Download 1285065921_415322

Chapter 18
Integumentary System Diseases
and Disorders
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Anatomy and Physiology
• Skin
– Largest organ of body
– First line of protection for body against invading
organisms
– Provides sense of touch, heat, cold, and pain
– Helps stabilize temperature, fluid, and electrolyte
balance
– Three layers:
• Epidermis
• Dermis
• Subcutaneous
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Anatomy and Physiology
• Skin
– The epidermis – outer layer – has five layers
– The cells of this layer are call stratified squamous
epithelial cells
– Most of these cells are keratinocytes and
melanocytes
– Melanocytes – contain melanin, skin-coloring pigment
– Dermis is the deeper layer
– Consist of connective tissue and a variety of cell
shapes
– Blood vessels and nerves are in this layer
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Anatomy and Physiology
• Skin
– Subcutaneous layer is deeper than dermis
– Blood vessels and fat cells – protect against cold
– Embedded in the dermis and extending to the
epidermis are the sebaceous, apocrine, and eccrine
sweat glands
• Sebaceous produce oil called sebum
• Apocine are located in areas of the axilla, breast, umbilicus,
anus, and genital areas
• Eccrine are found throughout the body and help regulate
heat
– Hair follicles in dermal layer – extend through
epidermis
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Common Signs and Symptoms
•
•
•
•
•
•
Skin lesions
Pain
Pruritus
Edema
Erythema
Inflammation
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Diagnostic Tests
• Biopsy
• Culture and sensitivity
• Blood tests
• Microscopic smear examinations
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Viral
• Herpes
– Large family of viruses
– Symptoms:
• Inflammation of skin
• Clusters or fluid-filled vesicles
– Periods of remission and exacerbation
– No cure
• Remains in affected individual’s body for life
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Viral
• Herpes
– Common types:
• Herpes simplex 1
– Fever blisters
– Cold sores
• Herpes simplex 2/herpes genitalis
– Genital herpes
• Herpes varicella
– Chickenpox
• Herpes zoster
– Shingles
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Viral
• Verrucae
– Also known as warts
– Chronic condition
– Occur in multiples and differ in size, shape, and
appearance
– Often resistant to treatment
– Types:
• Appearance on hands and fingers of children
– Common warts
• Appearance on sole of foot
– Plantar warts
• Sexually transmitted
– Genital warts
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Viral
• Measles
– Highly contagious
– Childhood disease
– Maculopapular skin rash
– (Detailed information in Chapter 20)
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Bacterial
• Impetigo
– Highly contagious skin disease
– Affects face and hands of children
– Cause:
• Streptococcus and Staphylococcus
– Symptoms:
• Vesicles
• Pustules that rupture
– Producing yellow crust over lesions
– Treatment:
• Cleansing
• Antibiotic ointment
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Bacterial
• Folliculitis
– Inflammation and infection of hair follicle
– Cause:
• Staphylococcus
– Symptoms:
• Small pustules surrounding hair
– Treatment:
• Antibiotic cream or oral medications depending on severity
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Bacterial
• Abscess, furuncle, and carbuncle
– Encapsulated lesion with inflammation and infection
– Abscess
• Localized collection of pus in any tissue
– Furuncle
• An abscess occurring in the skin, commonly called a boil
– Carbuncle
• Larger abscesses, interconnected furuncles, less common
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Bacterial
• Abscess, furuncle, and carbuncle
– Cause:
• Commonly Staphylococcus
• Lowered immunity
• Poor personal hygiene
– Symptoms:
• Extreme pain
– Treatment:
• Warm compresses
• Opened and surgically drained
• Antibacterial medications
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Bacterial
• Cellulitis
– Diffuse or spreading inflammation of skin and
subcutaneous tissue
– Causes:
• Streptococcus or Staphylococcus
– Symptoms:
• Pain, redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness of involved skin
– Treatment:
• Oral antibiotics
– Prevention:
• Good handwashing
• Cleansing of open areas on skin
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Bacterial
• Erysipelas
– Acute infection of dermis extending to fat tissue
– Causes:
• Most commonly group A Streptococcus
– Symptoms:
• Fatigue, chills, fever, headaches, vomiting
• Infected skin consistency similar to an orange peel
– Treatment:
• Oral or IV antibiotics
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Bacterial
• Lyme disease
– Multisystem infections transmitted to humans through
bite of infected deer tick
– Symptoms:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Flu-like symptoms
Arthritis
Malaise
Chills
Fever
Bull’s eye skin rash
– Treatment:
• Antibiotics
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Bacterial
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA)
– A strain of bacteria that is resistant to the antibiotics
commonly used to treat staphylococcal infections
– Both health care– and community-acquired
– Symptoms:
• Small red bumps that resemble pimples or boils
• Progress to abscess – progress to blood-borne infection
(sepsis)
• Symptoms of sepsis:
– Rash, fever, chills, headaches, joint pain, shortness of breath
– Can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical
attention
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Bacterial
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA)
– Diagnosis:
• Culture and sensitivity
– Treatment:
• Intravenous vancomycin
– **Even though vancomycin is currently effective, there are
signs that some MRSA bacteria are building resistance to this
medication also.
