Download Integumentary System Diseases

Integumentary System Diseases
Integumentary System Diseases
Congenital Skin Conditions
Eczema
A common skin condition characterized by reddening (erythema) and vesicle
formation, which may lead to weeping and crusting.
It is endogenous, or “constitutional”. This means that outside agents do not play a
primary role. (Contrast this with ‘dermititis’, in which case outside agents DO play
a primary role.) However in some contexts the terms ‘dermititis’ and ‘eczema’ are
used interchangeably to refer to the symptoms of these skin conditions.
There are five main types of eczema:
Psoriasis
1.
Atopic Eczema, which is associated with asthma and hay-fever.
2.
Seborrhoeic Eczema (or Dermititis), typically affecting the scalp,
eyelids, nose, and lips; associated with the presence of Pityrosporum
yeasts; common among AIDS patients.
3.
Discoid (or Nummular) Eczema, characterized by coin-shaped lesions
and only occuring in adults.
4.
Pompholyx, affecting only the hands and feet.
5.
Gravitational (or Stasis) Eczema, associated with poor venous
circulation
(sometimes referred to as’Varicose Eczema’).
A chronic skin disease in which scaly pink patches form on the elbows, knees, scalp, and
other parts of the body. Psorisis is one of the commonest skin diseases in Britain, affecting
about 2% of the population (cause unknown).
This disorder often runs in families, the commonest time of onset being in adolesence.
It sometimes occurs in association with arthritis. Occasionally the disease may be very
severe, affecting much of the skin and causing considerable disability in the patient.
While psychological stress may make psorisis worse, the only significant event thought to
precipitate this condition is a preceeding streptococcal infection.
Dermatitis
An inflammatory condition of the skin caused by outside agents. (Contrast this
with eczema, an endogenous disease in which outside agents do NOT play a
primary role).
Primary irritant dermatitis may occur in anyone who has sufficient
contact with irritants such as acids, alkalis, solvents and (especially)
detergents.
Primary irritant dermatitis is the commonest cause of occupational
dermatitis in hairdressers, nurses, cooks etc..
In the case of allergic contact dermatitis skin changes resembling those
of eczema develop as a delayed reaction to contact with a particular
allergen, which may be present at low concentrations.
The commonest example of allergic contact dermatitis in women is nickel
dermatitis due to the metal nickel used in jewellery, jeans studs etc,
whereas
In men chromium dermatitis is relatively common.
Treatment of dermatitis depends on removing the cause, which is not
always possible.
Dermititis herpetiformis is an uncommon very itchy rash with
symmetrical blistering, especially on the knees, elbows, buttocks and
shoulders. It is related to sensitivity to gluten.
Bacterial Skin Conditions
Acne
vulgaris
A common inflammatory condition of the sebaceous glands. These grease-producing
glands are under androgen control, but the cause of acne is unknown. It involves the
face, back and chest and is characterized by the presence of blackheads with
papules, pustules – and in more severe cases – cysts and scars.
Acne is readily treatable.
Impetigo
A superficial bacterial infection of the skin.
Nonbullous impetigo is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, or
both organisms. It mainly affects young children and is highly contagious, with yellowishbrown crusting.
Bullous impetigo is caused by Staphylococcus aureus. It is characterized by blisters, is
less contagious than the nonbullous form, and occurs at any age.
Acne
Rosacea
A chronic inflammatory disease of the face in which the skin becomes abnormally
flushed. At times it may become pustular and there may be associated keratitis
(inflammation of the cornea of the eye).
The disease occurs in both sexes and at all ages but is most common in women in
their thirties.
The cause is unknown.
Viral Skin Conditions
Warts
A wart is a benign growth on the skin caused by an infection with ‘human papillomavirus‘.
(However, a few of the many types of this virus are known to be a causal factors in the production of
tumours, which is why it is good advice to have new/unknown growths on the skin checked by a qualified
person.)
Common Warts firm horny papules (1-10mm in diameter) usually located on the backs
of the hands.
Most will clear spontaneously within two years.
Plantar warts (or verrucae) can occur on the soles of the feet and are often tender and
especially sensitive to pressure.
Plane warts are flat, skin coloured, and therefore difficult to see.
They are usually located on the face and may be present in very large numbers.
