Clin Med Derm Exam 1 Flashcards
(148 cards)
Functions of the skin
Protects the underlying structures Barrier against microbes Prevents loss of fluids Regulates body temp Helps rid body of excess water and salt Sensation, temp, pain, touch
3 layers of skin
Epidermis
Dermis
Subcutaneous
Layers of epidermis
outer to inner
Stratum corneum
Squamous cells
Basal layer
(melanin is also present)
thin 0.2mm
Melanin
Protects the deeper layers of the skin against the sun
Located in the epidermis
Produced by melanocytes
Stratum corneum
Horny layer
outermost layer
made up of dead keratinocytes
main cell of the epidermis (continually shed)
Squamous cells
Living keratinocytes
below the stratum corneum
in epidermis
these cells form keratin (a protein)
Basal layer
is the lowest part of the epidermis
formed from basal cells
these cells continually divide and form new keratinocytes
Taking a history (lesions)
evolution of lesion
Site of onset
Manner in which it progressed or spread
duration
periods of resolution in chronic cases
Taking a history (lesions)
S/S
Itching, burning, pain, numbness
does anything relieve it
time of day when worst
Taking a history (lesions)
Taking meds
Sulfa - SJS
Staph - rash - scalded skin
Amox +mono - Rash
Taking a history (lesions)
Associated systemic S/S
Malaise
fever
arthralgias
etc
Taking a history (lesions)
Exposures
Plants metals detergents soaps etc
Taking a history (lesions)
Other….
Chronic or previous illnesses
History of allergies
Photosensitivity
Review of systems
Examination of skin
Inspection should be in well lit room
completely undressed patient
Exam is inspection heavy
Labs and biopsies can be used to confirm
Four basic features of cutaneous lesions
Type of primary lesions
Shape of individual lesions
Distribution of eruptions
Arrangement of eruptions
Characteristic’s of lesion
size shape color texture elevation exudates configuration location and distribution
Macule
Flat
less than 1 cm
change in normal skin color
freckles, flat moles, measles, petechiae
Patch
A large flat lesion
over 1 cm
vitiligo, port wine stains, Mongolian spots cafe au lait patches
Papule
Raised
superficial lesion
less than 1 cm
raised mole, white head, acne
Nodule
Raised
usually round
solid round ellipsoidal
over 1 cm
can be benign or malignant
(tumor over 2cm)
Tumor
Nodule over 2cm
Vesicle and bulla
Circumscribed elevated superficial cavity containing fluid less than 1 cm
Bulla is over 1cm
Cyst
soft raised encapsulated lesion
semisolid/liquid content
isnt transparent like bulla
(cant unroof, pop)
Pustule
Circumscribed superficial cavity
contains purulent exudate
can vary in size and shape
(does not signify the existence of infection