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Fungal
• Tinea
– Fungal infection also known as ringworm that infects
warm, moist areas of body
– Feeds on perspiration and dead skin
– Types:
• Tinea corporis
– Affects smooth skin on arms, legs, and body
• Tinea pedis
– Athlete’s foot
• Tinea cruris
– Jock itch
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Fungal
• Tinea
– Types:
(continued)
• Tinea unguium
– Affects fingernails or toenails
• Tinea capitis
– Affects scalp
• Tinea barbae
– Affects bearded areas
– Symptoms:
• Itching, cracking, and weeping of the skin
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Fungal
• Tinea
– Diagnosis:
• Microscopic examination of skin scrapings
– Treatment:
• Keep affected area clean and dry
• Antifungal medications
• Used consistently for a long period of time
– These infections commonly recur and become a chronic
problem.
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Fungal
• Candidiasis
– Commonly called yeast infection
– Can be superficial or systemic and life-threatening
– Cause:
• Candida
• Antibiotic therapy that disrupts normal flora
– Symptoms:
• Depend on location
– Mouth – thrush Patches of white infection
– Baby buttocks – diaper rash Red, inflamed scaly rash
– Fingernails – onychomycosis Itchy skin with blisters and
pustules
– Vagina – vaginitis
White, cheesy vaginal discharge
(Chapter 17)
– Treatments: Antifungal medications
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Parasitic
• Pediculosis
– Infestation with lice
– Types of lice: head, body, pubic
– Symptoms:
• Severe itching
– Treatment:
• Eradicating pediculosis is difficult
• Bathing and shampooing with medicated shampoo
– E.g., Kwell
• Dry cleaning or washing all clothing
• Cleaning and treating furniture
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Infectious Diseases: Parasitic
• Scabies
– Infestation by itch mite
– Cause:
• Sarcoptes scabiei, tiny parasite
– Symptoms:
• Intense itching
• Slightly elevated, grayish-white lines
– Treatment:
• Lindane cream (Kwell) to entire body
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Scabies
Photo courtesy Robert A. Silverman, MD,
Pediatric Dermatology, Georgetown University
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Metabolic Diseases
• Acne vulgaris
– Inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles
– Cause:
• Metabolic, occurs at puberty
– Symptoms:
• Comedones, blackhead
– Treatment:
• Cleansing
• Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments
• In severe cases, antibiotics, steroids, and Retin-A
preparations
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Metabolic Diseases
• Seborrheic dermatitis
– A common type of dermatitis affecting sebaceous
glands
– Also known as cradle cap in infants
– Also known as dandruff when affecting scalp
– Symptoms:
• Reddened skin
• Greasy-looking yellowish scales
– Treatment:
• Medicated shampoo
• Steroid lotion or creams
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Metabolic Diseases
• Sebaceous cyst
– A closed sac of oily, cheese-like material under
the skin
– Commonly develop on scalp, neck, groin
– Special type:
• Pilonidal cyst
– Cause:
• Sebaceous gland becomes blocked and sebum collects
under the skin
– Treatment:
• Incising and draining
• Surgical removal
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Hypersensitivity or Immune Diseases
• Eczema
– Inflammation of skin, not dangerous, not contagious,
not curable
– Cause:
• Occurs in individuals with genetic predisposition to allergies
– Symptoms:
• Dry, leathery skin lesions
• Itching
• Redness
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Hypersensitivity or Immune Diseases
• Eczema
– Symptoms:
•
•
•
•
(continued)
Vesicles
Pustules
Scales
Crusting
– Treatment:
•
•
•
•
Topical cortisone creams
Antihistamines
Sedatives
Avoidance of sunlight
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Hypersensitivity or Immune Diseases
• Urticaria
– Vascular reaction of the skin
– Also known as hives or nettle rash
– Causes:
• Irritants such as insect bites, pollen, or plants
– Symptoms:
• Severe itching
– Treatment:
• Antihistamines
• Avoidance of allergen
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Hypersensitivity or Immune Diseases
• Contact dermatitis
– Acute or chronic allergic reaction of skin
– Causes:
• Cosmetics
• Laundry products
• Jewelry
– Symptoms:
• Pain
• Small, red, localized lesions to vesicular lesions; example:
Poison ivy
– Treatment:
• Topical medications
• Antihistamines to relieve itching
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Hypersensitivity or Immune Diseases
• Scleroderma
– Autoimmune reaction
– Hardening, thickening, and shrinking of connective
tissues
• Including skin
**More information can be found in Chapter 5
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Idiopathic Diseases