Genital warts are frequently associated with other genital infections.
Infected women have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.
Verrucas
Also known as ‘Plantar Warts‘.
Herpes
Inflammation of the skin or mucous membranes that is caused by herpes viruses and characterized by
collections of small blisters.
There are two types of herpes.
Herpes simplex
There are two types of Herpes simplex (HSV):
Type I causes the common cold sore , which is usually present on or around the lips.
Type II is mainly associated with genital herpes and is sexually transmitted.
Types I and I can both cause either genital herpes or cold sores, depending on the site of initial infection.
HSV blisters are contagious through skin-to-skin contact and are recurrent in some people. HSV can also
affect the conjunctiva.
Herpes zoster
Also known as “Shingles“, this is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.
Following an attack of chickenpox, the virus lays dormant in the dorsal root ganglia of the spinal cord.
Later, due to one of various stimuli, the virus may migrate down the sensory nerve to affect one or more
dermatones on the skin in a band, causing the characteristic singles rash. One side of the face or eye
(ophthalmic zoster) may be involved. Shingles may be chronically painfully (post-herpetic neuralgia),
especially in the elderly.
Fungal Skin Conditions
Tinea
corporis,
manus,
pedis
Also known as “Ringworm“, this is a fungal infection that can affect the skin, the
scalp, or the nails.
Ringworm is caused by the dermatophyte fungi – species
of Microsporum, Trichophyton, andEpidermophyton – and also affects non-human
animals, which may be a source of infection for peope.
It can be spread by direct contact or via infected materials. The lesions of
ringworm may be ringlike and may cause intense itching.
Tinea pedis (Athelete’s Foot) is the commonest form of ringworm and
affects the skin between the toes.
Tinea capitis is another common form of ringworm and affects the
scalp.
Tinea cruris is the form of ringworm that affects the groin and thighs.
Tinea barbae is the form of ringworm that affects the skin under a
beard.
Ringworm is often treated with anti-fungal agents, which may either be
taken by mouth (orally), or applied locally.
Verrucas
Plantar Warts – see above.
Folliculitis
Inflammation of the hair follicles in the skin, commonly caused by infection.
Folliculitis may be caused by Pityrosporum yeasts.
Boils
Tender inflamed areas of skin that contain pus.
The infection is usually caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus entering
through a hair follicle or a break in the skin. Local injury or lowered constitutional
resistance may encourage the development of boils.
These usually heal when the pus is released, or with antibiotic treatment (though
occasionally the latter may cause more widespread infection).
The medical name for a “boil” is a “furuncle”.
Source: IvyRose Holistic. http://www.ivy-rose.co.uk/HumanBody/Skin/Skin_Disorders.php
Eczema is a term for several different types of skin
swelling. Eczema is also called dermatitis. It is not
dangerous, but most types cause red, swollen and itchy
skin. Factors that can cause eczema include other
diseases, irritating substances, allergies and your
genetic makeup. Eczema is not contagious. The most
common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. It is an
allergic condition that makes your skin dry and itchy. It is
most common in babies and children. Eczema is a
chronic disease. You can prevent some types of eczema
by avoiding irritants, stress, and the things you are
allergic to.
Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria. It is usually caused by staphylococcal (staph) bacteria, but it
can also be caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. It is most common in children between the ages of two and
six. It usually starts when bacteria get into a break in the skin, such as a cut, scratch, or insect bite. Symptoms
start with red or pimple-like sores surrounded by red skin. These sores can be anywhere, but usually they occur
on your face, arms and legs. The sores fill with pus, then break open after a few days and form a thick crust.
They are often itchy, but scratching them can spread the sores. Impetigo can spread by contact with sores or
nasal discharge from an infected person. You can treat impetigo with antibiotics.
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. You usually
get the patches on your elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms and feet, but they can show up on other parts
of your body. Some people who have psoriasis also get a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. A problem with
your immune system causes psoriasis. In a process called cell turnover, skin cells that grow deep in your skin
rise to the surface. Normally, this takes a month. In psoriasis, it happens in just days because your cells rise too
fast. Psoriasis can be hard to diagnose because it can look like other skin diseases. Your doctor might need to
look at a small skin sample under a microscope. Psoriasis can last a long time, even a lifetime. Symptoms come
and go. Things that make them worse include infections, stress, dry skin, and certain medicines. Psoriasis usually
occurs in adults. It sometimes runs in families. Treatments include creams, medicines, and light therapy.
