Term
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Definition
Any disease condition that includes inflammation or infection of the skin.
Tx: Correct the underlying cause. |
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Term
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Definition
Excessive amounts of fluid move from the blood into the dermis or subQ tissue and causes swelling. Localized areas of edema occur with inflammation, allergic reactions, and infections. Large areas of edema occur with CV or Urinary system diseases.
Tx: Correct the underlying cause. |
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Term
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Definition
| Trauma to skin releases a small or large amounts of blood. |
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Term
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Definition
| When blood flows into the surrounding tissues |
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Term
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Definition
| Pinpoint hemorrhages in the skin from ruptured capillaries. |
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Term
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Definition
| Any size of hemorrhage under the skin. |
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Term
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Definition
| A hemorrhage under the skin that is 3cm in diameter or larger. |
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
Elevated circular mound; Skin color or erythema; semisolid or partly fluid filled.
Example: Acne sebaceous cyst |
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Term
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Definition
Small, crack-like crevice; Erythema; Maybe some fluid exudate;
Example: Dry, chapped skin |
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Term
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Definition
Flat circle; Pigmented (brown or black); No content;
Example: Freckle and Age spot |
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Term
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Definition
Elevated; Skin color or erythema; Solid content;
Example: Acne pimple |
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Term
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Definition
Elevated; White top; Pus filled;
Example: Acne whitehead |
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Term
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Definition
Flat to slightly elevated, thin flake; White; No content;
Example: Drandruff and Psoriasis |
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Term
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Definition
| Elevated with pointed top; Erythema; Transparent top; Clear fluid; Example: Herpes, Chicken Pox and Shingles |
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Term
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Definition
Elevated with broad, flat top; Erythema; Pale top; Clear fluid;
Example: Insect bites and Urticaria |
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Term
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Definition
Any benign or malignant new growth that occurs on or in the skin.
Tx: Excision of a benign neoplasm; Excision and chemotherapy or radiation therapy for a malignant neoplasm. |
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Term
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Definition
Any area of visible damage on the skin, whether it is from disease or injury.
Tx: Correct the underlying cause. |
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Term
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Definition
Itching. Pruritus is assc. w/ many skin diseases and part of allergic rxn due to Histamine (basophilic and Mast cells). Pruritic = Patient with Pruritus.
Tx: Topical or oral antihistamine drugs or corticosteroid drugs |
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Term
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Definition
Any type of skin lesion that is pink to red, flat or raised, pruritic or non-pruritic. Certain systemic diseases (chickenpox and measles) have characteristic rashes.
Tx: Topical or oral antihistamine drugs or corticosteroid drugs. |
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Term
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Definition
Any area of visible damage to the skin that is caused by physical means (such as rubbing, trauma, etc.).
Tx: Apply a protective covering and topical antibiotic drug |
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Term
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Definition
| Excessive dryness of the skin. It can be caused by aging, cold weather with low humidity, Vitamin A deficiency, or dehydration. |
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Term
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Definition
Tests for Xeroderma. Fold of skin is pinched between the thumb and fingertips should flatten out immediately when released. If dehydrated, skin remains elevated for longer.
Tx: Correct the underlying cause. |
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Term
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Definition
A lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and iris of the eye. Genetic mutation in which melanocytes do not produce melanin.
Tx: None |
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Term
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Definition
Bluish-Purple discoloration of the skin and nails due to a decreased level of oxygen int he blood. It is caused by a cardiac or respiratory disease. Cyanotic = Patient with cyanosis.
Healthy people: cold exposure can cause this temporarily.
Tx: Correct the underlying cause. |
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Term
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Definition
Reddish discoloration of the skin. It can be local (infection or inflammation) or systemic (sunburn). The area is erythematous.
Tx: Correct the underlying cause. |
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Term
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Definition
| Yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera of eye (white part). Liver dysfunction: high levels of unconjugated bilirubin results in the blood and into tissues. |
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Term
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Definition
| Jaundice. Icteric = Patient with Jaundice. Anicteric = Patient w/o Jaundice. |
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Term
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Definition
Gray-to-black discoloration of the skin in areas where the tissue has died. Necrotic tissue can occur in a burn, decubitus ulcer, wound, or any tissue with a poor blood supply.
Tx: Correct the underlying cause. |
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Term
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Definition
Necrosis with subsequent bacterial invasion and decay. Gangrenous = areas with gangrene.
