Selected Integumentary System Diseases & Conditions

SELECTED INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

DISEASES & CONDITIONSWound InfectionsWound Dehiscence & EviscerationPressure UlcersArterial and Venous UlcersSkin CancerSkin DiseasesLesions/WoundsRashesHerpes Zoster/ Shingles

The SKIN…

Part I

Trivia Question

How many square feet of skin does the average adult have?

Trivia Question

How many square feet of skin does the average adult have?

Answer: ~ 18-20 square feet…… 5’ x 4’

Integumentary Diseases Learning Outcomes:

1. Use proper terminology to describe different skin lesions and problems

2. Identify signs of wound infections 3. Describe the ABCD(E) method of assessing skin

cancer 4. Identify clients at risk for pressure ulcer

development 5. Differentiate between the clinical manifestations for

Stage I through Stage IV pressure ulcers, and their treatments.

6. Identify appropriate treatment for prevention of pressure ulcers.

7. Compare the clinical manifestations and modes of transmission for bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections.

8. Identify the difference between arterial ulcers and insufficiency versus venous stasis ulcers.

Key Terminology angioma carcinoma cellulitis dermatitis atopic dermatitis contact dermatitis eczema edema ecchymosis erythema eschar folliculitis furuncles granulation hemangioma hirsutism hyperbaric oxygen

(HBO) keloid lichenification macule

melanoma nevus nodule papule paronychia petechiae pressure ulcer pruritis psoriasis purpura pustule vacuum assisted

closure (Wound Vac) turgor urticaria vesicle wheal xerosis

Wound InfectionsWound Dehiscence & EviscerationPressure UlcersArterial and Venous UlcersSkin CancerSkin DiseasesSkin Lesions / WoundsRashesHerpes Zoster/ Shingles

Raised

papuleplaquenodulecystcomedokeloidhornwheal

Depressed

atrophyerosionulcersinusstriaeburrowpoikolderma

Flat /Macular

maculepatch erythemaerythroderma

Surface Change

scalecrustexcoriationescharlichenificationexfoliationichthyosiform

Fluid Filled

vesiclebullapustuleabscessfuruncle

Purpura / Vascular

petechiaepurpuraecchymosistelangiectasia

Configurations

lineargroupedscatteredpolycyclicreticularserpinginoustargetoidwhorledarcuateannular

“Beauty is Only Skin Deep…”

Raised


Depressed


Flat /Macular


Surface Change


Fluid Filled


Purpura / Vascular


Configurations


“Beauty is Only Skin Deep…”“But UGLY goes down to the

bone!”

Raised


Depressed


Flat /Macular


Surface Change


Fluid Filled


Purpura / Vascular


Configurations


“Skin Changes”Associated Terminology

Integumentary Diseases Review of anatomy & physiology

Integumentary diseases Skin Function:

Skin, hair, and nails are external structures Serve a variety of specialized functions Sebaceous and sweat glands cool and

lubricate the body and get rid of wastes The skin, hair, and nails have many vital

functions, but the most important is protection.

Once the skin has been pierced or damaged the body is much more susceptible to infection, even from organisms which would not normally be pathogenic, e.g., staphylococci.

Integumentary diseases Wound Infections & Risks Risks for infection include any

pathophysiological states which cause diminished circulation, poor immune response, or delayed repair of tissues These include:

Radiation or trauma Poor circulation Immunosuppression, drug induced or disease

induced Impaired oxygenation Nutritional deficiencies Coagulation disorders Immobility Diabetes, lupus, and other immunodeficiencies

Integumentary diseases Etiology: THINK – WHAT IS CAUSING

THIS? And you might learn how to prevent it

For example – If the patient is immobile and starting to break down because they cannot move, how do we prevent the skin from breaking down?

If the patient has an immunodeficiency,

how do we prevent skin breakdown?

If the patient has a nutritional deficiency, how do we promote wound healing?

Diagnostic Procedures and Nursing Interventions Wound Culture and Sensitivity (swab cultures

and/or wound biopsies): Definitively identify and quantify wound

bacteria. Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential:

Assess immune response. Blood Cultures: Rule out sepsis. Serum Albumin (normal > 3.5 g/dL) and

Prealbumin (normal 17 to 40 mg/dL): Assess nutritional status (low levels indicate

malnutrition).

