Integumentary

• integumentary system consists of the skin, hair, and nails, which are external structures that serve a variety of specialized functions. The sebaceous and sweat glands originating within the skin also have many vital functions. Each structure's function is described separately
• skin acts as a physical barrier protecting underlying tissues from microorganisms, physical trauma, ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and dehydration
• epidermis is the outermost layer of skin on your body protects your body from harm, keeps your body hydrated, produces new skin cells and contains melanin, which determines the color of your skin
• dermis is composed of proteins and mucopolysaccharides, forming a thick, gelatinous material and serves as a supporting matrix for nerve tissue, blood vessels, sweat and sebum glands, and hair follicles
• subcutaneous tissue is a loose connective tissue that includes fat cells, blood vessels, nerves, and the remaining parts of sweat glands and hair follicles
• normal skin reveals evenly colored skin tones without unusual or prominent discoloration
• pallor is the loss of color is seen in arterial insufficiency, decreased blood supply, and anemia.
• cyanosis may cause white skin to appear blue-tinged, especially in the perioral, nail bed, and conjunctival areas
• jaundice is characterized by yellow skin tones, ranging from pale to pumpkin, particularly of the sclera, oral mucosa, palms and soles
• erythema is the redness of the skin or mucous membranes, caused by hyperemia (increased blood flow) in superficial capillaries. It occurs with any skin injury, infection, or inflammation
• acanthosis nigricans is a velvety darkening of the skin in the body folds, creases, especially the neck, groin, and axilla.
• braden scale is a tool to predict pressure sore risk.
• push tool is used to document the degree of skin breakdown to provide a baseline to compare the degree of healing or deterioration over time
• stage 1 in ulcer stage is where intact skin with nonblanchable redness of a localized area usually over a bony prominence.
• stage 2 in ulcer stage is where partial thickness loss of dermis presenting as a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed
• stage 3 in ulcer stage is where full thickness loss. Subcutaneous fat may be visible but bone, tendon, or muscle is not exposed
• stage 4 in ulcer stage is where full thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle.
• macule is a small, flat, non palpable skin color change and is usually less than 1 cm
• patch may have an irregular border and is greater than 1cm
• papule is a small, raised area on the skin that is typically more than 0.5cm
• plaque is a larger raised area on the skin that is typically more than 0.5cm
• nodule is a a palpable, solid, rounded mass that is typically larger than a papule (0.5cm o 2cm)
• tumor is a general term for a swelling or abnormal growth of tissue (greater than 1 to 2 cm)
• vesicles is a small, fluid-filled blister that is less than 0.5 cm
• bull is a larger fluid-filled blister that is more than 0.5 cm
• wheal is a raised, red, and itchy area on the skin that is often transient
• pustule is a small, elevated lesion on the skin filled with pus
• cyst is a closed sac-like structure that can contain fluid, pus, or other material
• lichenification is the thickening and hardening of the skin, often accompanied by exaggeration of the skin's natural markings
• excoriations is a superficial wounds or abrasions on the skin's surface
• atrophy involves a decrease in the size, thickness, and functionality of the skin or underlying tissues
• erosions are shallow, superficial defects in the skin that involve the loss of the topmost layers of the skin
• ulcers a deeper loss of skin that extends into the dermis or even subcutaneous tissue
• crust is also known as a scab, is a dried accumulation of blood, serum, or other fluids that forms over a wound or erosion
• herpes simples presents as painful, fluid-filled blisters or sores on or around the mouth (HSV-1) or genital area (HSV-2)
• intertrigo is characterized by redness, itching, and sometimes maceration (softening of the skin) in areas like the groin, armpits, or beneath the breasts
• pityriasis rosea is a rash typically widespread and may form a pattern resembling the branches of a tree.
• seborrhea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects areas rich in oil glands, such as the scalp, face, and upper chest
• alopecia is potentially the most distressing change in hair due to its cosmetic impact, affecting not only scalp hair but also body hair
• nails serve to protect the distal portions of the digits and enhance precise movement, aiding in picking up objects