Tx: Amputation |
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Term
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Definition
Unnatural paleness due to a lack of blood supply to the tissue. Causes: blockage of artery; hypotension; or severe exposure to the cold.
Tx: Correct the underlying cause. |
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Term
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Definition
An autoimmune disease in which the melanocytes are slowly destroyed in irregular and ever-enlarging areas. There are white patches of depigmentation interspersed with normal skin.
Tx: None |
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Term
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Definition
| Mask of pregnancy. MSH (Melanocyte-Stimulating-Hormone) in anterior pituitary gland becomes active and causes hyper-pigmentation of the face. |
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Term
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Definition
| Vertical dark line on the skin of the abdomen from the umbilicus downward during pregnancy due to MSH activation. |
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Term
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Definition
| Stretch marks in skin (abdomen and buttocks). Result of small tears int he dermis as the skin stretches to accommodate the pregnant uterus. These are irregular, reddened lines that later become lighter and shiny as they heal as scar tissue. |
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Term
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Definition
Sliding injury that mechanically removes the epidermis. (Brush Burn).
Tx: Apply a protective covering. |
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Term
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Definition
Repetitive rubbing injury that mechanically separates the epidermis from the dermis and releases tissue fluid.
Tx: Apply a protective covering before the activity (with hands and feet usually) |
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Term
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Definition
Caused by Heat (fire; hot objects; boiling water), electrical current (lightening; electrical outlets and cords); chemicals; radiation (x-rays; prescribed)
Tx: Topical anti-infective drugs. If severe, requires skin grafting and debridement. |
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Term
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Definition
Involves only epidermis
Causes: erythema, pain and swelling (NO blisters) |
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Term
| Second Degree Burn (Partial-thickness burn) |
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Definition
| Same as first degree; Involves epidermis and top layers of dermis (hence Blisters are formed). |
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Term
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Definition
| Large sized blisters (when dermis detaches from epidermis and tissue fluid is filled within). |
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Term
| Third Degree Burn (Full-thickness burn) |
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Definition
Involves epidermis and Dermis. May also involve SubQ and muscle layer beneath.
Anesthesia (pain receptors are destroyed); Black = skin is charred; Eschar is present. |
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Term
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Definition
| Thick, crusty scar of necrotic tissue that forms. Must be removed b/c it traps fluid and prevents healing and can be the source of infection. |
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Term
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Definition
Repetitive rubbing injury that causes epidermis to gradually thicken into a wide, elevated pad. A corn = callus w/ a hard center area with a pointed tip that causes pain and inflammation.
Tx: Removal |
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Term
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Definition
| Scar. Fibrous tissue composed of collagen when injury heals. |
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Term
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Definition
| Cicatrix, but unlike a scar, keloid has overproduction of collagen and does not fade with time. (Note: Kel/o- = tumor; -oid = resembling) |
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Term
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Definition
Constant pressure to a particular area of the skin restricts blood flow to those tissues. The epidermis and dermis break down and cause shallow/deep wounds.
Often occurs beneath bony pressure points (hips and sacrum).
Bed Sores/Pressure Sores => occur in elderly.
Tx: reposition frequently; increase protein intake (albumin) to promote healing of any necrotic tissue. |
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Term
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Definition
Superficial injury with a sharp object such as a fingernail or thorn that creates a linear scratch in the skin.
Tx: Topical antibiotic drug |
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Term
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Definition
Deep, penetrating wound. It can have clean cut or torn, ragged skin edges.
Tx: Layered closure with sutures. |
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Term
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Definition
| Localized, pus-containing pocket caused by Staphylococcus aureus (usually). |
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Term
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Definition
| localized, elevated abscess around a hair follicle and the skin is inflamed and painful. |
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Term
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Definition
large furuncles with connecting channels through the subQ tissue or to the skin surface.
Tx: Incision and drainage, oral antibiotics. |
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Term
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Definition
Spreading inflammation and infection of the C.T. of the skin and muscle. It develops from a superficial cut, scratch, insect bite, blister or splinter that becomes infected (bacterial enzymes).
There is erythema (red streak), warmth and pain.
Tx: Oral antibiotics |
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Term
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Definition
Skin infection caused by herpes virus. There are clustered vesicles, erythema, edema, and pain. The vesicles rupture, releasing clear fluid that form crusts.
Normally stress activated.
