Skin, Hair and Nails Flashcards
(47 cards)
What are 5 questions to ask about previous skin disease?
- Any previous skin disease
- How was it treated
- Any family history of allergies or allergic skin problems
- Any known allergies to drugs, plants or animals
- Any birthmarks or tattoos
Why would you ask if person has any previous skin diseases or family history of? What are some common ones
- To see if it is caused by genetics
- Allergies
- Hayfever
- Psoriasis
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Acne
Why would you ask if they have any allergies?
To identify offending allergins
Why would you ask if there are any birthmarks/ tattoos
There is a risk of Hepatitis C, which is increased by the use of non sterile equipment when applying tattoos
Define hypo/hyper pigmentation
Hypopigmentation: loss of pigmentation
Hyperpigmentation: increase in colour
Why would you ask if skin colour change is all over or localized? Give 3 examples
Generalized: suggestive to systemic illness
- pallor, jaundice, cyanosis
What would be concerning about a change in mole size, pigmentation
Possible neoplasm in pigmented nevus
What is oily and dry skin called
Oily: seborrhea
Xerosis: dry
What are some common skin problems?
Dry skin, aging, drug reactions, allergies, obstructive jaundice, uraemia and lice infestation
What are 3 questions you would ask regarding moles?
- any change in colour, size, shape
- Any sudden tenderness, bleeding or itching
- Any sores that do not heal
What are 3 questions you would ask in regards to excessive dryness or moisture?
- Any change in skin temperature, moisture or texture
- Any excess dryness and is it seasonal or constant
What are 4 questions to ask about pruritus?
- Any skin itching (mild or intense)
- Does it awaken you from your sleep?
- Where is the itching and when did it start?
- Any other skin pain or soreness? Where?
What could skin pain come from in regards to pruritus?
Excoriation of primary lesion caused by scratching
What are some questions to ask about bruising?
- Any excess bruising
- Where
- How did it happen
- How long have you had it
What would signal signs of abuse?
Multiple cuts/bruises, bruises in various stages of healing, above knee and elbows, and illogical explanation
What would be signs of frequent falling? What would be the cause?
- Bruises
- Dizziness of neurological or cardiovascular origin
What would be signs and cause of frequent minor trauma
- Excessive bruising
- Can be caused by alcoholism and other drug abuse
Why is a thorough history important for rashes/lesions
May be an accurate predictor of the type and cause of lesion
Why is the location important for lesions/rashes?
Can be a clue to the cause, and can determine migration pattern/evolution
Why is the spreading pattern of a rash important
Can give a clue to the cause of the rash
What questions would you ask about setting regarding rashes/lesions?
- does anyone at work or home have similar rash
- Have you been camping, acquired a new pet, try new food or taken new drugs
- Does it come with stress
What would be the significance of asking patient what they think the rash or lesions mean
- Fear of cancer
- Illnesses borne by ticks
- STI
Why are coping strategies (if the rash has affected self-care, hygiene and ability to function) important to ask about
- Chronic skin disease may increase risk of low self-esteem, social isolation and anxiety
What can new stress in life do to skin?
Can cause chronic skin illness
