MT 5 Integumentary Diagnostic Tests & Treatments

allergy skin test

skin test used to identify allergies

scratch test

skin test in which the forearm is scratched with tiny needles and a variety of substances are applied to the skin to identify allergies

intradermal skin test

skin test in which different substances are injected into the skin to test for allergic reactions

biopsy

the removal of a small piece of living tissue for microscopic examination

excisional biopsy

surgical removal of an entire lesion or tumor

incisional biopsy

incision into the tissue for removal of a small piece of living tissue for microscopic examination

exfoliative cytology

biopsy procedure in which living tissue is scraped so it can be analyzed microscopically for bacteria

needle biopsy

biopsy procedure in which a hollow needle is used to remove a core sample of tissue for microscopic examination

punch biopsy

a biopsy done with a small, circular blade that rotates down through the epidermis and dermis and into the subcutaneous layer, producing a cylindrical core of tissue

autograft

surgical transfer of tissue from one part of a patient's body to another part of the same body

blepharoplasty

plastic surgery of the eyelid; also known as a lid lift

cauterization

destruction of tissue through the application of heat, cold, or an electrical current

chemical peel

the use of chemicals to remove outer layers of the skin; common treatment for acne and wrinkle removal

cryosurgery

destruction of abnormal tissue by freezing it with liquid nitrogen; common treatment for warts

curettage

removal of tissue by scraping the surface; a common treatment for removal of basal cell tumors

debridement

removal of damaged tissue and foreign debris to prevent infection and promote healing; common treatment for bedsores and burns

dermabrasion

the use of abrasive materials, such as brushes and sandpaper, to remove layers of skin

dermatoplasty

replacement of damaged skin with donor skin from a different region of the body; skin graft

incision and drainage (I&D)

procedure in which an incision is made through the skin to drain fluid or an abscess

laser therapy

the use of laser light waves to treat skin conditions

lipectomy

surgical removal of fat below the skin

liposuction

use of suction during surgery to remove fat below the skin

Mohs surgery

surgical method of treating skin cancer

rhytidectomy

elimination of wrinkles through surgical removal of skin on the face; facelift

sclerotherapy

injection of a sclerosing medical solution, such as saline, into varicose veins or spider veins

anesthetic

drug that causes a reversible loss of sensation or pain; used to temporarily deaden pain

antibiotic

drug used to fight off or prevent infection

antifungal

drug used to fight off fungal infections, such as athlete's foot and ringworm

antipruritic

drug used to inhibit itching

antiviral

drug used to treat viral infections, such as herpes

biologic

drug derived from living organisms through molecular biology techniques

corticosteroid

drug used to treat skin conditions linked to autoimmune diseases, such as vasculitis, and inflammatory diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis

immunosuppressant

drug used to treat certain conditions by suppressing the immune system