Integumentary system

macule

is a flat area of color change and a non-palpable skin lesion

papule

solide elevation < 0.5cm in diameter and has distinct borders

nodule

firm and movable solid elevation 0.5–1 cm in diameter and extends deeper into the dermis than a papule

vesicle

is a small, raised blister that contains clear fluid inside or under the epidermis

bulla

 large vesicle greater than 0.5 cm

pustule

vesicle with white cellular debris, may be infected or sterile

tumor

solid mass larger than 1.0cm

large nodule and may be firm or soft

ex. squamous cell carcinoma

plaque

• solid, elevated, flat-top lesion with indistinct borders

• It is found on the skin or mucous membrane

• Thrush is an example of plaque

wheal

• type of plaque

• palpable, red, circumscribed swelling in upper epidermis

• intradermal skin tests produce wheals

secondary lesions

evolve from primary lesions because of constant irritation or infection

scales

flaking layers of epidermis

crusts

crust is dried exudate (leaked fluid from blood vessels) on the skin

fissures

linear, wedge-shaped crack extending into the dermis

impetigo

• Impetigo is caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus. A common characteristic of impetigo is the formation of crusty lesions and small vesicles around the nose and mouth (may often be across the entire face).

• Honey-colored exudate is excreted from areas of impetigo.

• The treatment includes oral antibiotics and possibly topical antibiotic cream.

acne

• caused by hair follicles blocked by oil or dead skin

• common during puberty

• Its causes include an inherited predisposition, hormonal fluctuations, exposure to heat and humidity, and the use of oily creams

• The treatment includes using benzoyl peroxide-based face wash twice daily and topical applications. In more severe cases of acne, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed for several weeks or months

rosacea

• Rosacea is characterized by inflammation, pustule formation, and small, red, edematous (swollen, puffy appearance) lines on the skin

• Treatment includes topical antibiotics and, in severe conditions, oral antibiotics

cellulitis

• Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection that involves the subcutaneous tissue and manifests as redness, tenderness, swelling, and warmth at the site

• Treatment includes oral antibiotics. In some cases, patients are hospitalized and may receive IV antibiotics
  

fungal infections

• pruritic (itchy) lesions with distinct border

• treatment: topical antifungal agents such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), econazole, or nystatin (Mycostatin).

• Fungal infections are commonly caused by pathogens subsisting (surviving) on dead tissue in the epidermis

viral infections

• Warts are small, raised skin growth caused by human papilloma virus.

• Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 and manifest as painful ulcers along the gumlines of the mouth or on the lips.

• Shingles is an acute inflammatory disorder caused by herpes zoster virus and is characterized by a painful rash on the trunk of the body and occasionally on the face. Herpes zoster tends to follow the dermatomes.

• Treatment includes analgesic and antipruritic medications. Vaccines can help prevent shingles.

• The common viral skin infections include warts, herpes simplex (cold sores), and herpes zoster (shingles)

parasitic infections

include scabies and prediculosis

scabies

• Scabies is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei and is characterized by intense itching, a body rash, and a sensation of something crawling on the skin. This condition is treated only through prescribed medication.

pediculosis

• caused by lice

• treatment with lice-medicated shampoo and steps to prevent reinfestation

ulcerations

destruction of epidermis in a area

scars

form due to excess collagen production after injury

atrophy

loss of a portion of the skin