Question 1

Tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea pedis, and tinea cruris are manifestations of

Accepted Answer

Dermatophyte infections are classified by the body region they inhabit. All dermatophytosis lesions are characterized by an active border and are marked by scaling with central clearing. Dermatophytosis occurring on the scalp is called tinea capitis; the body, tinea corporis; the nails, tinea unguium; the feet, tinea pedis (athlete's foot); and the groin region, tinea cruris.

Question 2

The treatment of cellulitis includes

Accepted Answer

The affected limb should be immobilized and elevated. Cool magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) solution compresses may be used for discomfort. Warm compresses should be applied to increase circulation to the affected part. Systemic antibiotics, with penicillin being the drug of choice, are prescribed for the infection. Aspirin, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or acetaminophen alone or in combination with codeine is given for pain. Hospitalization is indicated when cellulitis is severe.

Question 3

_____ is a type of inflammation of the skin that tends to occur in persons with a family history of allergic conditions.

Accepted Answer

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic inflammation of the skin that tends to occur in patients with a family history of allergic conditions.

Question 4

_____ is a common contagious superficial skin infection caused by either Streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus.

Accepted Answer

Impetigo is a common, contagious, superficial skin infection. It manifests with early vesicular or pustular lesions that rupture and form thick yellow crusts (see Figure 6-16).
Impetigo is caused by either Streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus. The infection is thought to originate from insect bites, scabies infestation, poor hygiene, anemia, and malnutrition and impairment in skin integrity related to eczema. It is also highly contagious and so may be spread from child to child in the school or childcare environment. Cases of impetigo are common in temperate climates and occur more often in warm weather.

Question 5

One of the most common skin disorders marked by an inflammatory condition of the sebaceous glands is

Accepted Answer

Seborrheic dermatitis, one of the most common skin disorders, is an inflammatory condition of the sebaceous, or oil, glands.

Question 6

Preventive measures for a decubitus ulcer include

Accepted Answer

Preventive measures include frequent inspection of the skin for signs of breakdown, alleviation of pressure points over bony prominences, good skin care, early ambulation when possible, position changes every 2 hours, passive range-of-motion exercises, and the use of special pads and mattresses.

Question 7

The most serious type of skin cancer is

Accepted Answer

In fact, BCC is the most prevalent form of cancer worldwide. Because BCC and SCC usually do not metastasize, however, they are often not included on most cancer registries. Malignant melanoma is the most serious of the three types of skin cancer, but it is not as common.

Question 8

A _____ is an abscess that involves the entire hair follicle and adjacent subcutaneous tissue.

Accepted Answer

A furuncle, or boil, is a pus-containing abscess that involves the entire hair follicle and adjacent subcutaneous tissue. A carbuncle is either an unusually large furuncle or multiple furuncles that develop in adjoining follicles, connected by many drainage canals.

Question 9

Which of the following statement(s) is/are true about scabies and pediculosis?

Accepted Answer

Itch mites (scabies) and lice (pediculosis) are the two most common parasitic insects to infest humans.

Question 10

Causes of alopecia (baldness) include

Accepted Answer

In most cases, baldness is a result of the aging process or heredity. It can, however, be a consequence of certain systemic illnesses, such as thyroid diseases, iron deficiency anemia, syphilis, or an autoimmune disease. Certain forms of dermatitis (see "dermatitis" section) can also cause alopecia. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used to treat cancer, and some other types of medications may lead to thinning and loss of hair. The hair often grows back after treatment has been completed. More often, however, hair loss is not attributed to any specific disease process.

Question 11

The ABCDEs of malignant melanoma include

Accepted Answer

ABCDEs of Malignant Melanoma
· A = Asymmetry (lack of equality in the diameter)
· B = Border (notched, scalloped, or indistinct)
· C = Color (uneven, variegated - ranging from tan, brown, or black to red and white)
· D = Diameter (usually larger than 6 mm)
· E = Evolving (Any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or other trait, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting points to danger.)

