Skin and coat disorders

Name 6 common causes of skin allergies

Food
Fleas
House dust mites
Pollen
Moulds
Wool

Name 5 things that may cause urticaria

Drug reactions
Insect bites/stings
Environmental allergens
Food reactions
Topical reactions

How does urticaria develop

An allergen triggers the immune system to send chemical signals to mast cells to release histamines
Histamines enter the capillaries and increase blood flow to the affected area causing inflammation
Blood vessels dilate and allow WBCs and other protective substances out to fight the pathogen
Extra fluid causes swelling and itchiness

Name 3 symptoms of urticaria

Raised, red circular areas
Pruritis
Typically blanch when pressed

Name 3 ways to test for allergens

Serum allergy test
Intradermal test
Blood test

Name 4 ways to treat allergens

Excluding known allergens
Allergen specific immunotherapy
Corticosteroids
Antihistamines

Name 12 factors that may affect wound healing

Overall health of the patient
Age
Nutrition
Blood supply
Drugs
Infection
Movement
Excessive granulation
Patient interference
Client interference
Wound position
Size/shape/depth

What 3 things do passive wound drain systems rely on

Gravity
Body movement
Pressure differences

What do active wound drains rely on

Negative pressure created by the drain

Name 4 risks of wound drains

High risk of infection
Vascular damage
Blockage
Electrolyte imbalance

When are skin grafts used

When a wound cannot be closed by stitching

How do skin grafts work

A section of skin is taken from an area with plenty of loose skin, it is laid over a healthy granulation tissue bed and monitored

Name 3 requirements to care for a skin graft

Restrict movement of the area
Bandage changes every 3-4 days for 3 weeks
Careful monitoring of graft colour