Comprehensive Nursing Study Guide for Skin Disorders

Functions of the Skin

Protection, Sensation, Fluid Balance, Temperature Regulation, Vitamin D Production, Immune Response Function, Psychosocial.

Normal Aging Process Effects on Skin

Dryness, Structural Changes, Pigmentation Changes, Thinning, Hair Changes, Increased Injury Risk, Decreased Healing.

Common Benign Findings in Older Adults

Cherry Angioma, Lentigo (Liver Spots), Seborrheic Keratoses, Spider Angiomas, Telangiectasia, Xanthelasma.

Systematic Physical Assessment of Skin

Includes Palpation, Turgor, Edema, Vascularity, Ecchymosis/Bleeding, Hair Assessment, Nail Assessment.

OLDCARTS Framework for Symptom Evaluation

Onset, Location, Duration, Character, Aggravating Factors, Relieving Factors, Timing, Severity.

Primary Skin Lesions

Macule, Papule, Nodule, Vesicle, Bulla, Pustule, Wheal, Plaque, Cyst, Crust, Fissure, Ulcer, Lichenification.

Risk Factors for Skin Disorders

Exposure to pollutants, UV exposure, Nutritional deficiencies, Stress, Infections, Genetics, Harsh soaps, Poor hygiene, Long-term medication.

Diagnostic Procedures for Skin Disorders

Skin Biopsy, Patch Testing, Skin Scrapings, Tzanck Smear, Wood Light Examination, Photographs.

Topical Therapies for Skin Disorders

Includes lotions, creams, gels; Topical Corticosteroids, Powders, Intralesional Therapy.

Etiology of Pruritus (Itching)

Can be with or without rashes; often a sign of systemic disease or drug-induced.

Management of Pruritus

Identify underlying cause, use cool compresses, avoid excessive soap, apply occlusive ointments.

Acne Vulgaris Characteristics

Chronic dermatitis affecting up to 80% of Americans; Risks include genetics, hormonal factors.

Acne Vulgaris Treatments

OTC options (Benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic acid), Retinoids, Isotretinoin, Topical Antibacterials, Hormonal therapies.

Common Bacterial Infections

Impetigo, Furuncles & Carbuncles, Cellulitis, Folliculitis & Pyoderma.

Viral Infectious Dermatoses

Includes Herpes Zoster (Shingles) and Herpes Simplex (HSV) with various management options.

Fungal Infectious Dermatoses (Tinea)

Includes Tinea Capitis, Tinea Unguium, Tinea Corporis, Tinea Cruris, and Tinea Pedis.

Parasitic Skin Infestations

Includes Pediculosis (Lice) and Scabies with management approaches.

Non-Infectious Inflammatory Dermatoses

Includes Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) and Psoriasis.

Severe Blistering Diseases

Includes Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Skin Cancer Background

Most common cancer type; risk factors include age, UV exposure, family history, skin type.

ABCDEs of Melanoma

Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving.

Goals of Care for Skin Disorders

Prevent additional damage, secondary infection, reverse inflammation, relieve symptoms.

Common Nursing Diagnoses

Impaired Skin Integrity, Social Isolation, Ineffective Health Maintenance, Altered Body Image.

Cherry Angioma

A benign growth of small blood vessels that appears as a red or purple spot on the skin, often increasing in number with age.

Lentigo (Liver Spots)

Flat, brown spots that develop on sun-exposed skin, associated with aging and UV exposure.

Seborrheic Keratosis

A common benign skin growth that appears as a waxy or scaly raised lesion, often in various colors like brown, black, or tan.

Spider Angiomas

Small, dilated blood vessels that branch out like a spider web, commonly seen on the face and chest, often associated with liver disease or pregnancy.

Telangiectasia

Small, dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin, which may appear as red or purple lines, often associated with conditions like rosacea.

Xanthelasma

Yellowish plaques that occur on or around the eyelids, often associated with high cholesterol levels.

Macule

A flat, discolored spot on the skin that is usually smaller than 1 centimeter.

Papule

A small, raised bump on the skin that is typically less than 1 centimeter in diameter.