Question 12

Contact dermatitis can be induced by

Accepted Answer

Contact dermatitis is an acute inflammation response of the skin triggered by an exogenous chemical or substance. Contact dermatitis is caused either by the action of irritants on the skin's surface or by contact with a substance that causes an allergic response. Symptoms include erythema, edema, and small vesicles that ooze, itch, burn, or sting (see Figure 6-4). Many substances can induce contact dermatitis, including plants such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Poison ivy may be spread as an airborne irritant by burning plants. Other irritants are dyes used in soaps and facial and toilet tissue, other dyes, latex, furs, preservatives, drugs, detergents, cleaning compounds, cosmetics, chemicals, acids, and certain metals (for example, nickel) used to make jewelry. Solar radiation and other forms of radiation, including exposure through a tanning bed, may cause the dermatitis. If an irritant remains in constant contact with the skin, the dermatitis spreads. Contact dermatitis develops in three ways. First, it can develop through irritation, either chemical or mechanical, such as by latex gloves and wool fibers. If the irritant is strong, a single exposure may cause a severe inflammatory reaction. Second, contact dermatitis may develop by sensitization. This means that the first contact with a substance causes no immediate inflammation. However, after the skin becomes sensitized, future contact or exposure results in inflammation. Third, another interesting but uncommon mechanism for the development of this form of dermatitis is photoallergy. Some chemicals found in perfumes, soaps, suntan lotions containing para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), or medications (for example, tetracycline), can sensitize the skin to sunlight. The next time the individual uses the products and is exposed to sunlight, a rash develops.

Question 13

_____ is a chronic skin condition marked by thick, flaky, red patches of various sizes, covered with characteristic white, silvery scales.

Accepted Answer

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition marked by thick, flaky, red patches of various sizes, covered with characteristic white, silvery scales (see Figure 6-8).

Question 14

_____ is an eruption of extremely painful vesicles that occur in a bandlike unilateral pattern along the course of a peripheral nerve.

Accepted Answer

Herpes zoster, or shingles, is an acute inflammatory dermatomal eruption of extremely painful vesicles. Shingles occurs in a bandlike unilateral pattern along the course of the peripheral nerves or dermatomes that are affected and do not cross the midline of the body (see Figure 6-14).

Question 15

The most common dermatitis during infancy, called cradle cap, is a form of

Accepted Answer

Seborrheic dermatitis can occur at any age, but is most common during infancy, when it is called cradle cap. Cradle cap usually clears without treatment by 8-12 months of age.

Question 16

The most common premalignant tumors are

Accepted Answer

Moles are the most common premalignant tumors.

Question 17

_____ is a serious form of skin cancer that often ulcerates, forms a crust, and has a tendency to metastasize if allowed to reach an advanced stage.

Accepted Answer

SCC lesions often present as a crusted or scaly area with a red, inflamed base; as a growing tumor; as a nonhealing ulcer; or as a raised, firm papule (see Figure 6-35). Hyperkeratosis is an important feature that distinguishes SCC from BCC. The ulcerated lesions may be painful.

Question 18

The cause of acne vulgaris is

Accepted Answer

The cause of acne vulgaris is unknown. Research on the cause, however, links it to hormonal changes of adolescence that affect the activity of the sebaceous glands. Hereditary tendencies are also known to be predisposing factors. Precipitating factors may include food allergies, endocrine disorders, psychological factors, fatigue, and the use of steroid drugs. Sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands, reaches the skin surface through the hair follicle. Overproduction of the oil seems to stimulate the follicle walls, causing a faster shedding of skin cells. This causes the cells and sebum to stick together and form a plug, which promotes the growth of bacteria in the follicles. This is the process by which pimples and nodules form.

Question 19

A precursor to skin cancer is

Accepted Answer

Actinic keratoses are common premalignant lesions and are seen on sun-exposed areas of the body. They are caused by long-term exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) portion of sunlight, and their numbers increase with age. Light-skinned people have a higher risk.

Question 20

The most common sign of malignant melanoma is

Accepted Answer

Most melanomas occur as solitary lesions. They can be found anywhere on the skin, but are most common on the backs of men and the legs of women. The most common symptom is change - either a newly pigmented area of the skin or a change in a mole that may have been present since birth or childhood (see Figure 6-36, A and B).

Quiz 6: Diseases and Conditions of the Integumentary System