Skin Color and Texture Abnormalities Quiz

Skin Color and Texture

• Cyanosis, a blue discoloration of the skin and nail bed, indicates a lack of oxygen and excessive carbon dioxide in superficial blood vessels.
• Pallor, a pale skin tone, is associated with decreased blood flow or blood hemoglobin, and can be seen in conditions such as peripheral vasoconstriction, shock, internal bleeding, and anemia.
• Erythema, a localized redness, is a sign of increased blood flow and inflammation.
• Generalized redness can be caused by fever, sunburn, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Yellow skin tone can be due to increased carotene intake or liver disease.
• Brown, highly pigmented, hairy areas may overlay bony defects such as spina bifida.

Skin Lesions and Wounds

• Open wounds should be measured and diagrammed in patient records.
• New scars are red, while older scars are white in color.
• Skin tissue thickenings, such as calluses, can indicate chronic overloading and stress.
• Thin, glossy skin with decreased elasticity and hair loss is often associated with peripheral nerve lesions or neurovascular disorders.