Tx: Topical or oral antivirals. |
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Term
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Definition
| Cold Sores = occurs on Lips. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| HSV type 1 or 2 in contact with base of fingernails. Virus enters through a small tear in the cuticle. |
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Term
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Definition
| Chickenpox and Shingles. Shingles is reactivation of dormant virus in Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) along a dermatome. |
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Term
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Definition
Skin infection caused by fungus that feeds on epidermal cells. It multiples quickly in warm, moist environment of body creases and areas enclosed by clothing or shoes.
There is severe itching and burning with round, red, scaly lesions.
Named according to where is occurs.
Tinea corporis: trunk of body
Tinea cruris: groin and genital areas (jock itch)
Tinea Pedis: on feet (athlete's foot)
Tx: Topical anti-fungal drugs |
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Term
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Definition
Irregular, rough skin lesion caused by HPV. Usually occurs on hand, fingers or sole of the food (plantar wart).
Tx: Topical keratolytic drug to break down the keratin in the wart. Cryosurgery or electrosurgery, if needed. |
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Term
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Definition
Infestation of lice and their eggs (nits) in the scalp, hair, eyelashes or pubic hair. Lice are easily transmitted.
Tx: shampoo and skin lotion to kill lice.
(Note: pedicul/o- = lice) |
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Term
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Definition
Infestation of parasitic mites that tunnel under the skin and produce vesicles that are itchy.
Tx: Shampoo and skin lotion to kill mites. |
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Term
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Definition
Local reaction to physical contact with a substance that is an allergen or an irritant.
Ex: Chemicals in Soaps, makeup, metal, latex, plants (poison ivy) or animals.
The skin becomes inflamed and irritated. Small vesicles may also appear.
Tx: Topical or oral antihistamine drugs or corticosteroid drugs. |
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Term
| Urticaria (Hives; Wheal; Welt) |
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Definition
Condition of raised areas of redness that appear suddenly and may also disappear rapidly. There is itching (pruritus), and scratching tends to cause the areas to enlarge. Caused by an allergic reaction to food, plants, animals, insect bites or drugs.
Wheal = Individual hive
Welt= A large wheal
Tx: Topical or oral antihistamine drugs or corticosteroid drugs |
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Term
| Actinic Keratoses (Solar Keratoses) |
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Definition
Raised, irregular, rough areas of skin that are dry and feel liek sandpaper. These develop in middle-age persons in areas chronically exposed to the sun. They can become squamous cell carcinoma.
Tx: Avoid more sun exposure. |
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Term
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Definition
| Benign, pigmented, flat macule that develops after sun exposure. Freckles contain groups of melanocytes. Freckles fade over time without continued sun exposure. |
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Term
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Definition
Congenital growth composed of a mass of superficial and dilated blood vessels.
Tx: None (disappear by age of 3). |
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Term
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Definition
Benign growth of adipose tissue from the subQ layer. It is soft, round, non-tender fatty elevation in the skin.
Tx: Excision, if desired. |
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Term
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Definition
| Congenital benign skin lesion which varies in colors and shapes. |
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Term
| Port-wine stains (Birthmarks) |
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Definition
Slightly elevated red-to-purple vascular nevi that are irregularly shaped. They can cover large areas of skin on the face and neck. Their shape and color resemble a puddle of spilled wine.
Tx: Excision of a mole if clothing irritates it; Laser treatment to remove port-wine stains |
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Term
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Definition
Nevus with irregular edges and variations in color. It can develop into a malignant melanoma.
Tx: Observe for change |
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Term
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Definition
Small, soft, flesh-colored growth of epidermis and dermis that protrudes outwardly. It comes in a variety of shapes: irregular mounds, globes, flaps or polyps with rounded tops on slender stalks. It occurs on the eyelid, neck or trunk of the body.
Tx: Removal by cryotherapy, electrocautery, or surgical excision if desired. |
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Term
| Pre-malignant skin lesions |
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Definition
Abnormal sin lesions that are not yet cancerous. Over time and with continued exposure to sunlight or irritation, these lesions become cancerous
Tx: observe for changes |
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Term
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Definition
| Light-to-dark brown macules with irregular edges. They occur mostly on hands and face (areas of chronic sun exposure). |
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Term
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Definition
Congenital abnormality in which the skin and soft tissues are joined between the fingers and toes. In some cases the fingernails and toenails are joined.
Tx: Surgical correction |
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Term
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Definition
Congenital abnormality in which there are extra fingers or toes.
Tx: Surgical correction. |
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Term
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Definition
Benign growth that is yellow nodule or plaque on the hands, elbows, knees, or feet. It is seen in patients who have a high level of lipids in the blood or have Diabetes Mellitus.
