med term

Definitions and Key Concepts

  • Gin Root Word: Defined as something that causes irritation.
    • Allergenic: Referring to substances that can cause allergies.

Differences Between Infection and Infestation

  • Infection:
    • Caused by organisms that are internal, such as bacteria or viruses.
    • Example: Gingivitis (inflammation caused by bacteria).
    • Vaccines can prevent infections (e.g., HPV vaccine).
    • Infestation:
    • Refers to organisms that live on the surface of the skin.
    • Examples: Lice, bed bugs, and other parasitic organisms.
    • Infestation implies a larger scale that is often uncontrollable.

Viruses and Their Effects

  • HPV (Human Papillomavirus):
    • Can cause warts and is linked to various cancers (e.g., cervical cancer, testicular cancer).
  • Varicella Zoster (V Zoster):
    • Causes chickenpox in children.
    • Later can lead to shingles (herpes zoster) in older adults, particularly those over 50.

Fungal Infections

  • Candida:
    • Causes oral thrush, especially in infants (particularly those who are formula-fed).
    • Treatment of UTIs with antibiotics can lead to secondary yeast infections due to an imbalance.

Dust Mites and Infestation

  • Dust Mites: Often found in places like couches and carpets where dust accumulates.
  • Infestations can spread due to prolonged exposure in these environments.

Ticks

  • Ticks attach to the skin to feed on blood, requiring attachment to the dermis for nourishment.
  • Removal of ticks must include the entire organism to prevent infection from the head detaching and remaining in the skin.

Bacterial Infections

  • Staphylococcus Aureus (Staph):
    • A bacteria commonly found on the skin that can lead to infections when it invades deeper layers or enters the bloodstream, especially through cuts.
  • Managing Cuts:
    • Immediate cleaning with antiseptic solutions (like Betadine) to prevent infections.

Medical Terminology

  • SLE: Stands for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a serious autoimmune disease affecting connective tissue.
  • Erythrocyte: Refers to red blood cells.
  • Dermatomyositis: Skin manifestations indicating underlying medical issues.

Skin Disorders

  • Rosacea: Characterized by redness and skin inflammation, often on the face.
  • Scleroderma: Condition where skin collagen becomes hard, impacting elasticity.
  • Psoriasis: Presents as red, scaly patches on the skin, caused by an overproduction of skin cells.

Scarring and Skin Healing

  • Skin can show signs of diseases (e.g., lupus butterfly rash).
  • Scarring is a response to healing; deeper wounds require more resources leading to larger scars.
  • Keloids: Raised scars due to excess fibrous tissue formation.

Pharmacology in Dermatology

  • Antipyretics: Medications that treat fever and often help with skin infections.
  • Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation and itching in skin conditions.
  • Antibacterials: Particularly topical treatments for skin infections.
  • Keratolytics: Medications that soften the outer layer of the skin, used in acne treatment.

Skin Glands and Their Functions

  • Sebaceous Glands: Produce oil, maintaining skin moisture and preventing dryness, while sweat glands cool the skin.
  • Function of Sweat: Not just cooling but also flushing out toxins; increased blood flow to the skin during heat leads to redness and helps in temperature regulation.

Nail and Hair Growth

  • Nails grow from the cuticle; portions are alive, with blood supply stimulating growth.
  • Hair Growth: Hair remains after death for a short period due to contraction of underlying tissues, related to calcium's role in muscle contraction.

Acne and Dermatitis

  • Seborrheic Dermatitis: Inflammation due to oil gland infection, leading to acne development.
  • Oil production can increase during puberty, leading to acne.
  • Concept of Ingrown Hairs: Problems arise when the hair curls back into the skin, causing infection and cyst formation as a protective immune response.

Conclusion and Summary

The skin and integumentary system are complex, serving numerous functions, from protection against pathogens to regulating temperature through glands. Conditions like acne, psoriasis, and infections can adversely affect its function. Understanding these mechanisms and terminology aids in identifying and treating skin-related issues effectively.