Integumentary Disorder

Integumentary Disorder
Assessment
The fundamental function of the skin is to protect the body's underlying tissues by acting
as a surface barrier to the external environment. The skin also serves as a barrier
against bacterial and viral invasion, as well as preventing excessive water loss. The
subcutaneous layer fat insulates the body and protects it from harm. The integumentary
system is vulnerable to a wide range of diseases, ailments, and traumas. These might
range from unpleasant but typically benign bacterial or fungal infections to fatal skin
cancer and major burns. Examine the patient's skin tone and compare it to the standard.
Pallor (paleness), cyanosis (blueness), jaundice (yellowness), or erythema (redness)

are all signs of a color shift (redness). If there is any bruising (ecchymosis), make a note
of it. Inspect the scalp for lice and/or nits if the patient complains itching. Palpating the
skin is used to assess temperature, moisture, texture, skin turgor, capillary refill, and
edema. If erythema or rashes are present, applying pressure with a gloved finger to
assess for blanching is useful (whitening with pressure). Fever, decreased circulation in
the extremities, and local tissue inflammation can all induce skin temperature variations.
Reduced circulation in the extremities may cause the patient's hands and feet to appear
cool, but local tissue infection or inflammation may cause the localized area to feel
warmer than the rest of the body. The capillary refill test is used to measure perfusion,
or the quantity of blood flow to tissue, in the nail beds. A fingernail or toenail is pressed
until it turns white, suggesting that blood has been squeezed out of the tissue beneath
the nail.
Although skin turgor can be used to estimate hydration levels in patients, research has
shown that it is not a reliable indicator. The term "turgor" refers to the skin's flexibility.
When a patient is dehydrated, his or her ability to alter shape and return to normal is
compromised. Pinch the skin of the patient's lower arm between two fingers, tenting it
upwards, and then releasing it to check for skin turgor. If you see edema during an
exam, palpate it to discover if it's pitting or nonpitting. By pressing on the skin, ideally
over a bone structure like the tibia, you can check for indentation. Pitting edema
develops when the skin becomes indented, while nonpitting is the opposite of it.
A healthcare physician can often diagnose a skin problem by looking at your skin A
biopsy is a technique that involves removing a small sample of skin and examining it
under a microscope. Culture is the process of testing a skin sample for bacteria, fungus,
or viruses. Small amounts of chemicals are applied to the skin in order to see if they
trigger allergic reactions. An ultraviolet (UV) light is used to view your skin's color more
clearly in a black light examination (Wood light test). Diascopy is the process of rubbing
a microscope slide against a skin patch to see if the color of the skin changes.
Dermoscopy is the diagnosis of skin lesions using a hand-held equipment called a
dermatoscope. Tzanck test, which examines the fluid from a blister to see if it contains
herpes simplex or zoster.
As a result, a general skin inspection starts with the first contact with the patient and
continues throughout the evaluation. Unless the predominant complaint is a
dermatologic condition, specific parts of the skin are examined during the evaluation of
other body systems.
Intervention
Skin disorders are diseases that damage the skin's surface. Several illnesses can
produce rashes, inflammation, itching, and other skin abnormalities. Genetics have a
role in some skin problems, while lifestyle factors play a role in others. Skin illnesses
can be treated with medications, creams, and ointments, as well as lifestyle changes.
A skin illness can be caused by a variety of lifestyle factors. Your skin may be affected
by underlying health issues as well. Bacteria stuck in your pores or hair follicles, thyroid,
renal, or immune system disorders, interaction with environmental triggers such as
allergies or another person's skin, heredity, fungus on your skin, viruses, medicine,
diabetes, and sun are all common causes of skin illnesses.
Many skin illnesses have a good prognosis when treated. Antihistamines, laser skin
resurfacing, medicated creams, ointments or gels, moisturizers, oral drugs (taken by
mouth), steroid pills, creams or injections, and surgical procedures may be
recommended by a dermatologist or other healthcare provider, depending on the
disease.
Making lifestyle adjustments might also help to alleviate the symptoms of skin disorders.
If your healthcare physician recommends it, avoid or limit specific foods, such as sugar
or dairy, manage stress, practice excellent hygiene, especially adequate skin care, and
avoid excessive alcohol and smoking. Many skin problems are long-term (long-lasting).
Symptoms can be reduced with treatment, but you may need to continue taking
medication or receiving additional therapies to keep them at bay.
Treatment, on the other hand, can assist to alleviate symptoms and even prevent them
for months. Many skin disorders never totally go away. Watch for any changes in your
skin, such as new or non-healing spots or changes in moles. The majority of skin
cancers can be cured if caught and treated early.

Integumentary Disorder

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Integumentary Disorder

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Integumentary Disorder

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Integumentary Disorder

Pallor (paleness), cyanosis (blueness), jaundice (yellowness), or erythema (redness)

You might also like