What are the functions of the skin? - Answer first line of defense, prevents excessive
fluid loss, control of body temperature (cutaneous vasodilation and increased
secretion/evaporation of sweat), sensory perception, synthesis of vitamin D
What are the 2 layers of the skin? - Answer epidermis and dermis
What is the epidermis? - Answer Outer layer of skin
contains no nerves or vessels
what are the three types of cells found in the epidermis? - Answer squamous cells
basal cells (ex: keratinocytes that produce keratin and allows for waterproofing of skin)
melanocytes (ex; melanin, produces skin color and protects against UV)
What is albinism? - Answer lack or little of melanin production (autosomal recessive)
Characterized by white skin, white hair and little to no pigment of the iris. Individuals
with albinism must avoid sun exposure and usually have vision problems due to
abnormal development of retina
what is vitiligo? - Answer small areas of hypopigmentation
what is melasma (chloasma)? - Answer patches of darker skin
may develop due to pregnancy, sun exposure/damage, hormone replacement therapy
What is the dermis? - Answer Connective tissue layer beneath the epidermis that
contains elastin and collagen fibers, nerves, vessels, and sensory receptors (pressure,
touch, pain, heat/cold)
what is subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis)? - Answer layer beneath dermis containing
connective tissue, fat cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, larger blood vessels and nerves
what is contact dermatitis? - Answer skin becomes inflamed (red/sore) after contact
with a substance
what are the 2 types of contact dermatitis? - Answer irritant (most common) and allergic
What causes irritant contact dermatitis? - Answer direct chemical contact or
mechanical irritation (friction)
what are characteristics of irritant dermatitis? - Answer inflammatory due to direct
exposure (result of disruption of skin barrier), does not involve immune response,
usually looks like burns
, what is the treatment for irritant contact dermatitis? - Answer removal of irritant,
reduction of inflammation with topical glucocorticoids
what does non-immunologic mean? - Answer does not involve an immune response
what causes allergic contact dermatitis? - Answer exposure to an allergen
what is allergic contact dermatitis? - Answer type I immune hypersensitivity.
sensitization of immune cells occurs on the first exposure, response is delayed. pruritic
(itching) rash develops at site after second exposure
What does atopic mean? - Answer A predisposition toward developing certain allergic
hypersensitivity reactions.
What is atopic dermatitis? - Answer eczema
chronic inflammation that results from response to allergens, by producing IgE
how does atopic dermatitis vary from infants to adults? - Answer infants: rash is moist
with serous exudate; pruritic. rash usually occurs on face, chest and shoulders
Adults: rash is dry, scaly and pruritic. Often occurs on flexor surfaces
what type of hypersensitivity is atopic dermatitis? - Answer type 1
what is a potential complication of atopic dermatitis? - Answer secondary infections,
due to scratching of sensitive areas
what is the treatment for atopic dermatitis? - Answer topical glucocorticoids,
antihistamines
what is urticaria? - Answer hives
antibody mediated allergic response to ingestion of substances or anaphylaxis
Urticaria is what type of hypersensitivity? - Answer Type 1
if an individual has hives, it is important to also check for... - Answer swelling around
mouth and airway obstruction
anaphylaxis often causes hives
What is psoriasis? - Answer chronic inflammatory skin disorder that results from
abnormal T cell activation (increase in cytokine production and excessive proliferation
of keratinocytes causing a thickening of epidermis). Lesions (scales) are usually found
on face, scalp, elbows and knees and have itching/burning sensations
hyperplasia!
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