Therapeutic Procedures and Nursing Interventions Vacuum-assisted Wound Closure (Wound-

Vac) – continuous low-level negative pressure is applied to a sponge-covered suction tube for several hours.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO / HBOT)– administration of high-pressurized 100% oxygen directly over the wound for 60 to 90 min.

Surgical Debridement and / or Wound Grafting – surgical excision of nonviable tissue to promote wound healing and/or grafting of skin from donor sites to clean granulating or freshly excised wound bed.

Integumentary diseases

Lesions & Infections Signs and symptoms of infection

include: Drainage Odor Abscess Fever Discoloration Heat / warmth at site Edema Erythema Poor healing

Integumentary diseases Lesions & Infections




Integumentary diseases Rashes – is it macular or papular?

Integumentary diseases Rashes – is it macular or papular? This rash is actually vesicular, and is

herpes zoster, or viral in origin

Integumentary diseases Rashes – is it macular or papular? This rash is actually vesicular, and is

herpes zoster, or viral in origin

“chicken pox”

Integumentary diseases Infected hair &/or nails also count These are Beau’s lines



Dehiscence – opening of a wound or surgical site

Integumentary diseases Evisceration – internal body parts

(viscera) may protrude through a wound or opening. See below.

Eviscerated bowel through a clean stab wound

Integumentary diseases Pressure sites – cause pressure

ulcers, the number one risk is immobility and boney prominences


Stage I ulcer Defined as non-blanching erythema of intact skin,

discoloration of skins with warmth or hardness


Stage II Ulcer Defined – partial thickness skin loss involving epidermis

and/or dermis layer; the ulcer is superficial and presents clinically as an abrasion, blister or shallow crater.

Coccyx


Stage III Defined as a full thickness skin loss involving damage

or necrosis of subcutaneous tissue which may extend down to , but not through underlying fascia; the ulcer presents clinically as a deep crater with or without undermining or adjacent tissue.


Stage IV Defined as full-thickness skin loss with extensive

destruction, tissue necrosis, or damage to muscle, bone, or supporting structures

Bone visible under damage

Integumentary diseases Venous Stasis Ulcers – no stages Caused by poor circulation and poor

venous return (PVD) Peripheral vascular disease

Integumentary diseases Venous Stasis Ulcers – no stages Caused by poor circulation and poor venous

return (PVD) Peripheral vascular diseaseHarder to heal,May need a bypassto restore circulation, in addition to dressings.etc.

Edema and discoloration are primary symptoms priorto skin breakdown.


Treatments of ulcers #1 = prevention and turning,

ROM Dressings and packings, from

simple to complex colloids


Drug therapy Debridement Diet therapy with vitamins and

supplements wound – vacuum (Wound Vac) Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) Surgical repair

Integumentary diseases Documentation of ulcers It is necessary to identify any

skin damage or breakdown on admission, as if these are missed, the hospital or facility can be liable

If it was not documented, it was not done

Integumentary diseases Documentation of ulcers Documentation should include a

photograph, measuring the ulcer or wound with a sterile paper tape or circle; the depth, the width, the breadth and the total area involved, and any breaking of the skin, any color and any drainage (including color and odor). Then “stage” it.

Integumentary diseases The ABCDE’s of Skin Cancer:

Asymmetry

Border Irregularity

Color - changes

Diameter – increasing

(Elevation--variable)


A-B-C-D----What is it?


Malignant Melanoma - Stage I

Integumentary diseases Malignant Melanoma – an aggressive

form of cancer, that is mostly preventable, has a genetic component, and may spread into other systems before it is noticed.

Integumentary diseases Rashes and Lesions – Dermatology,

the great mimic- is it bacterial, auto-immune, infected, viral, or parasitic?

Integumentary diseases Psoriasis – an autoimmune disease which

causes over- stimulation of the keratinocytes in the skin.

This can be caused initially by skin trauma, irritation,

or stress.

