Skin Lesions Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a macule?

A flat area of color change without elevation (correct)

A small blister filled with fluid

A crack in the skin

A solid mass larger than 1 cm

Which of the following lesions is considered a primary skin lesion?

Wheal (correct)

Scar

Crust

Atrophy

What distinguishes a bulla from a vesicle?

Bulla is a large blister greater than 0.5 cm, vesicle is smaller (correct)

Vesicle has dried exudate, while bulla does not

Vesicle is a solid elevation, while bulla is not

Bulla is smaller than 0.5 cm, whereas vesicle is larger

Which of the following is an example of a secondary skin lesion?

Ulcer Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of scales as a secondary skin lesion?

They represent flakes of skin layers Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection?

Thick white or yellow vaginal discharge Signup and view all the answers

What can cause a penile Candida infection?

Infected sexual partners Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is NOT typically used for oral candidiasis?

Vaginal suppositories Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic symptom of Tinea Versicolor?

Hypo- or hyperpigmented patches on the skin Signup and view all the answers

How can scabies be diagnosed?

Observation of rash and pruritus history Signup and view all the answers

Which type of louse is typically found in the genital area?

Pubic louse Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment for scabies?

Topical cream for mites Signup and view all the answers

What is a risk factor for Tinea Versicolor?

Immunosuppression Signup and view all the answers

What symptom differentiates a penile Candida infection from a yeast infection?

Scaling lesions Signup and view all the answers

Why should treatment for scabies be postponed until the infestation is clear?

Treatment is ineffective if not combined with washing linens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary bacterial agent responsible for causing folliculitis?

Staphylococcus aureus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the progression of acne vulgaris?

Comedones → Papules → Pustules → Cysts Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common trigger for acne vulgaris?

Hormonal changes during puberty Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic that differentiates pseudofolliculitis barbae from folliculitis barbae?

Chronic inflammation without bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What type of lesions are characteristic of impetigo?

Vesicular or pustular lesions with honey-colored crust Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a cause of cellulitis?

Candida albicans Signup and view all the answers

What type of wart is considered the most common viral sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

Genital warts Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by an elevated, sharply demarcated erythematous lesion with a raised border?

Erysipelas Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective treatment for tinea infections?

Antifungal creams Signup and view all the answers

How should you manage massage therapy for a client with warts?

Avoid any contact with the warts Signup and view all the answers

What immediate action should be taken for a suspected case of cellulitis?

Refer the client to their healthcare provider Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily increases the risk of contracting herpes simplex virus (HSV)?

Direct contact with an infected person Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic symptom of varicella zoster virus (chickenpox)?

Fluid-filled blisters Signup and view all the answers

Which population is most commonly affected by molluscum contagiosum?

Children Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Skin Lesions

A lesion is any variation from normal tissue.
Lesions are classified as either primary or secondary.

Primary Skin Lesions

Primary lesions are changes to the skin directly caused by a disease process.
Examples include:
- Macule: Flat area of color change (no elevation or depression), e.g., freckles.
- Papule: Solid elevation less than 0.5 cm in diameter.
- Nodule: Solid elevation 0.5 to 1 cm in diameter, extending deeper into the dermis than a papule, e.g., mole.
- Tumor: Solid mass larger than 1 cm, e.g., squamous cell carcinoma.
- Plaque: Flat elevated surface on skin or mucous membrane, e.g., thrush.
- Wheal: A type of plaque, characterized by transient edema in the dermis, e.g., intradermal skin test.
- Vesicle: Small blister containing fluid within or under the epidermis, e.g., herpesvirus infection.
- Bulla: Large blister greater than 0.5 cm, e.g., burn.
- Pustule: Vesicle filled with pus, e.g., acne.

Secondary Skin Lesions

Secondary lesions develop from primary lesions due to external forces or factors, such as scratching.
Examples include:
- Scales: Flakes of skin layer, e.g., psoriasis.
- Crust: Dried exudate on skin, e.g., impetigo.
- Fissure: Cracks in skin, e.g., athlete's foot.
- Ulcer: Area of complete epidermis loss, e.g., pressure sore.
- Scar: Excess collagen production after injury, e.g., wound healing.
- Atrophy: Loss of a portion of skin, e.g., paralysis.

Bacterial Skin Infections

Acne Vulgaris: Common skin condition caused by obstructed and infected sebaceous glands.
- Characterized by comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, cysts, and nodules.
- Often triggered by hormonal changes, oily products, some medications, and stress.
- Treatment includes over-the-counter cleansers, topical and oral antibiotics, oral contraceptives to regulate hormones, and isotretinoin (Accutane) for severe cases.
Folliculitis: Inflammation of hair follicles, often caused by bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus). Manifests through pustules around the hair follicle.
Furuncle: Deeper inflammation of the hair follicle, forming an abscess (boil).
Carbuncle: Group of furuncles.
Impetigo: Bacterial infection of superficial skin layers, typically targeting children. Characterized by oozing and honey-colored crusts. Highly contagious.
Cellulitis: Bacterial infection of dermis and subcutaneous tissues. Causes redness, warmth, tenderness, and swelling (potentially expanding). Can be serious if untreated and lead to sepsis.
Erysipelas: Superficial form of cellulitis usually caused by Streptococcus species, marked by a sharply demarcated, raised, red lesion. Serious if untreated.

Viral Skin Infections

Warts: Caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Various types exist: common, plantar, flat, and genital.
- Treatment often involves self-resolution, topical treatments (salicylic acid), cryotherapy, laser, or surgical excision.
Varicella Zoster (Chickenpox): Highly contagious viral infection marked by itchy blisters. Potential complication: shingles.
Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, producing a painful rash in a dermatomal pattern; typically in the elderly.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Recurrent viral infection causing either oral (cold sores) or genital lesions. Spread by contact and often characterized by blisters. No cure.
Molluscum Contagiosum (MC): Highly contagious viral infection causing small, round lesions, typically in children. May resolve spontaneously or require removal.

Fungal Skin Infections

Tinea (Ringworm): Various dermatophyte fungi infect the skin. Symptoms often include a circular rash with an outer ring.
Candidiasis: Fungal infection of skin and mucous membranes, often involving skin folds or the mouth.
Tinea Versicolor: Fungal infection causing patches of discoloration on the skin. Often called "sun fungus" due to increased visibility in sunlight.

Parasitic Skin Infections

Scabies: Infestation of the skin caused by the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Symptoms include severe itching and rash (typically in skin folds and creases).
Pediculosis (Lice): Infestation of lice spread by direct contact, which cause itching and visible lice or nits (eggs).

Important Note:

Many skin infections are considered contraindications for massage until the infection is resolved. This is especially important for contagious conditions. Always refer to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Contact with lesions should be avoided to prevent spreading the infection.

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Description

This quiz covers the classification and characteristics of skin lesions, focusing on primary skin lesions. Learn about various types, including macules, papules, nodules, and more. Test your knowledge on how these lesions are defined and identified in clinical settings.