The Integumentary System

The skin is considered to be: A membrane because it covers the body An organ because it contains several kinds of tissues A system because it has organs and other parts that work together for a specific function

On an average adult, the skin covers over 3,000 square inches of surface area and accounts for about 15% of total body weight.

Functions Protection Sensory perception Regulation of body temperature Storage Absorption Excretion Production

3 layers to skin: Epidermis Dermis Subcutaneous

Epidermis Outermost layer of skin Made of five to six smaller layers Contains no blood vessels or nerve cells Complete regeneration every 35-45 days

Dermis Called the “true skin” Contains blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, involuntary muscles, sweat and oil glands and hair follicles Ridges in the dermis forms unique patterns for each individual (papillae) Patterns are used for identification purposes (fingerprints)

Subcutaneous (hypodermis) Innermost layer of skin Made of elastic and fibrous connective tissue and adipose (fatty) tissue Connects skin to underlying muscles

Glands of the skin: Sudoriferous glands Sebaceous glands

Sudoriferous glands “Sweat glands” Coiled tubes that extend through dermis Open on surface of skin at an opening called a pore Eliminate sweat or perspiration that contains water, salts, and some body wastes Sweat contains body wastes Basically odorless When sweat interacts with bacteria on skin, body odor occurs

Sebaceous glands Oil glands Usually open onto a hair follicle Produce oil called sebum Keeps hair from becoming dry and brittle Slightly acidic, so it acts as an antibacterial and antifungal secretion to help prevent infections Blackheads or pimples occur when oil glands becomes plugged with dirt and oil

Sebaceous Glands Glands are located all over the body except for soles of feet and palms Sebaceous glands help slow water loss during dry weather

Skin Color-Erythema

Skin Color-Jaundice

Skin Color-Cyanosis

Skin Color—Albino Absence of skin pigments Skin has pinkish tint Hair is pale yellow or white Eyes are red in color and sensitive to light

Skin Eruptions Macules- flat, (ex. Freckles) Papules- firm, raised areas (ex. Pimples) Vesicles-blisters (ex. chickenpox) Pustules-pus filled sacs (ex.acne) Crusts- dried pus & blood (ex. scabs) Wheals- itchy elevated areas (ex. Bites) Ulcer-deep loss of skin surface

Diseases/Conditions

Inflammation of the skin that results to overexposure of UV radiation Sunburn Inflammation of the skin that results to overexposure of UV radiation

Sunburn

Cause: Overexposure to sun without protection

Skin Cancer Cancer of the skin. The most common type of cancer. Three types: Basal cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma Melanoma

Melanoma (change in color and irregular border Squamous Cell is more common among fair skinned people and people >50yo Melanoma (change in color and irregular border Basal Cell-appears at areas with increased sun exposure

Nevi (Mole)

Causes: Over exposure to the sun, prolonged use of tanning beds, irritating chemicals, or radiation

Varicella (chicken pox) Highly contagious illness caused by a virus. Starts with vesicles and spreads quickly throughout body. Fever accompanies it.

Varicella (chicken pox)

Cause: Contagious Virus

Psoriasis Chronic, non-contagious skin disease with periods of exacerbations and remission. Symptoms: Thick, red areas covered with white or silver scales.

Psoriasis

Cause: Unknown (stress, cold weather, pregnancy, sunlight exacerbate the disease)

Molluscum Contagiosum Contagious viral infection of the skin

Molluscum

Cause: Viral (contagious)

Impetigo Highly contagious skin infection usually caused by streptococci or staphylococci organisms.

impetigo

Causes: Streptococci or Staphylococci (Contagious)

A painful sore with a hard core filled with pus Furuncle (Boil) A painful sore with a hard core filled with pus

Furuncle (boil)

Furuncle (Boil)

Cause: Deep infection of a hair follicle

Cellulitis Inflammation of body tissue characterized by swelling, redness, and pain.

Cellulitis

Cause: Bacteria invades deep into skin tissue

Inflammation of the sebaceous glands. Acne Vulgaris Inflammation of the sebaceous glands.

Acne

Cause: Unknown (possible hormone related or increased secretion of sebum)

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Acute inflammation of nerve cells and is caused by the herpes virus.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Shingles (Herpes Virus)

Causes: Herpes virus

Highly contagious fungal infection of the skin or scalp Ringworm Highly contagious fungal infection of the skin or scalp

Ringworm

Causes: Fungus

Viral infection of the skin usually occurring at pressure points Warts (Verrucae) Viral infection of the skin usually occurring at pressure points

Warts (Verrucae)

Cause: Virus

A highly contagious viral disease Measles A highly contagious viral disease

Measles

Cause: Virus

Diabetic Ulcer

Cause: Chronic Uncontrolled Blood Sugar

Poison Ivy

Cause: Sensitivity with contact to the plant

Lipoma

Cause: unknown….genetic factors do play a role

Abrasion

Cause: Injury resulting from rubbing or scraping the skin

Keloid

Cause: Excessive collagen formation during healing

Striae

Cause: Rapid stretching of the skin causes tearing of dermis layer

Athlete’s Foot

Cause: Fungal Infection

Skin Grafting

Nail Inspection Note: color, length, configuration, symmetry, and cleanliness Nail base: should feel hard and smooth with uniform thickness Condition of fingernails: provide important insight to pt.’s sense of self can be reflective of health status

Clubbing of Nails Schmroth’s Test