NR 293 Skin and Skin Disorders

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Chamberlain University

NR-293: Pharmacology for Nursing Practice

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Signs, Symptoms, and Causes of Skin Disorders

Introduction

Skin disorders encompass a wide range of conditions caused by infectious agents, autoimmune dysfunctions, or environmental factors. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of these disorders is critical for effective diagnosis and management. This document explores common skin conditions such as impetigo, psoriasis, herpes simplex virus type 1, and others, detailing their causes and manifestations.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection, primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus, that predominantly affects infants and children. It presents with rapidly expanding lesions, usually on the face, which rupture and form characteristic crusty scabs. Newborns are particularly vulnerable to this condition.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition involving abnormal T-cell activation and accelerated keratinocyte production. It is non-contagious and manifests as silvery plaques on the scalp, face, elbows, and knees. These plaques may cause discomfort such as itching or burning sensations.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1)

Herpes simplex virus type 1 causes cold sores or fever blisters, which commonly appear near the lips. It spreads through direct contact with saliva and is characterized by pain, tingling, itching, and fluid-filled blisters.

Nevi

Nevi, commonly known as moles or birthmarks, are pigmented skin lesions. While most are benign, they require monitoring for any changes in size, color, or shape, as these may indicate malignancy.

Varicella (Chickenpox)

Chickenpox is a contagious viral infection, predominantly affecting children. It is characterized by an itchy, blister-like rash, fever, fatigue, and reduced appetite.

Zoster (Shingles)

Zoster, or shingles, is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in adults who have previously had chickenpox. It results in a painful rash with stripe-like blisters, often localized to one side of the body, typically on the trunk.

Pemphigus

Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune disorder targeting mucous membranes in the mouth and genitals. Autoantibodies attack epidermal cells, leading to blisters, skin shedding, and susceptibility to secondary infections.

Urticaria (Chronic Hives)

Chronic hives, or urticaria, involve type 1 hypersensitivity reactions, often triggered by allergens or medications. Symptoms include intensely itchy, swollen red welts, sometimes accompanied by itching in the throat, eyes, or lips.

Secondary Infections

Secondary infections occur when opportunistic pathogens exploit weakened immunity. Examples include bacterial pneumonia following a viral respiratory infection or yeast infections after antibiotic treatment.

Candidiasis

Candidiasis, caused by Candida albicans, commonly affects mucous membranes and the skin. It leads to intense itching, inflammation, and a thick white discharge.

Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp, often transmitted by pets such as cats and dogs. Symptoms include red, swollen rings, severe itching, dandruff, and bald patches.

Skin Cancers

Seborrheic keratosis is a benign condition involving basal cell proliferation, often found on the face or trunk. In contrast, actinic keratosis presents as pigmented, scaly patches with the potential to progress into malignancy, requiring prompt attention.

Conclusion

Skin disorders like impetigo, psoriasis, herpes simplex virus type 1, varicella, and zoster each have distinct causes and symptoms requiring precise diagnosis for effective treatment. Additionally, conditions such as nevi and skin cancers necessitate vigilance to address their potential for malignancy.

NR 293 Skin and Skin Disorders

Disorder	Signs and Symptoms	Causes
Impetigo	Expanding lesions on the face, crusty scabs	Caused by Staphylococcus aureus, especially in newborns.
Psoriasis	Silvery plaques, itching, burning sensations	Autoimmune activation of T-cells and excess keratinocyte production.
Herpes Simplex Virus	Pain, itching, tingling, fluid-filled blisters near the lips	Spread through saliva and direct contact with infected individuals.
Nevi	Pigmented moles or birthmarks; potential for malignancy	Usually benign, but some linked to genetic predisposition or sun exposure.
Varicella	Itchy blister-like rash, fever, fatigue	Caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
Zoster	Painful stripe-like rash, localized blisters	Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.
Pemphigus	Blisters, skin shedding, secondary infections	Autoimmune attack on epidermal cells.
Urticaria	Intensely itchy, swollen red welts	Hypersensitivity reactions to allergens or medications.
Candidiasis	Intense itching, inflammation, white discharge	Infection by Candida albicans.
Tinea Capitis	Red swollen rings, itching, bald patches	Fungal infection transmitted by pets or contaminated surfaces.
Skin Cancers	Pigmented, scaly patches or proliferative lesions	Sun exposure, genetic factors, or cellular mutations.

References

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (n.d.). Skin diseases. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Infectious skin diseases. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov