Skin & Tissue Disorders Flashcards
What is a Bulla?
Primary. A bulla is an elevated, fluid-filled blister.
What is a Macule?
Primary. A macule is a flat discoloration in skin color, like a mole or a freckle.
What is a Nodule?
Primary. A nodule is a solid mass that can be palpated. It is a small, round elevation, usually larger than 6 cm.
What is a Papule?
Primary. A papule is a solid elevated mass that is smaller than a nodule.
What is a Plaque?
Primary. A plaque tends to be small and scaly, with some elevation.
What is a Pustule?
Primary. A pustule is an elevated pus-filled lesion, usually the result of an infection.
What is a Tumor?
Primary. A tumor is an elevated palpable mass caused by abnormal tissue growth.
What is a Vesicle?
Primary. A vesicle is a fluid-filled blister.
What is a Wheal?
Primary. A wheal is a palpable elevated lesion, also called a hive; it is normally the result of stress or an allergic reaction.
What is Crust?
Secondary. Crust is the result of either dried pus or dried blood on the surface of the skin.
What is Erosion?
Secondary. Erosion is the result of friction on the surface of the skin. This friction wears away the top layer of skin.
What is Excoriation?
Secondary. An excoriation is a shallow cut or scratch.
What is Keloid?
Secondary. A keloid is a larger growth of scar tissue.
What are Scales?
Secondary. Scales are dry patches of surface epithelial cells.
What is an Ulcer?
Secondary. Ulcers are the result of tissue loss caused by a type of pressure injury.
What is Ecchymosis?
Tertiary. A bruise.
What are Petechiae?
Tertiary. Small pinpoint vascular lesions.
What is Purpura?
Tertiary. A small bruise that can be the result of clotting problems.
What are club nails?
Club nails occur when the base of the nail is greater than 180 degrees.
This condition can be caused by lung cancer, heart disease, hypoxia, and liver cirrhosis.
What are spoon nails?
Spoon nails are indentations of the nail bodies.
This can be caused by anemia.
What are Bean’s lines?
Bean’s lines are transverse depressions in the nail bed.
They are the result of an acute illness.
What is paronychia?
Paronychia is inflammation of the skin around the nails.
This can be caused by an abscess.
What is leukonychia?
Leukonychia refers to white spots or lines on the nail.
It is caused by trauma or by aggressive nail filing.
What is a first-degree burn?
A first-degree burn will cause damage to the top layer of the epidermis. This type of burn will present as a redness or hyperemia.
What is a second-degree burn?
A second-degree burn will cause damage to both the epidermis and the dermis. Blistering of the skin can occur with a second-degree burn.
What is a third-degree burn?
A third-degree burn will affect all three layers of the skin. In many instances, the skin will be charred.
What is cellulitis?
Inflammation of connective tissue caused by a streptococcal or staphylococcal infection.
What is impetigo?
Itchy, oozing, crusting lesions occurring on the face and around the mouth caused by a staphylococcal or streptococcal infection.
What is folliculitis?
“Swimmer’s” rash, caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.
What are the symptoms of scarlet fever?
“Red strawberry” tongue, fever, chills, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
What is Herpes simplex 1 virus?
A virus that primarily causes cold sores and fever blisters.
Example: Cold sores are often caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus.
What is Herpes simplex 2 virus?
A virus that primarily causes genital sores.
Example: Genital herpes is commonly caused by the herpes simplex 2 virus.
What is Varicella-zoster virus?
A virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.
Example: After having chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus can remain dormant and later cause shingles.
What are warts?
Benign skin growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Example: Warts can appear on various parts of the body, including hands and feet.
What is tinea capitis?
Tinea capitis is ringworm of the scalp.
Where does tinea cruris occur?
Tinea cruris occurs in the groin, upper thighs, and buttocks.
It is known as ‘jock itch.’
What is tinea pedis commonly called?
Tinea pedis occurs on the feet and between the toes and is commonly called ‘athlete’s foot.’
What is tinea corporis?
Tinea corporis is ringworm that occurs all over the body.
What is tinea versicolor?
Tinea versicolor is a superficial ringworm of the back.
What is tinea manus?
Tinea manus is ringworm of the hands.
What is tinea barbae?
Tinea barbae is ringworm of the beard.
What is tinea unguium also called?
Tinea unguium is ringworm of the fingernails, also called onychomycosis.
What is Pediculosis capitis?
Head lice
What is Pediculosis corporis?
Body lice
What is Pediculosis pubis?
Pubic lice
What is Scabies?
Pencil-thin skin rash caused by mites
What is dermatitis?
Inflammation of the skin
What is eczema?
A chronic form of dermatitis seen in both children and adults
What is the cause of eczema?
Thought to be an allergic reaction or an inflammatory condition
What factors can exacerbate eczema?
- Medications
- Stress
- Environmental conditions
- Diet
What are the signs and symptoms of eczema?
Itchy, red, scaly rash
What is psoriasis?
A chronic inflammatory skin condition that may be caused by a genetic autoimmune disorder
What are the signs and symptoms of psoriasis?
Repeated occurrences of silvery, scaly, red, and itchy skin lesions
What does the ‘A’ in the ABCs of assessing moles stand for?
Asymmetrical
Asymmetry may indicate a potential malignancy in moles.
What does the ‘B’ in the ABCs of assessing moles refer to?
Borders (even or uneven)
Uneven borders can be a warning sign for skin cancer.
What does the ‘C’ in the ABCs of assessing moles indicate?
Color (even or uneven and multicolored)
A variety of colors in a mole can suggest malignancy.
What is the significance of ‘D’ in the ABCs of assessing moles?
Diameter—malignant melanomas are larger than a pencil eraser (5 mm)
Lesions larger than 5 mm should be evaluated further.
What does the ‘E’ in the ABCs of assessing moles stand for?
Elevation
Elevation of a mole may indicate changes that warrant attention.
What is basal cell carcinoma?
Slow growing; normally does not spread; red, flat, or bumpy; occurring on feet, trunk, and back.
What is squamous cell carcinoma?
Found in epidermis of skin and has the ability to spread.
What is malignant melanoma?
Most aggressive and fastest growing; least common; most often fatal.
