Integumentary System Assessment: Common Skin Findings

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering common clinical skin findings, their physical descriptions, and possible etiologies based on the lecture table.

Alopecia

Hair loss, which can be caused by heredity, friction, rubbing, traction, trauma, stress, infection, inflammation, chemotherapy, pregnancy, emotional shock, tinea capitis, or immune factors.

Angioma

A tumor consisting of blood or lymph vessels; significance includes a normal increase with aging, liver disease, pregnancy, or varicose veins.

Carotenemia (carotenosis)

Yellow discoloration of the skin with no yellowing of the sclera, most noticeable on the palms and soles; caused by intake of vegetables containing carotene (e.g., carrots, squash) or hypothyroidism.

Comedo (acne lesion)

An enlarged hair follicle plugged with sebum, bacteria, and skin cells; can be open (blackhead) or closed (whitehead).

Cyanosis

Slightly bluish-gray or dark purple discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by excess amounts of reduced hemoglobin in capillaries.

Cyst

A sac containing fluid or semisolid material, typically caused by obstruction of a duct or gland, or parasitic infection.

Ecchymosis (bruising)

A large, bruise-like lesion caused by a collection of extravascular blood in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, commonly resulting from trauma or bleeding disorders.

Erythema

Redness in patches of varying size and shape caused by dilation of blood vessels in the skin; associated with heat, certain drugs, alcohol, or UV rays.

Hematoma

Extravasation of blood of sufficient size to cause visible swelling, commonly caused by trauma or bleeding disorders.

Hirsutism

Male distribution of hair in females, associated with an ovary or adrenal gland problem, decrease in estrogen level, or familial trait.

Hypopigmentation

Loss of pigmentation resulting in lighter patches than the normal skin; etiologies include chemical agents, nutrition, burns, inflammation, or infection.

Intertrigo

Dermatitis of overlying surfaces of the skin caused by moisture, irritation, or obesity; may be complicated by Candida infection.

Jaundice

Yellow (in light-skinned patients) or yellowish-brown (in dark-skinned patients) discoloration of the skin, best seen in the sclera, due to increased bilirubin in the blood.

Keloid

A hypertrophied scar extending beyond wound margins, with a predisposition more common in dark-skinned persons.

Lichenification

Thickening of the skin with accentuated normal skin markings, resulting from repeated scratching, rubbing, and irritation usually due to itching or neurosis.

Mole (nevus)

A benign overgrowth of melanocytes caused by defects of development; often familial when presenting in excess numbers or large, irregular forms.

Telangiectasia

Visibly dilated, superficial, small blood vessels, often found on the face and thighs; associated with aging, acne, sun exposure, alcohol, liver failure, corticosteroids, radiation, systemic diseases, or skin tumors.

Tenting

Failure of the skin to return immediately to its normal position after gentle pinching; associated with aging, dehydration, or cachexia.

Varicosity

Increased prominence of superficial veins resulting from interruption of venous return (e.g., from tumor, incompetent valves, inflammation), often found on lower legs with aging.

Vitiligo

Complete absence of melanin (pigment) resulting in chalky-white patches; associated with autoimmune conditions, familial factors, or thyroid disease.