Skin Physiology and Wounds Flashcards
1
Q
Skin as an Organ
A
Contributes to 15% of your body weight. Regenerates after trauma/loss. 1.7-2m squared.
2
Q
Properties of the Epidermis
A
- Thin, avascular layer that regenerates itself every 4 weeks
- As new cells are made at the bottom, the rest, more dead cells (keratinocytes) are pushed towards the top and eventually fall off (takes 28 days)
- Melanocytes are the cell that when things are going wrong causes skin cancer. Also secretes skin pigment melanin, all have the same number of cells just some produce more in certain races.
3
Q
Properties/Functions of the Dermis
A
- Provides nutrients to epidermis
- Contains collagen and elastin to maintain structure
- Contains blood vessels, nerve cells, glands, hair follicles
4
Q
Properties/Functions of Hypodermis
A
- Contains fat cells for body insulation
- Contains connective tissue to connect skin to muscle
- Provides blood to the dermis
5
Q
3 Types of Nerve Cells in Skin
A
- Pressure/Pain
- Temperature/Wetness
- Fine Touch
6
Q
Functions of the Skin (8)
A
- UV Protection
- Insulation
- Infection Control
- Temperature regulation (sweating)
- Sensations
- Vitamin synthesis eg vitamin D
- Communication
- Absorption eg nicotine/pain patch
7
Q
4 Stages of the Healing Process
A
- Haemostasis - Clotting caused by platelets and red blood cells stop bleeding
- Inflammation - macrophages and white blood cells brought to stop/kill infections
- Proliferation - cells form new blood vessels. Fibroblasts secrete collagen providing structure. Keratinocytes proliferate and move up
- Remodelling - Skin matures and scars can form
8
Q
What are the Barriers to Healing? (6)
A
- Medical Conditions
- Drug Therapy
- Nutritional Status
- Immunosuppressants
- Age
- Lifestyle
9
Q
What are the two Categorisations of Skin Wounds?
A
Partial Thickness (epidermis/dermis) - abrasions, skin tears, blisters
Full Thickness (hypodermis through to muscle)
10
Q
The 5 Types of Minor Wounds
A
- Skin Tears
- Lacerations
- Incisions
- Abrasions
- Contusions
11
Q
What are Skin Tears and who/where are they Commonly Found?
A
- Separation of dermis to epidermis
- More common in older adults
- Usually found on forearms, back of hands and lower legs
12
Q
What are Pre-Tibial Lacerations? And what can they form into?
A
- Similar to skin tears but specifically on lower leg, susceptible area as little skin and muscle so not much barrier
- More common in older women (skirts)
- Can form into ulcers as poor circulation
13
Q
What are Lacerations? What’s special about Scalp Lacerations?
A
- Full thickness tears of the skin caused by blunt force trauma**
- Rarely self-inflicted
- Scalp lacerations bleed a lot and MUST be cleaned properly for assessment
14
Q
What are Incisions?
A
- Caused by sharp force trauma
- Sharp objects make enough impact to penetrate skin
- Often linear with cleaner edges
- Can be partial or full thickness
15
Q
What are Abrasions?
A
- Caused by frictional blunt force trauma
- Do not penetrate the epidermis
- May bleed due to vessels damaged in upper dermis