Integumentary diseases Psoriasis – may appear like eczema

at first, but the plaques become thicker and widespread. Eczema tends to be lighter and scalier

eczema

psoriasis


Psoriasis – can erode and disfigure fingers and toes that are affected

Integumentary diseasesPsoriasis Treatments Steroids Topical zinc ointments Topical steroids Tar and oil preparations Ultraviolet light therapy –

sunlight often helps

Integumentary diseases Psoriasis Treatments

‘Older’ drugs include methotrexate & cyclosporine to suppress the immune system, but this requires monitoring of liver enzymes.

New treatments include monoclonal antibodies (A form of chemotherapy—the ‘-mabs’ i.e. efalizumab (Raptiva) for severe forms


Lesions – see handouts of definitions and terms, be able to use these.

A rash is a rash is a rash….or is it? Common causes of rashes include Allergic dermatitis, usually localized to

the areas of contact, hives Drug reactions, usually all over the body Bacterial infections Viral infections


What kind of rash is this? If you can’t tell, describe it. Describe the area as well.


‘Ringworm’ – tinea capitus – a fungal infection


Etiology: Systemic or local?

toxic epidermal necrolysis (T.E.N.)

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome


‘Viral rashes’


Chicken POX(Herpes Zoster)

Note however:Staphlococcus skin infections may look the same


Terminology Appendix

TerminologyAssociated With

the Integumentary System

The “ABCDE’s of Skin Cancer”

ColorBorder

Irregularity

Asymmetry

Diameter:¼ inch<or> 6

mm

Elevation

angioma Angiomas :

benign tumors that are made up of small blood vessels or lymph vessels.

Cherry angiomas

Spider angiomas

asymmetric

asymmetric

1. Pertaining to an individual lesion: Unequal shape from side to side.

2. Pertaining to a body distribution: Unequal distribution of lesions on both sides of body.

Beau’s lines

Beau's linesTransverse depressions or grooves in the nail plate typically occurring at corresponding positions within each nail plate.

Often a sign of a prior severe illness such as malnutrition, a systemic disease, or trauma.

carcinoma

Carcinoma refers to an invasive malignant tumor consisting of transformed epithelial cells.

Alternatively, it refers to a malignant tumor composed of transformed cells of unknown histogenesis, but which possess specific molecular or histological characteristics that are associated with epithelial cells, such as the production of cytokeratins or intercellular bridges.

Carcinoma in situ (CIS) refers to a small, localized focus of carcinoma that has not yet invaded

Basal Cell Carcinoma

dermatitis Atopic dermatitis~ atopic dermatitis is a very

common, often chronic (long-lasting) skin disease that affects a large percentage of the world's population.

It is also called eczema, dermatitis, or atopy. Most commonly, it may be thought of as a type of skin allergy or sensitivity.

The atopic dermatitis triad includes asthma, allergies (hay fever), and eczema. There is a known hereditary component of the disease, and it is seen more in some families. The hallmarks of the disease include skin rashes and itching.

Contact dermatitis~ Contact dermatitis is an

inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating substance. Symptoms: Itching (pruritus) of the skin in exposed areas ; Skin redness or inflammation in the exposed area.

Treatment: remove irritating exposure; topical corticosteroids.

café’ au lait patch

café au lait patch

A well circumscribed macule or patch varying from pale brown in lighter skin to dark brown in darker skin patients.

The macule or patch may have a serrated or irregular margin.

Clubbing clubbing

(Hippocratic fingers, watch-glass nails, drumstick fingers)Transverse and longitudinal over-curvature of the nail plate. The distal digit may have associated enlargement. Lovibond's angle is greater than 180 degrees.

Typically associated with chronic hypoxia, e.g in those with congenital heart disease, or COPD..

Dermal

dermal

Relating to the layer of skin below the epidermis, but above the panniculus, consisting of papillary and reticular layers and containing blood and lymphatic vessels.

eczema

eczema : a general term for

many types of skin inflammation, also known as dermatitis.

The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis (some people use these two terms interchangeably).

edema

Edema is swelling that is caused by fluid trapped in your body’s tissues.

