Skin Flashcards
(29 cards)
the rubbing or scraping of the surface layer from an area of the skin
abrasion (note: ab- prefix means away from)
an enclosed collection of pus somewhere in the body, most often involving the skin
abscess
a diameter of a needle
gauge (note larger gauge -> smaller needle)
pus, or the condition of containing or discharging pus
purulence
injury to tissue with or without skin discoloration, without skin breakage from blunt trauma; commonly known as a bruise
contusion
similar to a contusion, but specifically an area of bluish discoloration >1 cm in diameter; different in that it may not necessarily result from trauma; also commonly known as “bruising”. Another term for bruising is hematoma.
ecchymosis
abnormal redness, typically of the skin or mucous membranes, in the presences of inflammation, injury, or infection
erythema
an abnormal yellowing, typically of the skin and from abnormally high levels of bilirubin in the blood
jaundice
a cut of the skin typically caused by accidental contact with a sharp object or edge; contrast with incision (intentional) and abrasion (superficial scrape only)
laceration
deficiency of color especially of the face and/or skin; noun form of the adjective pal
pallor
capable of being moved or compressed, typically as it relates to the presence/absence of pus in a possible abscess
fluctuance
bluish discoloration of a tissue resulting from oxygen deprivation
cyanosis
excessive sweating as a medical symptom
diaphoresis
yellowing of the “white part of the eye” in patients with liver disease de to elevated bilirubin levels
scleral icterus
a separation of layers, especially the parting of the sutured edges of a surgical wound
dehiscence
a grating, crackling, or popping sound or sensations under the skin and in joints; also sometime the presence of air trapped in subcutaneous tissue that can feel like “rice krispies” on the skin
crepitus
medical removal of nonviable skin tissue, typically after an injury
debridement
an ulceration of tissue deprived of adequate blood supply by prolonged pressure; known commonly as “bed sore”
decubitus ulcer
area of localized hardening of body tissues, especially as it relates to the skin
induration
a small area of discoloration of the skin that is not raised; contrast with papules
macule
a small rounded growth on the skin that is raised, typically the medical term for a pimple or similar lesion
papule
pinpoint areas of hemorrhage in the subcutaneous tissue that typically appear purple or red
petechiae
medical term for itching
pruritus
a comment on the elasticity of the skin; also refers to a physical exam (PE) test that involves pinching the skin to see how long it takes to return to normal position as an assessment of hydration stroke, one arm will drop and turn inward
skin turgor
