NURS 215: skin disorders part 1

what are the essential functions of the skin?

temperature regulation, barrier protection, secretion and absorption, vitamin d synthesis, immunological defense, clinical indicator

how does the skin control heat loss and retention?

through vasodilation, vasoconstriction, and perspiration

how is the skin a immunological defense?

it houses langerhans cells that detect and respond to foreign antigens

how does the skin help vitamin d synthesis?

it produces vitamin d when it's exposed to ultraviolet radiation

what is a macule?

defined, flat area of altered pigmentation

what is a papule?

raised, well defined lesion measuring less than 0.5 cm

what is a plaque?

raised, flat topped lesion greater than 2 cm

what is a scar?

permanent replacement of normal skin with fibrous connective tissue

what is a ulcer?

loss of both epidermal and dermal tissue extending into deeper layers

what is a vesicle?

small fluid filled blister less than 0.5 cm in diameter

what is a bullae?

large vesicles greater than 0.5 cm appearing as thin skinned, fluid filled bubbles

what is a urticaria?

hives. pinpoint, erythematous, intensely itchy wheals

what is a wheal?

confluent region of urticaria forming erythematous, raised, itchy lesions

what are the 5 key characteristics when assessing the skin?

color, texture, turgor, moisture, and tenderness

what are the disorders of skin pigmentation?

albinism, vitiligo, melasma, lentigos

what is the pathophysiology of albinism?

hereditary. due to genetic mutations that result in defective melanocytes. causes lack of pigmentation

what is pathophysiology of vitiligo? is it acquired or genetic? what is the etiology?

acquired. autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks melanocytes. etiology unclear. leads to discolored skin patches

what is the pathophysiology of melasma?

hyperpigmentation disorder. due to hormone fluctuations usually in pregnancy. appearance of dark macules on the face. more common in brown skinned women

what are lentigos?

benign age spots. increased number of melanocytes. usually caused by increased sun exposure

what are the disorders of skin texture?

xerosis and pruritis

what is the pathophysiology of xerosis?

abnormally dry skin. caused by decreased sebum production, impaired barrier function, and reduced water content in epidermis. more easily bruises. increased infection risk

what is the pathophysiology of pruritis?

itching. symptom and not a diagnosis. can have multiple etiologies