Edema happens most often in the feet, ankles, and legs.

Other parts of the body, such as the face and hands, can also be affected

ecchymosis

ecchymosisExtravasation of blood into the skin or mucous membranes forming large macules or patches; flat color changes over time may go from blue-black, to brown-yellow, or green.

excoriation

excoriationA focal erosion usually due to scratching.

erythema

erythema

Localized, blanchable redness of the skin or mucous membranes.

eschar

eschar

An adherent, thick, dry black crust.

folliculitis

Folliculitis is inflammation of one or more hair follicles.

It can occur anywhere on the skin.

Common symptoms include a rash, itching, and pimples or pustules near a hair follicle in the neck, groin , or other areas...

“Hot Tub Folliculitis”:

furuncle

furuncleA follicle-centered nodule caused by a suppurative infection characterized by pain, redness,and potentially visible pus. Usually greater than 1 cm in diameter.

hematoma

hematomaA collection of extravasated blood that is relatively or completely confined within a space. The blood is usually clotted (or partly clotted), and depending on time may manifest various degrees of organization and color.

hirsutism

hirsutism Unwanted, excess

hair growth; generally in women.

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO)

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) involves the breathing of pure oxygen while in a sealed chamber that has been pressurized at 1 1/2 to 3 times normal atmospheric pressure.

used in conventional treatment for decompression sickness (the bends); severe carbon monoxide poisoning; certain kinds of wounds, injuries, and skin infections; delayed radiation injury; and certain bone or brain infections.

keloid

keloidA firm, usually elevated, proliferation of scar tissue exceeding the area of the preceding skin injury or wound.

lichenification

lichenificationThickened skin with accentuated markings usually due to repeated rubbing and scratching of skin.

maceration

maceration

Softened or broken down skin resulting from prolonged exposure to wetness causing whitening and thickening of the keratin sometimes with redness, oozing, and/or scaling.

macule

A flat, generally less than .5 cm area of skin or mucous membrane with different color from surrounding tissue. Macules may have non-palpable, fine scale.

melanoma Melanoma is a malignant

tumor that originates in melanocytes, the cells which produce the pigment melanin that colors our skin, hair, and eyes.

The majority of melanomas are black or brown. However, some melanomas are skin-colored, pink, red, purple, blue or white.

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer.

nevus

Nevus (singular); nevi (plural)

1. Any birthmark.

2. A benign pigmented spot on the skin such as a mole (a cluster of melanocytes and supportive tissue that appears as a tan, brown, or flesh-colored spot on the skin).

3. A benign blood vessel tumor on the skin such as a vascular nevus, a local collection of capillaries of the skin (a strawberry birthmark, stork mark, or port wine stain).

From the Latin naevus meaning a body mole, especially a birthmark. The plural of nevus is nevi.

nodule

noduleA dermal or subcutaneous firm, well-defined lesion usually greater than .5 cm in diameter.

papule

papuleA discrete, solid, elevated body usually less than .5 cm in diameter. Papules are further classified by shape, size, color, and surface change.

paronychia

Paronychia: Inflammation of the folds of tissue surrounding the nail due to infection.

The infection may be bacterial (most commonly, staph or strep species) or fungal.

The term "paronychia" is compounded from "para-", next to + the Greek "onyx", nail = next to the nail. Paronychia is synonymous with perionychia.

petechiae

petechiae

Tiny, 1-2 mm non-blanchable purpuric macules resulting from tiny hemorrhages.

plaque

plaqueA discrete, solid, elevated body usually broader than it is thick measuring more than .5 cm in diameter. Plaques may be further classified by shape, size, color, and surface change.

Pressure ulcer …an area of skin that breaks down

when you stay in one position for too long without shifting your weight.

Pressure ulcers are categorized by severity, from Stage I (earliest signs) to Stage IV (worst):

Stage I: A reddened area on the

skin that, when pressed, is "nonblanchable" (does not turn white). This indicates that a pressure ulcer is starting to develop.

Stage II: The skin blisters or forms an open sore. The area around the sore may be red and irritated.

