Dermatophytes

A fungi that can causes superficial infections on the skin and hair.

Common Type

Athlete's Foot

Dermatomyositis DM

Inflammation of the skin and underlying muscle tissue. An inflammatory disease occurring in children and adults. 

Some symptoms are muscle weakness, skin rash and soreness. 

Muehrckes Nails white nail bed

Abnormal condition that occurs in the nails were they appear white, transverse lines that appear on the nail bed.



It can be associated with this are hypoalbuminemia, liver disease, malnutrition, nephrotic syndrome and a side effect of chemotherapy.

Tinea Capitis

Tinea Capitis, commonly referred to as ringworm, a fungal infection of the  the scalp. 

Carbuncle

The majority of Carbuncles are an infected abscess caused by Staphylococcus aureus (bacteria) that is in contagious.

It can spread to all parts of the body especially in the back and nape of the neck.

Some symptoms:

• mass under the skin
• ranges from pea to golf ball size
• swollen & red
• red & painful
• Crusty yellow and white center

*Must be Drained before they can Heal!

Melanonychia

 Melanonychia is a disease classified by black or brown discoloration of the nail bed. 

It can result from a trauma, medication or other systemic conditions.

Integumentary Disease Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata

1. Alopecia areata is a hair-loss condition which usually affects the scalp.
2. Alopecia areata typically causes one or more patches of hair loss
3. Alopecia areata affects both genders.
4. For most patients, the condition resolves without treatment within a year, but hair loss is sometimes permanent.
5. Many treatments are promoted which have not proven to be of benefit.

Onchyoma

Onychoma

A tumor arising from the nail bed of a fingernail or toenail.

 Can be benign.

Tinea aka Ringworm

Ringworm is a type of fungal infection that affects the skin that appears in a ring shapes on the body. It is contagious. It is common in children. Cream and antibiotics can be prescribed by Primary Doctor. 

Symptoms 

• Itching
• Scaling
• Sores which fill with pus
• Crusting
• Redness

Onychomalacia

Abnormal softness of the fingernails & toenails ( or claws for animals)

Disease of the Integumentary System Alopecia

Alopecia is hair loss that can be caused by heredity, aging, disease, medications or lifestyle. The timing and course of hair loss can provide clues to its cause. For example, hair loss that comes on suddenly may be attributed to illness, diet, or medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation. Gradual hair loss that becomes more prominent over the years is likely to be hereditary and a normal occurrence of aging. This form of hair loss, known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause and a natural symptom of the aging process.

Sudden, drastic hair loss that occurs over a short period of time should be evaluated by your health care provider, as it can signal underlying disease. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes the hair to fall out in patches. Another cause of hair loss is a condition called cicatricial alopecia, in which the hair follicles that produce hair are destroyed. Hair loss can be experienced by people with certain types of anemia, anorexia, and thyroid disease. It is also a side effect of many medications, including those used to treat depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Hair loss also occurs in patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment.

Men and women experience hair loss differently. The male pattern of hair loss typically affects the hairline (receding hairline) or top of the scalp, while women tend to experience hair loss over the front or top of the scalp. In the United States, hereditary hair loss affects 80 million men and women, and more than half of all women will experience it at some point in their lives (Source: AgingSkinNet).

A number of treatments are available for hair loss. When hair loss is a sign or symptom of an underlying illness, that condition is typically treated first. Options for the more common hereditary hair loss that occurs with aging include both over-the-counter treatments and therapies available from your doctor that encourage the regrowth of hair. Surgical techniques can be used to transplant the hair or area of skin where hair growth occurs to one where it has ceased.

Although alopecia is not life threatening, it can suggest underlying illness, especially if the hair loss is sudden. Seek prompt medical care if you experience sudden, unexpected hair loss (occurring over a few weeks or months).

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of alopecia?

Symptoms of alopecia include thinning and loss of hair, either gradually or suddenly. In women, hair loss typically occurs over the front and top of the scalp, while the male pattern affects the hairline (receding hairline) or at the top of the scalp.

Although alopecia is not life threatening, it can suggest underlying illness, especially if the hair loss is sudden. Seek p... Read More About Alopeciasymptoms

CAUSES

What causes alopecia?

Alopecia can be attributed to a variety of causes, including underlying medical conditions, medications, hormonal changes, aging, heredity, and hair care habits.

Medical conditions that can cause alopecia

Various medical conditions can cause alopecia including:

• Anemia (low red bl... Read More About Alopeciacauses

TREATMENTS

How is alopecia treated?

Treatment for alopecia begins with contacting your health care provider, who may refer you to a dermatologist. You will be asked a series of questions about medications, family history, diet, and preexisting medical history to determine the pattern of hair loss. Once the cause is identified, you can begin medical or surgical treatment.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin disease associated with red, itchy, scaly patches and plaques. It can be localized patches that coverages little to complete parts of the body. It mainly occurs on the elbow, torso and back.

Diseases Of the Integumentary System

The Integumentary System is one of the Organ System that protects the body from various ailments and damage. It is composed of the skin, glands, hair, nails and nerves.

There are many diseases of the Integumentay System that I am going to discuss. This blog is a great study guide if you are interest in billing & coding, Transcribing, or any other  medical career.