Nodule

A solid, raised bump larger than a papule, typically more than 1 centimeter in diameter.

Vesicle

A small, fluid-filled blister that is less than 1 centimeter in diameter.

Bulla

A large fluid-filled blister that is greater than 1 centimeter in diameter.

Pustule

A small, pus-filled lesion on the skin, usually resembling a blister.

Wheal

A raised, itchy area of skin that is often a result of an allergic reaction.

Plaque

A raised, flat area of skin, often more than 1 centimeter in diameter.

Cyst

A closed sac-like structure filled with liquid or semisolid material beneath the skin.

Crust

A dried exudate on the skin, which can result from a blister or wound.

Fissure

A linear crack or break in the skin surface, often seen in areas of thickened skin.

Ulcer

A sore on the skin that results in the loss of the epidermis and possibly part of the dermis.

Lichenification

Thickened and hardened skin resulting from prolonged irritation or scratching.

Impetigo

A highly contagious bacterial skin infection that usually causes red sores on the face, especially around the nose and mouth. Signs and symptoms include honey-colored crusts, itching, and soreness. Treatment typically involves topical or oral antibiotics.

Furuncles (Boils)

A painful pus-filled bump that forms under the skin due to an infection of a hair follicle. Signs and symptoms include swollen, red bumps that are tender to touch. Treatment includes warm compresses, drainage of the boil, and antibiotics if needed.

Carbuncles

A cluster of boils that are interconnected and cause a larger area of infection. Signs and symptoms include painful lumps under the skin, fever, and fatigue. Treatment typically involves drainage and antibiotics.

Cellulitis

A common and potentially serious bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area. Signs and symptoms include warm, swollen skin that may feel tender and fever. Treatment usually requires oral or intravenous antibiotics.

Folliculitis

An inflammation of the hair follicles caused by bacterial infection. Signs and symptoms include small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles. Treatment includes topical antibiotics and proper hygiene to prevent recurrence.

Pyoderma

A pus-producing infection of the skin that can manifest in various forms, often associated with conditions like eczema. Signs and symptoms include swollen red areas filled with pus, pain, and itching. Treatment often involves antibiotics and topical therapies.

Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

A viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which initially causes chickenpox. Signs and symptoms include a painful, blistering rash usually on one side of the body, fever, and fatigue. Treatment typically involves antiviral medications, pain relief, and sometimes corticosteroids.

Herpes Simplex (HSV)

A viral infection that can cause oral or genital sores. Signs and symptoms may include painful blisters or sores at the infection site, itching, and flu-like symptoms in some cases. Treatment involves antiviral medications to manage outbreaks and reduce transmission.

Pediculosis (Lice)

A parasitic infestation caused by lice, which are tiny insects that feed on human blood. Signs and symptoms include intense itching, visible lice or eggs (nits) on hair or clothing, and inflammation from scratching. Treatment typically involves topical insecticides, combing to remove nits, and treating infested clothing and bedding.

Scabies

A highly contagious skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the skin. Signs and symptoms include intense itching, especially at night, and a rash that may consist of small red bumps, blisters, or sores. Treatment usually involves topical scabicides to eliminate the mites, and sometimes oral medications may be required.

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

A chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itchy, red, and inflamed skin, commonly affecting children. Signs and symptoms include dry, scaly patches, intense itching, and areas of thickened skin. Treatment usually involves moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, and avoiding triggers.

Psoriasis

A chronic autoimmune skin disorder that leads to the rapid buildup of skin cells forming scales and red patches that can be itchy and sometimes painful. Signs and symptoms include thick, red patches covered with silvery scales, dry skin, itching, and cracking. Treatment options include topical treatments, systemic medications, and phototherapy.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin that provides a barrier and skin tone. It contains cells that produce melanin, which gives skin its color, and is involved in the renewal of the skin.

Dermis

The layer located beneath the epidermis, containing connective tissue, blood vessels, hair follicles, and glands. It provides strength and elasticity to the skin.

Hypodermis (Subcutaneous Layer)

The deepest layer of skin composed of fat and connective tissue, helping to insulate the body and absorb shock.