Integumentary System & Vitamins PDF

HLTENN007: Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy Skin The skin is the largest organ of the body Functions: Regulates temperature Can reflect disease processes in the body Skin Sensory function e.g temp First line of defence Topical Applications: Skin preparations act as “v...

HLTENN007: Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy Skin The skin is the largest organ of the body Functions: Regulates temperature Can reflect disease processes in the body Skin Sensory function e.g temp First line of defence Topical Applications: Skin preparations act as “vehicles” for carrying substances into the skin • • • • Lotions Creams Gels Ointments Topical Applications: Anti-inflammatories Indications for use: • Mild inflammatory conditions requiring anti-inflammatory and analgesia Should not be used on broken skin Example: muscle pain from injury treated with menthol or camphor preparation (Deep heat) NSAID (Diclofenac/Voltaren) Eczema Characterised by skin inflammation, redness, itching and scaly eruptions Treatment • Identify and remove cause (wool, soaps, fragrances) • Relieve symptoms and suppress inflammation Moisturisers Topical corticosteroids Antihistamines to relieve itch Antibiotics to treat secondary infections Psoriasis • • Chronic disease of unknown cause ? Auto-immune Silvery scaly lesions occurring on most skin areas Treatment: Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammatory response e.g Betamethasone. Only apply to lesion Cyclosporin to suppresses immune system from overactivity Acne Disease of the sebaceous glands commonly associated with Proprionbacterium acnes Treatment is aimed at reducing lesions, preventing scarring Treatment: • Topical bacteriocidals • Topical Cleansers – cetrimide, chlorhexidine • TopicalBenzoyl Peroxide (Clearasil) • Antibiotics – creams and systemic preparations Anti-pruritics Action: Reduce the desire to scratch, aiding the healing process Examples: • Calamine lotion, containing zinc oxide and iron oxide, is a traditional remedy. • Antihistamines e.g diphenhydramine (Benadryl). • Corticosteroids eg hydrocortisone topical cream. • Local anaesthetics applied topically Anti-histamines Used for allergic skin conditions Allergic reactions characterized by rupture of mast cells and release of chemical mediators such as histamine that cause swelling/itch/redness Examples: • Zyrtec • Phenergan • Telfast • Claratyne • • • • Vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy teeth, bones, soft tissue, mucous membranes, and skin Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that promotes healthy teeth and gums. It helps the body absorb iron and maintain healthy tissue. It is also essential for wound healing Vitamin D is also known as the "sunshine Vitamin E is an antioxidant also known as vitamin," since it is made by the body after tocopherol. It helps the body form red blood being in the sun. Ten to 15 minutes of sunshine cells and use vitamin K. 3 times a week is enough to produce the body's requirement of vitamin D for most people at most latitudes. Vitamin E is an antioxidant also known as tocopherol. It helps the body form red blood cells and use vitamin K. Vitamin K is needed because without it, blood would not stick together (coagulate). Some studies suggest that it is important for bone health Vitamin B6 is also called pyridoxine. Vitamin B6 helps form red blood cells and maintain brain function. Vitamin B12, like the other B vitamins, is important for metabolism. It also helps form red blood cells and maintain the central nervous system. Niacin is a B vitamin that helps maintain healthy skin and nerves. It also has cholesterol-lowering effects at higher doses Folate works with vitamin B12 to help form red blood cells. It is needed for the production of DNA, which controls tissue growth and cell function. Any woman who is pregnant should be sure to get enough folate. Low levels of folate are linked to birth defects such as spina bifida. Many foods are now fortified with folic acid Thiamine (vitamin B1) helps the body cells change carbohydrates into energy. Getting enough carbohydrates is very important during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also essential for heart function and healthy nerve cells. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) works with the other B vitamins. It is important for body growth and the production of red blood cells Biotin is essential for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, and in the production of hormones and cholesterol. Niacin is a B vitamin that helps maintain healthy skin and nerves. It also has cholesterol-lowering effects at higher doses Reference List • Bullock, S., Galbraith, A. and Manias, E., 2006. Fundamentals of Pharmacology, 5th edition. Prentice-Hall Health, Pearson Education Australia. • Crisp, J. & Taylor, C. 2005. Potter & Perry’s Fundamentals of Nursing 2nd edition. Elsevier. Australia. • Funnell, R., Koutakidis, G., Lawrence, L. 2009. Tabbner’s Nursing Care, Theory & Practice. 5th Edition. Elsevier. Sydney. • Images from: http://www.google.com.au/images (accessed 21/7/10)