Rash – A rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin. Many rashes are itchy, red, painful, and irritated. Some
rashes can also lead to blisters or patches of raw skin. Rashes are a symptom of many different medical
problems. Other causes include irritating substances and allergies. Certain genes can make people more likely
to get rashes. Contact dermatitis is a common type of rash. It causes redness, itching, and sometimes small
bumps. You get the rash where you have touched an irritant, such as a chemical, or something you are allergic
to, like poison ivy. Some rashes develop right away. Others form over several days. Although most rashes clear
up fairly quickly, others are long-lasting and need long-term treatment. Because rashes can be caused by many
different things, it’s important to figure out what kind you have before you treat it. If it is a bad rash, if it does not
go away, or if you have other symptoms, you should see your health care provider. Treatments may include
moisturizers, lotions, baths, cortisone creams that relieve swelling, and antihistamines, which relieve itching.
Scleroderma means hard skin. It is a group of diseases that cause abnormal growth of connective tissue.
Connective tissue is the material inside your body that gives your tissues their shape and helps keep them strong.
In scleroderma, the tissue gets hard or thick. It can cause swelling or pain in your muscles and joints. Symptoms
of scleroderma include calcium deposits in connective tissues, Raynaud’s phenomenon, a narrowing of blood
vessels in the hands or feet, swelling of the esophagus, the tube between your throat and stomach, thick, tight
skin on your fingers, and red spots on your hands and face. No one knows what causes scleroderma. It is more
common in women. It can be mild or severe. Doctors diagnose scleroderma using your medical history, a physical
exam, lab tests, and a skin biopsy. There is no cure, but various treatments can control symptoms and
complications.
Skin Aging – Your skin changes as you age. You might notice wrinkles, age spots and dryness. Your skin
also becomes thinner and loses fat, making it less plump and smooth. It might take longer to heal, too. Sunlight is
a major cause of skin aging. You can protect yourself by staying out of the sun when it is strongest, using
sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding sunlamps and tanning beds.
Cigarette smoking also contributes to wrinkles. The wrinkling increases with the amount of cigarettes and number
of years a person has smoked. Many products claim to revitalize aging skin or reduce wrinkles, but the Food and
Drug Administration has approved only a few for sun-damaged or aging skin. Various treatments soothe dry skin
and reduce the appearance of age spots.
Skin Cancer – Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common
types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. They usually form on the head, face, neck, hands, and
arms. Another type of skin cancer, melanoma, is more dangerous but less common. Anyone can get skin cancer,
but it is more common in people who spend a lot of time in the sun or have been sunburned, have light-colored
skin, hair and eyes, have a family member with skin cancer, and/or are over age 50. You should have your doctor
check any suspicious skin markings and any changes in the way your skin looks. Treatment is more likely to work
well when cancer is found early. If not treated, some types of skin cancer cells can spread to other tissues and
organs. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and biologic
therapy. PDT uses a drug and a type of laser light to kill cancer cells. Biologic therapy boosts your body’s own
ability to fight cancer.
Skin Infections – Some common types of skin infections are bacterial such as cellulitis, impetigo, and
staphylococcal infections as mentioned earlier. Other viral infections include shingles, warts, and herpes simplex.
Fungal infections include athlete’s foot and yeast infections. Parasitic infections include body lice, head lice and
scabies. Treatment of skin infections depends on the cause.
Pigmentation Disorders – Pigmentation means coloring. Skin pigmentation disorders affect the color
of your skin. Your skin gets its color from a pigment called melanin. Special cells in the skin make melanin. When
these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production. Some pigmentation disorders affect
just patches of skin. Others affect your entire body. If your body makes too much melanin, your skin gets darker.
Pregnancy, Addison’s disease, and sun exposure all can make your skin darker. If your body makes too little
melanin, your skin gets lighter. Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of light skin. Albinism is a genetic
condition affecting a person’s skin. A person with albinism may have no color, lighter than normal skin color, or
patchy missing skin color. Infections, blisters and burns can also cause lighter skin.