1. PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

2. The Skin Epidermis—outermost layer of skin
Contains melanocytes, where pigment is stored
Thinnest skin layer

3. The Skin (cont.) Dermis—middle layer of skin tissue
Contains fibroblasts responsible for secreting collagen and elastin
Contains immune cells, hair follicles, blood vessels, and sweat and oil glands
Location of the sensory receptors for touch, pain, heat, and cold
Helps maintain body temperature
Subcutaneous layer (hypodermis)—deepest layer of skin
Outermost part of the muscle is located here
Stores fat tissue
Contains connective tissue

4. Functions of the Skin Acts as a mechanical barrier to infection
Provides for the sense of touch
Regulates body temperature
Excretes waste products and salt from the body
Synthesizes vitamin D (with sunlight) for the absorption of calcium

5. Diseases of the Skin—Rash
Area of red, inflamed skin, or a group of red spots
Caused by irritation, allergy, infection, or defects in the skin’s structure
Pharmaceutical treatment: antihistamines, topical corticosteroids

6. Diseases of the Skin—Eczema
Skin inflammation with red, pimple-like bumps
Characterized by itching, blistering, or oozing areas that progress to scaly, brownish, or thickened skin
Pharmaceutical treatment: topical immunomodulators
Chronic immune disorder
Specific immune cells become overactive and release excessive amounts of proteins called cytokines
Causes inflammation and painful, often disfiguring plaques
Pharmaceutical treatment: topical steroids, oral antibiotics, immunosuppressants

7. Diseases of the Skin—Viral Infection
Occurs when a virus infects the inner layers of the skin
Examples: herpes simplex, warts, shingles
Pharmaceutical treatment: anti-inflammatory steroids or antihistamines

8. Diseases of the Skin—Bacterial Infection
Occurs when bacteria penetrate the skin and cause opportunistic infection
Most common bacterial infections: staphylococci, streptococci, and pseudomonas
If left untreated, may spread throughout the body, causing systemic infections
Examples: cellulitis, impetigo, folliculitis
Pharmaceutical treatment: oral antibiotics

9. Diseases of the Skin Fungal Infection
Occurs when harmless fungi gain entry into the skin
Usually external, affecting the skin, hair, and nails
Examples: athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm
Pharmaceutical treatment: topical antifungals
Acne
Bacterial infection
Results in an overproduction of sebum, which clogs the hair follicles
Categorized as noninflammatory or inflammatory
Pharmaceutical treatment: topical antiseptics

10. Diseases of the Skin Cellulitis
Acute, deep infection of the connective tissue
Accompanied by inflammation
Pharmaceutical treatment: oral or IV antibiotics
Parasitic Infestations
Caused by insects or worms that burrow into the skin to live and/or lay eggs
Examples: scabies, lice
Pharmaceutical treatment: antiparasitic topical agents

11. Parasitic infestation—head lice.

12. Diseases of the Skin—Tumors and Cancerous Growths
Occur when skin cells multiply or reproduce faster than normal
Cells without mutation are noncancerous or benign
Tumors or skin growths with mutation are cancerous or malignant
Pharmaceutical treatment: topical chemotherapeutic agents, immunomodulators, NSAIDs for precancerous actinic keratosis

13. Basal cell carcinoma.
Malignant melanoma.

14. Diseases of the Skin—Pigmentation Disorders
Skin color is determined by the amount of melanin produced by the body
Hypopigmentation—loss of skin pigmentation
Example: vitiligo
Hyperpigmentation—excess skin pigmentation
Examples: freckles, age or “liver” spots
Pharmaceutical treatment: none