is a candida yeast infection of the nail?
An inflamed cuticle that leads to the nail lifting from the bed and may fall off
What do ring worm infections look like?
Red, itchy plaques that may develop blisters or pustules. Usually in a defined ring
