Signs, Symptoms and etiology of common diseases, conditions, and injuries: INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

Cellulitis

Symptoms: skin of affected area is swollen, red, and hot to the touch

Etiology: Bacteria enter the skin through cuts or abrasions and cause infection of connective tissue with severe inflammation of the skin

Diagnosis: Physical exam, wound culture, and blood test can confirm bacterial etiology TX is resting the area cutting dead tissue if needed and antibiotics

Dermatitis

Symptoms: Red, itchy rash that may include blisters or oily scales

Etiology: Allergic reaction to a specific allergen leading to inflammation of a region of the skin

Diagnosis: Physical examination TX is moisturizers and sterioid creams

Eczema

Symptoms: Red, Itchy skin; vesicular lesions (blisters) that may crust over

Etiology: Believed to be caused by hereditary and environmental factors leading to

Diagnosis: Physical examination TX is mild fragrance-free soap and moisturizers, steroid creams, and antihistamines; the goal is to heal the affected skin and mitigate recurrence

Skin cancer: basal cell

Symptoms: Waxy bump or skin sore that does not heal within two months and continues to grow over

Etiology: Damage to DNA of basal cells caused by ultraviolent B (UVB) exposure from the sun and tanning beds

Diagnosis: Physical examination and biopsy; Early diagnosis is vital TX is surgical excision and liquid nitrogen freezing or curettage

Skin cancer: melanoma

Symptoms: A skin mole with specific characteristics: asymmetry, border, color; Diameter is more than ¼ in.

Etiology: Excessive exposure to UVB rays

Diagnosis: Physical examination and Biopsy; Early diagnosis is vital TX is surgery and radiation