Skin Disorders - Chapter 5

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the skin disorders lecture.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Most common skin cancer; arises from the stratum basale; sun-exposed areas; very slow growing; treated by excision; least malignant.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Second most common skin cancer; arises from the stratum spinosum; presents as a scaly red papule; occurs on scalp, ears, lips, hands; can metastasize; treatment includes excision or radiation; prompt treatment.

Melanoma

Most dangerous skin cancer; cancer of melanocytes; arises from the stratum basale; highly metastatic and resistant to chemo; can occur anywhere; often begins as a spreading brown/black mole; early detection is crucial; treatment includes excision, immunotherapy, radiation, and targeted gene therapy.

Asymmetry

One half of a mole does not match the other.

Border

Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred; normal moles are round or oval.

Color

Mole is not evenly colored; may include shades of brown or black, or patches of pink, red, white, or blue.

Diameter

The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across.

Evolving

The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Benign

Noncancerous mole; generally stable; if new or changing features are observed, seek medical evaluation.

Cyanosis

Bluish/gray discoloration of skin and mucous membranes due to low blood oxygen; associated with respiratory or cardiovascular disease.

Clubbing

Enlargement of digits associated with chronic hypoxia; often seen in chronic lung disease.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin due to bilirubin buildup in liver disease; bilirubin is a product of RBC breakdown processed by the liver.

Carotenemia

Yellow-orange skin color from high intake of yellow vegetables; sclera not affected.

Acanthosis Nigricans

Dark, velvety patches in axillae and neck; sign of insulin resistance; skin and keratinocytes respond to prolonged elevated glucose.

Urticaria

Hives; allergic reaction with itchy wheals; can progress to anaphylaxis; caused by histamine-mediated dilation of dermal blood vessels; resolves without scarring.

Wheal

Raised, itchy skin lesion seen in urticaria.

Ecchymosis

Bruise; extravasation of blood into surrounding tissue from damaged vessels; colors change as血 is reabsorbed; typically resolves in about two weeks.

Hematoma

Localized collection of血 outside vessels due to vessel damage; swelling and color changes until reabsorbed.

Burns

Tissue damage from heat, electricity, radiation, or chemicals; severity depends on depth and area; can be life-threatening; extensive fluid loss can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, renal failure, and shock.

First-degree burn

Involves only the epidermis; red, swollen, painful; heals in 2–3 days; example: sunburn.

Second-degree burn

Involves epidermis and upper dermis; red, swollen, painful with blistering; heals in 3–4 weeks; minimal or no scarring; partial-thickness burn.

Third-degree burn

Full-thickness burn; involves all skin layers; skin appears red, gray-white, or charred; nerve endings destroyed; usually painless; requires treatment and will scar.

Rule of Nines

Method to estimate the percentage of body surface area burned; guidance: >25% for second-degree, >10% for third-degree, any third-degree burn on face, hands, or feet.

Sepsis

Life-threatening infection that can occur when the skin barrier is compromised; leading cause of death in extensive burns.

Autograft

Skin graft taken from the patient’s own body for burn wound coverage.

Silicone skin coverings

Synthetic skin coverings bound to collagen used to protect burns and promote dermal regeneration; later replaced with epidermal cell implants.

Epidermal cell implants

Implants of the patient’s epidermal cells to regenerate epidermis after grafting.

Skin grafting

Surgical transfer of skin to a burn wound, often involving autografts and adjunctive materials to promote healing.

Contractures

Tightening of scar tissue after burns that can restrict movement and function.

Thermoregulation after burns

Difficulty maintaining body temperature due to loss of skin barrier and fluid loss.

Quality of Life (QOL) after burns

Overall well-being and functioning; long-term physical, psychological, and social impact of burn injuries.

Infant skin vs Elder skin

Infants are loaded up with adipose tissue and collagen, elder skin lacks these.

Aging skin challenges

Age-related issues such as dryness, fragility, slower wound healing, and higher risk of skin problems.