Body Structures and Functions

Skin Disorders

ACNE• Symptoms- characterized by

blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Cysts and nodules form in severe cases.

• Causes-changes in hormone levels can cause an increase in oil production by sebaceous glands, clogging pores. Bacteria can cause pores to become infected.

• Treatments- topical creams and gels (salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, etc), antibiotics in some cases, light therapy, dermabrasion

SEBORRHEA• Symptoms-Skin flakes (dandruff) on the

scalp, hair, or eyebrows. Patches of red, itchy, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales or crust on the scalp, ears, face, chest, or other parts of the body.

• Causes-can be caused by fungal or bacterial infection, extreme dryness due to weather or metabolic factors, inflammatory response (often accompanies psoriasis or eczema), obesity can aggravate the condition

• Treatments-medicated shampoos and soaps, antifungal or antimicrobial medicines when needed, anti-inflammatory creams such as hydrocortisone

Athlete’s Foot (Tinea pedis)

• Symptoms- scaly rash accompanied by blistering, itching and burning

• Causes-fungal infection related to other types that cause infections in human skin, hair and nails

• Treatments-keep area dry and use antifungal creams and/or sprays

MELANOMA• Symptoms-mole that displays

Asymmetry, Border irregularity, unusual Color, Diameter, Evolution (changes over time)

• Causes-environmental and genetic factors are both involved, but excessive UV radiation is the major cause. Risk factors include fair skin, frequent sunburns, weakened immune system, and family history of atypical moles.

• Treatment- surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy. Advanced forms can cause death.

PSORIASIS

• Symptoms-red, itchy raised patches on the skin (plaques)

• Causes- immune response triggered by stress, illness, injury, excessive smoking or alcohol consumption

• Treatments-topical anti-inflammatory treatments, light therapy, methatrexate and other oral medications

VITILIGO• Symptoms- patches of skin lacking

pigment, can occur in all races• Causes- nonfunctional

melanocytes (pigment producing cells in skin), may be an immune disorder, some cases are triggered by stress or injury

• Treatments- there is currently no cure for vitiligo, but some patients choose to use cosmetics or self-tanner to restore lost color to white areas. Other options include light treatment, corticosteroids, laser therapy, and surgery to restore pigmentation.

SHINGLES• Symptoms-red, itchy patches

with painful blisters on skin, often along a nerve

• Causes- Herpes zoster virus, dormant Chicken pox virus that reemerges at a later time (often during periods of stress, compromised immune system, or injury)

• Treatment- antiviral drugs, pain medication, and dressings for areas with severe blistering/sores

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection)

• Symptoms-red, swollen bumps in and on the skin, inflamed areas with pus that are warm to the touch, headache and fever

• Causes- bacterial infection that does not respond to conventional antibiotics

• Treatment- drainage of pus and liquid from lesion, combinations of antibiotic medications, treat fever with NSAID and fluids

Eczema

• Symptoms-red, inflamed skin, intense itching, oozing and crusting of lesions

• Causes- abnormal immune response, dry sensitive skin, genetic predisposition

• Treatments- topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, bathing and using moisturizers

ROSACEA• Symptoms- red, inflamed

skin, often accompanied by enlarged blood vessels and skin thickening if untreated

• Causes- not known• Treatment- topical

medications to treat redness and swelling, laser therapy

ERYSIPELAS

• Symptoms- characterized by large, raised red patches on the skin, especially that of the face and legs, with fever and severe general illness.

• Causes- bacterial infection (Streptococci)

• Treatments-antibiotics, cold compresses to affected area, NSAIDs for fever and pain

WARTS• Symptoms- raised bumpy

areas in the top layer of skin, can be widespread or localized

• Causes- human papilloma virus (HPV) in the epidermis

• Treatments- topical treatments such as salicylic acid, cryotherapy, laser therapy

Impetigo• Symptoms- red, inflamed

lesions that blister and form crusts. Common in children, highly contagious

• Causes- bacterial infection, usually Staphylococcus or Streptococcus strains

• Treatments-antibiotic ointments and oral medications