Skin

KNSS 220 Introduction to Athletic Therapy - The Skin

Anatomy of the Skin

  • Epidermis

    • Functions:

    • Prevents intrusions of micro-organisms, debris, chemicals, and ultraviolet radiation.

    • Prevents loss of water and electrolytes.

    • Performs heat regulation through conduction, radiation, and convection.

  • Dermis

    • Functions:

    • Protects against physical trauma.

    • Contains sensory nerve endings for sensation.

    • Holsters water and electrolytes to maintain hydration.

    • Contains eccrine and apocrine sweat glands, hair, nails, and sebaceous glands.

  • Subcutaneous Tissue

    • Functions:

    • Stores fat for energy reserves.

    • Regulates heat to maintain body temperature.

Etiology, Signs and Symptoms, Management

Skin Conditions: Urticaria
  • Etiology:

    • Allergic reactions, infections, stress, exposure to temperature changes, etc.

  • Signs and Symptoms:

    • Raised, itchy welts (hives) on the skin.

    • Potential swelling, erythema.

  • Management:

    • Avoid triggers, antihistamines, corticosteroids as prescribed.

Skin Conditions: Cold
  • Etiology:

    • Environmental exposure to low temperatures.

  • Signs and Symptoms:

    • Reddish, possibly numb skin, discomfort.

  • Management:

    • Move to a warmer environment, rewarm the skin slowly.

Skin Conditions: Solar
  • Etiology:

    • Excessive exposure to sunlight leading to UV damage.

  • Signs and Symptoms:

    • Redness, pain, peeling skin, possibly blistering.

  • Management:

    • Cold compresses, aloe vera, pain relief medications, sunscreen.


Skin Conditions: Eczema
  • Etiology:

    • Genetic factors, environmental influences, allergens.

  • Signs and Symptoms:

    • Dry, red, itchy patches of skin; possible crusting.

  • Management:

    • Moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, avoiding triggers.


Skin Conditions: Frostbite
  • 1st Degree:

    • Irritates the skin with mild discomfort; symptoms include redness and swelling.

  • 2nd Degree:

    • Blisters form, but there is no major damage to skin structure.

  • 3rd Degree:

    • Involves all layers of the skin, resulting in permanent tissue damage. Symptoms include numbness, blackened skin.


Skin Conditions: Herpes Simplex
  • Etiology:

    • Infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

  • Signs and Symptoms:

    • Painful blisters on the lips (HSV-1) or genital area (HSV-2).

    • Tingling or itching prior to outbreak.

  • Management:

    • Antiviral medications, topical treatments, avoid direct contact during outbreaks.


Skin Conditions: Fungal Infections

Tinea Corporis

  • Etiology:

    • Infection by dermatophytes; can result from direct contact with infected individuals or surfaces.

  • Signs and Symptoms:

    • Itchy, circular patches with raised borders.

  • Management:

    • Antifungal creams or oral medications.


Tinea Unguium

  • Etiology:

    • Infection of the nails by fungi.

  • Signs and Symptoms:

    • Thickened, discolored nails, possible nail loss.

  • Management:

    • Antifungal lacquer or systemic antifungal medications.


Tinea Pedis

  • Etiology:

    • Fungal infection commonly known as athlete's foot.

  • Signs and Symptoms:

    • Itching, burning, cracking skin between toes and on soles.

  • Management:

    • Keep feet dry, antifungal powders or creams.


Tinea Cruris

  • Etiology:

    • Fungal infection in the groin area; often occurs in warm, moist environments.

  • Signs and Symptoms:

    • Itchy rash with raised edges; often redder at the periphery.

  • Management:

    • Antifungal creams, keep the area dry.


Tinea Capitis

  • Etiology:

    • Fungal infection of the scalp, often affecting children.

  • Signs and Symptoms:

    • Patchy hair loss and scaling; possible inflammation.

  • Management:

    • Oral antifungal medications; may be complemented with medicated shampoos.

Tinea Versicolor

  • Etiology:

    • Overgrowth of yeast on the skin, triggers can include hot, humid weather.

  • Signs and Symptoms:

    • Discolored patches that may itch; usually lighter or darker than surrounding skin.

  • Management:

    • Topical or oral antifungals; removal of excess oil.

General Medical Conditions

Class Activity
  • Objective:

    • Research a list of specified general medical conditions in pairs:

    • Specify Etiology, Signs and Symptoms, Management.

  • Submission:

    • Type findings in BlackBoard discussion board under "General Medical Condition Activity".

  • Presentations:

    • Each group to present their condition either by end of class or start of next lecture.

Conditions Includes:
  • Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

  • Hodgkin’s lymphoma

  • Lyme disease

  • Raynaud's disorder

  • Type 1 diabetes

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Hyperthyroidism

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Stroke

  • Guillain-Barre syndrome

  • Seizure disorder and epilepsy

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Complex regional pain syndrome

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Generalized anxiety disorder

  • Anorexia nervosa

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

  • Panic attacks