• Psoriasis
–
–
–
–
Very common, chronic skin disease
Affects individuals ages 15 to 35
Has periods of remission and exacerbation
Cause:
• Unknown but some hereditary basis does exist
– Symptoms:
• Rapid replacement of epidermal cells
• Red, raised lesions with distinct borders and silvery scales
• Scales generally appear on elbows, knees, and scalp
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Idiopathic Diseases
• Psoriasis
– Treatment:
• Medications
– Control itching
» Creams containing coal tar
– Remove scaling
» Salicylic acid
– UV light treatments
– Steroids
– Oatmeal baths to loosen the scales
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Idiopathic Diseases
• Rosacea
– A chronic skin condition
– Characterized by inflammation and redness of the
forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin
– It is not dangerous or life-threatening
– Cause:
•
•
•
•
Unknown
Blush easy, fair skinned, female
30 – 50 years old
Enlargement of the blood vessels just under the skin
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Idiopathic Diseases
• Rosacea
– Symptoms:
• Facial skin appears red with swelling or skin eruptions similar
to acne vulgaris
• Red, bulbous nose
• Spider-like vessels called telangiectasia
• Bloodshot, irritated, watery eyes
– Treatment:
•
•
•
•
•
No known cure
Identify triggers that cause exacerbations of the condition
Avoid sun exposure, prolonged exertion in hot weather
Avoid stress, spicy foods, alcohol, and hot beverages
Antibiotic ointments to control skin eruptions
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Benign Tumors
• Seborrheic keratosis
– Benign overgrowth of epithelial cells
– One of the most common benign growths in older
adults
– Cause:
• Unknown, but does appear to be age related
– Symptoms:
• Tan or brown growths on hands, arms, and face
• Warty scale appearance
– Treatment:
• Curettage
– Scraping off
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Benign Tumors
• Keloid
– Raised, firm, irregular-shaped scar tissue following
trauma or surgery
– Cause:
• Overgrowth of collagen during connective tissue repair
• More common in the black population
– Treatment:
• Surgical removal is usually not effective because it results in
the growth of another keloid
• Radiation, steroids, and cryotherapy may be helpful
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Benign Tumors
• Hemangioma
– Congenital benign tumor of small blood vessels that
form purplish birthmark
– Appear on the face and neck
– Cause:
• Unknown
– Common types:
• Port wine stain
• Strawberry hemangioma
• Cherry hemangioma
– Treatment:
• Usually not necessary, many disappear by age 5
• Surgical removal
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Premalignant and Malignant Tumors
• Actinic keratosis
– Premalignant condition
– Common in fair-skinned individuals
– Cause:
• Excessive exposure to the sun
– Symptoms:
• Wart-like lesions on sun-exposed areas
– Treatment:
• Topical medication
– E.g., Retin-A
• Curettage
• Cryotherapy
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Premalignant and Malignant Tumors
• Basal cell carcinoma
– Most common type of skin cancer
– Most often affects fair-skinned, blonde, blue- or grayeyed individuals
– Slow-growing, locally invading tumor that does not
metastasize
– Cause:
• Unknown, result of genetic and environmental (sun
exposure) factors
– Symptoms:
• Appearance varies; smooth, shiny bump, pink to pearly white
– Treatment:
• Surgical removal
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Premalignant and Malignant Tumors
• Squamous cell carcinoma
– Less common than basal cell
– Tends to grow more rapidly, becomes metastatic
– Cause:
• Tends to occur in sun-exposed areas
– Symptoms:
• Firm red nodule with crusts or slightly elevated plaque
– Treatment:
• Wide surgical excision
• Radiation
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Premalignant and Malignant Tumors
• Malignant melanoma
–
–
–
–
–
Most serious type of skin cancer
Responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths
Rarely occurs before age 20
May be related to severe sunburn as child
Symptoms:
• Change in size and color of mole
– Treatment depends on degree of spread:
• Wide surgical excision
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Premalignant and Malignant Tumors
• Kaposi’s sarcoma
– Malignant vascular skin tumor
– Cause:
• Not highly malignant except in the case of AIDS
– Symptoms:
• Bluish-red patches that grow under the skin
– Treatment:
•
•
•
•
Treat AIDS
Liquid nitrogen
Radiation
Chemotherapy
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Abnormal Pigmented Lesions
• Types:
– Ephelis
• Freckle
• Indicates skin damage due to sunburn
– Lentigo
• Liver spot
