Module 27: Disorders of the Integumentary System Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the diagnosis, treatment, and specific types of integumentary system disorders, including cancers, burns, and infections.

Pruritus

Itching caused by irritation or inflammation of the skin.

Skin biopsy

A diagnostic test used to identify skin cancers and autoimmune disorders.

Wood's (UV) light examination

A diagnostic tool that helps detect certain fungal infections.

Patch or scratch testing

A procedure used to identify allergens responsible for hypersensitivity reactions.

Psoriasis

A chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder characterized by rapid turnover of epidermal cells, red plaques, and silvery scales.

Impetigo

A highly contagious superficial bacterial skin infection, primarily caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, characterized by honey-colored crusts.

Urticaria

Also known as hives, a Type I hypersensitivity reaction involving histamine release from mast cells that causes raised itchy wheals.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1)

A viral infection causing painful cold sores that remains dormant inside sensory nerve ganglia and reactivates during stress.

Tinea

A fungal dermatophyte infection, also known as ringworm, that invades keratinized tissues.

Scabies

An infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, where the female mite burrows beneath the epidermis, causing intense itching.

Alopecia

Partial or complete hair loss due to genetic, hormonal, autoimmune, or traumatic causes.

Erythema toxicum neonatorum

A common, harmless newborn rash appearing in approximately $50\%$ of newborns, characterized by red blotches and small papules.

Basal cell carcinoma

The most common skin cancer; it arises from basal cells, grows slowly, is often pearly with a central ulcer, and rarely metastasizes.

Squamous cell carcinoma

The second most common skin cancer; it arises from squamous cells, appears as a dry scaly lesion, and can metastasize if untreated.

Malignant melanoma

The least common but most deadly skin cancer originating in melanocytes; it is highly metastatic and spreads rapidly through lymphatic and blood vessels.

ABCDE Rule

A mnemonic for evaluating melanoma: A = Asymmetry, B = Border irregularity, C = Color variation, D = Diameter $>6\,mm$, and E = Evolving lesion.

Superficial Burn (First-degree)

A burn involving only the epidermis, characterized by redness, pain, and mild swelling without blisters.

Partial Thickness Burn (Second-degree)

A burn involving the epidermis and part of the dermis, characterized by blisters, severe pain, redness, and swelling.

Full Thickness Burn (Third-degree)

A burn destroying the entire epidermis, entire dermis, and potentially deeper tissues; it appears black, white, or charred and usually causes little pain due to destroyed nerve endings.

Burn shock

Hypovolemic shock caused by massive fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance in patients with severe, large burns.

Rule of Nines

A clinical tool used to estimate the percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) burned, which helps determine fluid replacement and prognosis.

Decubitus ulcer

Also known as a pressure ulcer, it is localized tissue damage caused by prolonged pressure and ischemia over bony prominences.

Acne

Inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles caused by excess sebum, bacteria, and inflammation.

Lichen planus

A chronic inflammatory disorder causing itchy purple papules; thought to be possibly autoimmune.

Butterfly rash (SLE)

A malar rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose typically seen in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Cellulitis

A diffuse bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, usually caused by Streptococcus or Staphylococcus.

Carbuncle

A deep infection involving multiple hair follicles that forms a large painful abscess.

Furuncle

A boil; an infection of a single hair follicle.

Eczema (Atopic dermatitis)

A chronic itchy inflammatory skin disorder commonly associated with hypersensitivity reactions.

Warts

Benign skin growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

Shingles

A painful dermatomal rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.

Candida albicans

An opportunistic fungal infection that causes thrush or yeast infections.

Pediculosis

A lice infestation causing an itchy inflammatory rash.

Paronychia

Infection and inflammation located around the fingernail or toenail.