Patho Ch. 8 Skin Disorders and Cancer Overview E2

Temperature control

Skin regulates body temperature through sweat and blood flow.

Barrier protection

Skin acts as a barrier against pathogens.

Vitamin D production

Skin synthesizes vitamin D upon UV exposure.

Immunological surveillance

Skin monitors for pathogens and immune responses.

Malignant melanoma

Most lethal skin cancer from melanocytes.

Metastasize

Cancer spreads from original site to other tissues.

ABCDE criteria

Asymmetry, border, color, diameter, evolving for melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma

Most common skin cancer, rarely metastasizes.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Can invade surrounding tissue, may metastasize.

Eczema

Chronic inflammation due to allergic response.

Atopic dermatitis

Infantile eczema with oozing vesicles on cheeks.

Chronic inflammation

Long-term immune response causing skin irritation.

Type I hypersensitivity

Immediate allergic reaction affecting skin sensitivity.

Decubitus ulcers

Pressure sores from prolonged bedrest over bony areas.

Stage I ulcer

Persistent skin redness without skin loss.

Stage II ulcer

Loss of epidermal or dermal layers.

Stage III ulcer

Deterioration of layers deep to dermis.

Stage IV ulcer

Full thickness loss down to muscle and bone.

Frequent repositioning

Change position every 2 hours to prevent ulcers.

Wound care

Necessary if ulcer forms to promote healing.

Septicemia

Infection spreading into bloodstream from ulcers.

Risk factors for melanoma

Fair skin, many moles, history of sunburn.