• Occur on face, neck, and back of the hands in older adults
– Nevus
• Mole
• Can be brown, black, or pink-colored
• Due to a collection of melanocytes
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Abnormal Pigmented Lesions
• Types:
– Albinism
• Hereditary disorder
• Decrease or total absence of pigment in skin, hair, and eyes
– Vitiligo
• Destruction of melanocytes in small or large patches of skin
– Melasma
• Dark patches of skin on face, especially the cheeks
• Common in pregnant females and those taking birth control
pills
• Usually disappears after delivery or discontinuation of
medication
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Diseases of the Nails
• Disease can cause abnormal shape,
thickness, and color
• Causes:
– Most commonly fungal and bacterial infections
• Bacterial infection of the skin around the nail is paronychia
• Fungal infections frequently affect the feet, chronic, cause
nail deformity
• Treatment:
– Bacterial infections treated with antibiotics
– Fungal infections treated with antifungal medications
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Diseases of the Hair
• Hair color, texture, and distribution are
genetically determined and influenced by
hormones
• Hirsutism
– Excessive growth of hair
– In the female, may be caused by hormone
abnormalities
Alopecia
– Partial or complete hair loss
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Diseases of the Hair
• Male-patterned baldness
–
–
–
–
Common cause of hair loss in men
An inherited trait passed to males by their mothers
Can be seen in mother’s brothers (maternal uncles)
Symptoms:
• Begins around age 30 with receding front hairline
– Treatment:
• Growth can be restored by certain special medications
• Wig, toupee, hair transplant
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Trauma – Mechanical Skin Injury
• Abrasion
– Scraping away skin surface – friction or rug burns
• Blunt trauma
– Individual is struck by items such as hammers, is
thrown into objects, or has fallen
– Often causes a large bruise called a contusion
• Avulsion
– Portion of skin is pulled away or torn
– Usually occurs when tissue is caught in machinery
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Trauma – Mechanical Skin Injury
• Crush trauma
– Tissue caught between two hard surfaces
– Usually involves fingers, hands, feet, toes
• Caught in doors or between objects
• Puncture injury
– Sharp object forced into tissue
– Knife, nail, glass, metal
• Potential for tetanus
• Laceration
– Cut in skin caused by sharp object – knife, razor,
glass
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Trauma – Thermal Skin Injury
• Thermal skin injury
– Due to excessive heat or cold
– Injury can range from mild to severe
– Severe injury can be life-threatening
• Hyperthermia
– Body overheated due to excessive exposure to sun or
heat
– Types:
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat stroke
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Trauma – Thermal Skin Injury
• Heat exhaustion
– Commonly occurs with excessive exercise in a warm
environment
– Symptoms:
• Profuse perspiration, loss of salt and water leading to
dehydration
• Cool, moist skin
• Weakness, nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Body temperature is normal
– Treatment:
• Place individual in cool place
• Fluid and salt replacement
• Transport to the hospital
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Trauma – Thermal Skin Injury
• Heat stroke
– More serious than heat exhaustion
– Body’s temperature regulation fails
– Symptoms:
•
•
•
•
•
Temperature above 105 degrees F
Skin red and hot; NO perspiration
Nausea, weakness
Mental confusion – loss of consciousness – convulsions
Without rapid treatment, brain damage and death can result
– Treatment:
• Rapid cooling with cold water
• Immediate transport to hospital
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Trauma – Thermal Skin Injury
• Burns
– Cause:
• Can be caused by fire, steam, hot liquids, chemicals,
electricity
• Burns are classified by depth of skin injury
• Main complications are fluid loss and infection
– Treatment:
•
•
•
•
•
Depends on the degree and type of burn
Cooling of tissue with cool water to prevent further burning
Analgesics
Antibiotics
Surgical debridement
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Trauma – Thermal Skin Injury
• First-degree burns
–
–
–
–
–
Fairly common
Pain, redness, swelling of skin
Involve only the epidermis
Often result of sunburn
Heals usually within a week
• Second-degree burns
– Also called partial-thickness burns
– Involve epidermis and dermis
– Extreme pain, redness, blisters, open wounds
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Trauma – Thermal Skin Injury
• Second-degree
burns
(continued)
– Usually heal in 2-3 weeks
