Common Integumentary Problems of the Adult Patient

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to common integumentary problems seen in adult patients.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin.

Dermis

The layer of skin beneath the epidermis, containing blood vessels and nerve endings.

Subcutaneous layer

The layer of fat and connective tissue beneath the dermis.

Papillary layer

The upper layer of the dermis, containing thin collagen fibers.

Reticular layer

The deeper layer of the dermis, made of dense irregular connective tissue.

Epidermal ridges

Ridges on the epidermis that increase surface area and grip.

Dermal papillae

Nipple-like projections from the dermis into the epidermis.

Bulla

A circumscribed collection of free fluid greater than 1 cm.

Macule

A flat discoloration less than 1 cm.

Papule

A superficial solid elevated lesion less than or equal to 0.5 cm.

Plaque

An elevated solid flat-topped lesion greater than 1 cm.

Nodule

A circular, elevated solid lesion greater than 1 cm.

Pustule

A vesicle containing pus due to inflammatory cells.

Patch

A flat discoloration greater than 1 cm.

Vesicle

A circular collection of free fluid less than or equal to 1 cm.

Wheal

An edematous, transitory plaque that may last a few hours.

Scale

Epidermal thickening consisting of flakes or plates of compacted skin.

Crust

Dried serum or exudate on the skin.

Fissure

A crack or split in the skin.

Impetigo

A highly contagious skin infection commonly affecting the face.

Signs and Symptoms of Impetigo

Itchy red blisters that leak honey-colored fluid and crust over.

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci

Bacteria most commonly associated with cellulitis.

Staphylococcus aureus

Another common cause of cellulitis.

Signs of Cellulitis

Tender, warm, swollen, erythematous area; may have fever and chills.

Diagnosis of Cellulitis

Based on clinical presentation and possible Gram stain or cultures.

Herpes Zoster

Also known as shingles; an acute inflammation of nerve roots.

Varicella-zoster virus

The virus that causes herpes zoster and chickenpox.

Postherpetic Neuralgia

Chronic nerve pain following recovery from shingles.

Intertrigo

A superficial inflammatory skin condition due to moisture and friction.

Candida

A yeast that can secondarily infect intertrigo.

Scabies

An infestation of the skin by the human itch mite.

Symptoms of Scabies

Intense itching and skin rash caused by mite sensitization.

Pruritus

Severe itching associated with scabies.

Abscess

A pus-filled lump that often indicates an infection.

Melanoma

The most aggressive type of skin cancer with a high metastasis risk.

ABCDE rule

A guide for detecting melanoma based on Asymmetry, Borders, Color, Diameter, Evolving.

Prevention of Skin Cancer

Includes wearing sunscreen and protective clothing.

Subungual Hematoma

Bleeding under the nail, typically due to injury.

Nail Trephination

A procedure to relieve pressure by creating a hole in the nail.

Paronychia

Inflammation of the skin around a nail.

Acute Paronychia

Paronychia lasting less than 6 weeks.

Chronic Paronychia

Paronychia lasting more than 6 weeks.

Management of Paronychia

Includes soaking, antibiotics, and possible incision.

Decontamination

Process of cleaning to prevent the spread of infection.

Warm compress

A cloth soaked in warm water applied to an area to relieve pain.

Antibiotic treatment

Medications used to treat bacterial infections.

Contact precautions

Measures taken to prevent the spread of infectious agents.

Skin integrity

The condition and health of the skin.

Infection control

Practices to minimize the risk of spreading infections.

Non-contagious

Not capable of being passed on to others.

Contagious

Capable of being transmitted from one person to another.

Incision and drainage

Surgical procedure to remove pus from an abscess.

Scratching sites

Can spread infections from one part of the body to another.

Topical antibiotics

Medications applied directly to the skin.

Systemic antibiotics

Medications taken orally or injected to affect the entire body.

Immune system

The body's defense against infections and diseases.

Warm water soak

Soaking an affected area in warm water to alleviate symptoms.

Infectious tendinitis

Infection involving the tendons, often due to paronychia.