Assessing Skin, Hair, and Nails

These flashcards cover vocabulary related to skin, hair, and nail assessments, including anatomy, conditions, and diseases relevant to nursing.

Epidermis

The outer layer of skin that provides a barrier to infection and regulates moisture.

Dermis

The middle layer of skin that contains connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.

Subcutaneous tissue

The deeper layer of skin that contains fat and connective tissue, providing insulation and cushioning.

Asymmetry

A key indicator in melanoma assessment; if one half of a mole does not match the other half.

BCC

Basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that is more common in fair-skinned individuals.

SCC

Squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer associated with sun exposure and found more often in individuals with darker skin.

ABCDE

A mnemonic for assessing moles: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria resistant to many antibiotics.

Diagnosis

The identification of the nature of an illness or other problem through examination.

Lesion

An abnormal change in the structure of the skin, such as a wound, sore, or any other area that does not look normal.

Niacin

Vitamin B3, important for skin health and preventing skin cancer.

Vascular lesion

Lesions that involve blood vessels, which may indicate underlying health issues.

Pallor

An abnormal paleness of the skin, which can indicate various health problems.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation.

Jaundice

A yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes, often indicative of liver disease.

Seborrheic keratosis

A common non-cancerous skin growth that appears in older adults.