Tissue Integrity and Wound Healing

Vocabulary and key concepts regarding the physiology of the integumentary system, wound healing phases, pressure ulcer staging, and dermatitis as derived from the lecture notes.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of the skin.

Dermis

The second, deeper layer of the skin.

Integumentary System

Includes the skin, hair, nails, and the sebaceous, sweat, and mammary glands.

Newborn Skin Characteristics

Skin that is thinner than adults with little subcutaneous fat.

Inherited Skin Disorders

Includes conditions such as Epidermolysis bullosa, Ichthyosis, and Albinism.

Inflammatory Phase

The first phase of wound healing occurring in the first $3$–$6\,\text{days}$, involving hemostasis, deposition of fibrin, cell migration of macrophages, and phagocytosis.

Proliferative Phase

The phase of wound healing from day $3$–$4$ to about day $21$ characterized by the development of collagen and granulation tissue.

Maturation Phase

The phase of wound healing from about day $21$ to $1$–$2\,\text{years}$, during which a keloid may form.

Dehiscence

The partial or total rupture of a sutured wound, which may lead to possible evisceration.

Evisceration

The protrusion of internal viscera through an incision.

Exudate Types

Includes serous, purulent, sanguineous, and mixed (serosanguinous).

Pressure Ulcers

Ischemic lesions of the skin and underlying tissue caused by external pressure, leading to necrosis and ulceration, typically over bony prominences.

Braden Scale

A tool for predicting pressure sore risk based on six categories: Sensory Perception, Moisture, Activity, Mobility, Nutrition, and Friction and Shear.

Contact Dermatitis

Also known as "Eczema," it is an inflammation of the skin characterized by damage to the dermis and epidermis, appearing as a red, itchy rash.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

A cell-mediated or delayed hypersensitivity to allergens.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin resulting from exposure to irritants, often manifesting as a discrete area of redness.

Diagnostic Tests for Skin Integrity

Includes skin biopsy, cultures, immunofluorescent studies, Wood lamp, Tzanck test, and patch tests.

U.S. Skin Disorder Prevalence

Estimated that $1$ in $3$ individuals in the U.S. has a skin disorder at any given time.