– Infection can lead to third-degree wound
• Third-degree burns
– Also called full-thickness burns
– Involve the epidermis, dermis, exposing layers of fat,
muscle, and bone
– Burn areas are painless due to nerve destruction
– Characterized by charred and broken tissue layers
– Treatment often includes grafting
– Scarring and deformity are common
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Trauma – Thermal Skin Injury
• Hypothermia
– Body’s core temperature falls below 95 degrees F
– Symptoms:
•
•
•
•
Extreme shivering
Mental confusion
Blue or cyanotic extremities
Weak pulse
– Treatment:
• Remove wet clothing
• Warm body with warm blankets; drink warm liquids
• Immediately transport to a hospital
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Trauma – Thermal Skin Injury
• Frostbite
– Freezing of tissue
– Usually on face, fingers, toes, ears
– Symptoms:
• Affected area is painless and white
• Warming the skin leads to pain and redness
– Treatment:
• Rapid warming in warm water baths
• Emergency treatment at a medical facility
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Trauma – Electrical Injury
• Electrical injury
– Causes:
• Unprotected or inadequately insulated electrical wiring
• Contact with lightning
– Damage has point of entry and exit
– Common cause of death is from respiratory and
cardiac arrest
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Trauma – Radiation Injury
• Radiation injury
– Ionizing radiation
• X-rays
• Sunlight
– Causes:
• Exposure to sunlight
• Tanning beds
• Prolonged exposure to sun or tanning beds causes the skin
to become prematurely dry, brittle, and wrinkled and to lose
elasticity
• Causes the skin to appear much older than its natural age
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Trauma – Pressure Injury
• Decubitus/pressure ulcer
– Commonly called a bedsore or pressure sore
– Cause:
• Affects bony areas of body
– E.g., heels, sacrum, elbows
• Increased pressure in these bony areas slows blood flow and
leads to ischemia and necrosis
– Prevention:
• Frequent turning and repositioning
• Massaging of affected area to improve circulation
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Trauma – Pressure Injury
• Corns and calluses
– Protective hyperplasias of tissue
– Main difference in corn and callus is location
– Corns
•
•
•
•
Found on feet
Often painful
Due to ill-fitting shoes
Can be surgically removed
– Calluses
• Not usually painful
• Most common on hands
• Protect the hands form repeated injury
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Trauma – Insect Bites and Stings
• Insect bites and stings
–
–
–
–
Vary from bloodsucking to stings
May cause swelling and itching at site
Insect bites can transmit disease
Symptoms:
• Venom or poison may cause allergic reaction
• Range from mild to severe
• Severe reaction called anaphylaxis
– Treatment:
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antihistamine; analgesic
• Emergency medical treatment; CPR and call 911
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Spider Bites
• Black widow
– Most commonly known poisonous spider
– Only the female bites, usually when disturbed or
trying to protect her eggs
– Cause:
• The venom of the spider is a protein that affects the victim’s
nervous system
– Symptoms:
• Acute pain at the site, abdominal pain, nausea, fainting,
dizziness
– Treatment:
• Cold compresses
• Pain relievers
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Spider Bites
• Brown recluse spider
–
–
–
–
Very dangerous
Also called fiddleback, violin spider and brown fiddler
Very reclusive; bite only when threatened
Cause:
• Venom is extremely poisonous
• Bites are rarely fatal, but deaths have been reported
– Symptoms:
• Severe pain, itching, fever, nausea, muscle pain
– Treatment:
• Application of ice pack
• Analgesic medications
• Seek medical treatment
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Rare Diseases
• Elephantiasis
– Hypertrophy of skin and subcutaneous tissue
giving it an elephant-like appearance
• Inflammation of lymphatic system results
in fluid accumulation
• Cause:
– Parasitic worm
– Most common in tropical areas such as central Africa
– Spread by mosquitoes and bloodsucking flies
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Effects of Aging
• Thinning of epidermal layer
– Retains less water, which leads to easy tearing and
dryness
• Xerosis: sweat and sebaceous glands do
not function as well
• Skin lesions are common
• Seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, and
psoriasis are frequently seen disorders
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.
Effects of Aging
• Thickening of nails
• Thickening and increased brittleness of
hair
• Loss and graying of hair
• Skin lesions
Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning®.