Tx: Ecision, if desired. |
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Term
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Definition
| Xanthoma that occurs on the eyelid |
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Term
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Definition
A malignancy in areas of the skin that are chronically exposed to UV radiation from sun. Occur in elderly and fair-skinned persons more often.
Tx: Excision, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy. |
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Term
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Definition
| Skin cancer that begins int he basal layer of the epidermis. It is the most common type of skin cancer. It often appears as a raised, pearly bump. It is a slow-growing cancer and does not metastasize to other parts of the body. |
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Term
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Definition
Skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes in teh epidermis. It grows quickly and metastasizes to other body parts. It has four characteristics
1. Asymmetry.
2. Border (edge is irregular)
3. Color varies within same lesion
4. Diameter > 6mm |
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Term
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Definition
| Skin cancer that begins in the flat squamous cell of the superficial layer of the epidermis. It often begins as an actinic keratosis. It most often appears as a red bump or ulcer. It is the second most common type of skin cancer, but it grows slowly. |
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Term
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Definition
Skin cancer that begins in C.T or lymph nodes. Tumors on the skin are elevated, irregular, and dark reddish-blue. Seen in AIDS patients.
Tx: Excision of single lesions, radiation therapy for multiple lesions. |
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Term
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Definition
Autoimmune disorder that produces an excessive number of epidermal cells. The skin lesions are itchy, red, and covered with silvery scales and plaques. They usually occur on the scalp, elbows, hand, and knees.
Hereditary component, illness and stress trigger flare-ups.
Tx: Topical coal tar drugs, Vitamin A drugs, Vitamin D drugs, and corticosteroid drugs; Light therapy with a psorsalen drug and UV light A (PUVA) |
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Term
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Definition
Autoimmune disorder that causes the skin and internal organs to progressively harden due to deposits of collagen
Tx: Oral corticosteroid drugs |
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Term
| Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) |
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Definition
Autoimmune disorder with deterioration of collagen in the skin and C.T. There is joint pain, sensitivity to sunlight, and fatigue. Often there is a characteristic butterfly-shaped, erythematous rash (over nose and cheeks).
Tx: Oral corticosteroid drugs. |
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Term
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Definition
During puberty, the sebaceous glands produce large amounts of sebum (oil) particularly on the forehead, nose, chin, shoulders and back. Excess sebum buildup around hair shaft, hardens, and blocks the follicle. Blocked secretions elevate the skin and form a reddish papule due to trapped dirt and enlarged pores.
Tx: Topical cleansing drugs, topical or oral antibiotic drugs to kill skin bacteria; oral vitamin A-type drugs for severe cystic acne. |
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Term
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Definition
| Sebum turns black as its oil is oxidized from exposure to the air in acne vulgaris. |
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Term
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Definition
| As bacteria feed ont eh sebum, they release irritating substances that produce inflammation. The bacteria then draw WBC into the area. In severe cystic acne, the papules enlarge to form deep, pus-filled cysts. |
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Term
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Definition
| Vitamin A-type drug used to treat severe cystic acne. Drug has severe side effects of suicide. |
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Term
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Definition
Chronic skin condition of the face (only) in middle-age patients. The sebaceous glands secrete excessive amounts of sebum. There is blotchy erythema, dilated superficial blood vessels, papules, and edema that is made worse by heat, cold, stress, emotions and certain foods, alcohol, and sunlight.
Rhinophyma: an erythematous, irregular englargement on the nose.
Tx: Topical antibacterial and anti-protozoal drugs; laser surgery to destroy small, superficial blood vessels. |
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Term
| Seborrhea (Cradle cap: infants; Eczema: Adults) |
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Definition
| Overproduction of sebum, particularly on the face and scalp, that occurs at a time other than puberty. In seborrheic dermatitis, oily areas are interspersed with patches of dry, scaly skin and dandruff. There can also be erythema and crusty, yellow exudate. In adults, seborrheic dermatitis often appears after illness or stress. IT can be caused by environmental or food allergies. |
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Term
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Definition
Congenital absence of the sweat glands and inability to tolerate heat.
Tx: Avoid overheating. |
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Term
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Definition
Profuse sweating. Although a high fever, emotional stress, strenuous exercise or the hot flashes can cause this, these are NOT referred to as diaphoresis.
Diaphoresis is cause by conditions such as MI, Hyperthyroidism, Hypolycemia, and withdrawal from narcotic drugs.
Tx: Correct the underlying cause. |
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