Factors Affecting Skin Inflammation

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Questions and Answers

Which medication is NOT commonly used in the treatment of psoriasis?

Cyclosporine

Hydroxyurea

Methotrexate

Acetaminophen (correct)

What is a common precaution for patients undergoing treatment for psoriasis?

Avoid outdoor exposure to sunlight

Report any aggravating infections (correct)

Increase frequency of skin washing

Use emollients excessively

Which area of the body is least likely to be affected by acne vulgaris?

Back

Chest

Palms (correct)

Face

Which of the following is NOT a recommended nursing management practice for psoriasis?

Encourage vigorous skin rubbing after bathing Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the pilosebaceous unit in relation to acne vulgaris?

It includes hair, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands Signup and view all the answers

Which method is recommended to manage skin drying in psoriasis patients?

Application of skin emollients Signup and view all the answers

Which area is least likely to be affected by seborrheic dermatitis?

Palms Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is most appropriate for severe seborrheic dermatitis that appears to be infected?

Antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of psoriasis?

Rapid proliferation of epidermal cells Signup and view all the answers

What role does the immune system play in psoriasis?

Causes an abnormal reaction that increases skin cell production Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a proposed cause of psoriasis?

Bacterial infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common age range for the onset of psoriasis?

10 to 40 years Signup and view all the answers

What is a common treatment option for dandruff?

Frequent shampooing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about seborrheic blepharitis is correct?

It may occur independently of seborrheic dermatitis. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is most likely to induce skin lesions associated with psoriasis?

Emotional stress Signup and view all the answers

What is a common clinical manifestation of psoriasis when scales are scraped away?

Bleeding points appear from the lesions Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the body is least likely to show psoriasis lesions?

Back of the neck Signup and view all the answers

In psoriasis, which of the following complications can occur?

Erytherodermic psoriasis Signup and view all the answers

Which cytokine-related factor is known to be exacerbated by cigarette smoking in psoriasis patients?

Cytokine release Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggestive finding that supports the diagnosis of psoriasis?

Classic plaque-type lesions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms may indicate nail involvement in psoriasis?

Pitting and discoloration of nails Signup and view all the answers

What type of emotional factor can trigger the onset of psoriasis lesions?

Anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aggravating / Triggering Factors

Emotional stress can lead to inflammation.
Anxiety and trauma can induce scratching of the skin.
Infections trigger cytokine release, affecting cell production.
Seasonal changes, particularly cold and dry winters, exacerbate symptoms.
High estrogen levels due to hormonal changes can aggravate the condition.
Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption increase cytokine levels.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may worsen symptoms.

Clinical Manifestation

Lesions present as dark red, raised plaques covered with silvery scales.
Scraping scales away reveals multiple bleeding points.
Patches are typically dry and not itchy.
Pustular lesions may develop on palms and soles.
Lesions often appear symmetrically across the body.

Particular Sites of the Body Affected

Commonly affected areas include the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, and genitalia.
Extensor surfaces of arms and legs, sacrum, and intergluteal fold are also prone.
Nail involvement can show pitting, discoloration, crumbling, and separation of nail plates.

Diagnostic Findings

Diagnosis is confirmed with the presence of classic plaque-type lesions.
Nail and scalp involvement, along with family history, are also considered.

Complications

Psoriasis can be associated with arthritis, though the relationship is not fully understood.
Erythrodermic psoriasis, affecting the entire body, can arise from chronic psoriasis, infections, or medication withdrawal.
Systemic therapy options include methotrexate, cyclosporine, hydroxyurea, retinoids, and antibiotics.

Nursing Management

Instruct patients to avoid scratching psoriatic areas and potential irritants.
Encourage reporting of infections that may worsen psoriasis.
Caution patients regarding medications that could aggravate the condition.
Promote a balanced lifestyle with recreation, exercise, and adequate rest.
Suggest practices to prevent skin dryness, such as limiting washing and using emollients.
Advise sun exposure for its potential benefits.

Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous units (hair, follicle, and sebaceous gland).
It primarily affects the face, chest, and back, particularly in individuals aged 12 to 35.
Skin lesions typically appear as greasy scales over red, inflamed skin.

Clinical Presentation of Acne Vulgaris

Distribution of lesions often follows oily and hair-bearing areas: scalp, forehead, eyebrows, lash line, nasolabial folds, beard, and postauricular skin.
Secondary infections may occur, leading to more complicated skin conditions.

Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Topical corticosteroids, creams, and lotions are commonly used first-line treatments.
Severe cases may require systemic ketoconazole or medicated shampoos.
Dandruff can improve with more frequent shampooing; effective ingredients include salicylic acid, tar, selenium, sulfur, and zinc.
Infected acne may necessitate antibiotic treatment.

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Description

This quiz explores various aggravating and triggering factors that influence skin inflammation, including emotional stress, anxiety, and seasonal changes. Additionally, it covers the impact of hormonal fluctuations and lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Test your understanding of how these factors can lead to increased cytokine production and affect skin health.