Stage III: The skin breakdown now looks like a crater where there is damage to the tissue below the skin.

Stage IV: The pressure ulcer has become so deep that there is damage to the muscle and bone, and sometimes tendons and joints.

pruritis

Pruritus is an itch or a sensation that makes a person want to scratch. Pruritus can cause discomfort and be frustrating. If it is severe, it can lead to sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.

The exact cause of an itch is unknown.

It is a complex process involving nerves that respond to certain chemicals like histamine that are released in the skin, and the processing of nerve signals in the brain.

Pruritus can be a part of skin diseases, internal disorders, or due to faulty processing of the itch sensation within the nervous system.

psoriasis A common skin condition that causes

skin redness & irritation. Most persons with psoriasis have thick, red skin with flaky, silver-whit patches called scales.

There are five main types of psoriasis.

Erythrodermic -- The skin redness is very intense and covers a large area.

Guttate -- Small, pink-red spots appear on the skin.

Inverse -- Skin redness and irritation occurs in the armpits, groin, and in between overlapping skin.

Plaque -- Thick, red patches of skin are covered by flaky, silver-white scales. This is the most common type of psoriasis.

Pustular -- White blisters are surrounded by red, irritated skin.

purpura

purpuraHemorrhage into skin or mucous membranes which varies in size and ranges in color related to duration. Types of purpura include palpable purpura, ecchymosis, and petechiae.

pustule

pustuleA circumscribed elevation that contains pus. Pustules are usually less than .5 cm in diameter.

splinter hemorrhages

splinter hemorrhages Dark-red, sometimes black thin

longitudinal lines appearing to be within the nail plate or nail bed. The shape of the hemorrhages is due to the longitudinal orientation of nail bed capillaries.

Splinter hemorrhages are caused by injury to the nail or by certain drugs and diseases. However, trauma is the most common cause. Splinter hemorrhages resolve spontaneously

symmetric

symmetric1. Pertaining to an individual lesion: Equal shape from side to side. 2. Pertaining to a body distribution: Equal distribution of lesions on both sides of body.

striae

striaeA flat or atrophic, usually linear, area of skin that may vary in color from pink to red that eventually becomes hypopigmented.

telangiectasia

telangiectasiaVisible, persistent, dilation of small, superficial cutaneous blood vessels.

ulcer

ulcerA circumscribed loss of the epidermis and at least upper dermis. Ulcers are further classified by their depth, border, shape, edge, and tissue at its base.

Vacuum assisted closure (Wound VAC)

Under negative pressure, V.A.C. Therapy with proprietary V.A.C. GranuFoam Dressings applies mechanical forces to the wound to create an environment that promotes wound healing. These forces are known as macrostrain and microstrain.

Macrostrain: Draws wound edges together Provides direct and complete wound bed contact Evenly distributes negative pressure Removes exudate and infectious materials Microstrain Reduces edema Promotes perfusion Promotes granulation tissue formation by

facilitating cell migration and proliferation

vesicle

vesicleA fluid filled cavity or elevation less than .5 cm in diameter. Fluid may be clear, serous, hemorrhagic or pus-filled.

turgor Skin turgor test a fold of skin is picked up and

then quickly let go. The amount that it will stretch is an indication of its extensibility.

The speed with which it returns to a normal position is determined by the degree of hydration of the skin and subcutaneous tissue and the amount of fat in the subcutaneous tissue, e.g. in an animal that is 10 to 12% dehydrated the skin fold will not disappear until 20 to 45 seconds have elapsed.

The best place to assess skin turgor on a patient who has been laying in the bed for prolonged amounts of time is: forehead or sternum.

urticariaurticaria (“hives”)

An edematous, transitory papule or plaque having a ring of erythema known as a flare and surrounded often by a narrow peripheral zone of pallor or vasoconstriction.

Also known as a wheal.

wheal

Wheal

An edematous, transitory papule or plaque having a ring of erythema known as a flare and surrounded often by a narrow peripheral zone of pallor or vasoconstriction.

Also known as urticaria.

xerosis

xerosis Dry flaking skin

Documents

Selected Integumentary System Diseases & Conditions