AILMENTS OF THE SKIN

OVERVIEW
Did you know that your skin is the
largest organ of your body? It is, in
terms of both weightbetween 6 and
9 poundsand surface areaabout 2
square yards. Your skin separates the
inside of your body from the outside
world. It protects you from bacteria
and viruses, and regulates your body
temperature.
 Conditionsthat irritate, clog, or
inflame your skin can cause symptoms
such as redness, swelling, burning,
and itching. Allergies, irritants, your
genetic makeup, and certain diseases
and immune system problems can
cause dermatitis, hives, and other skin
conditions. Many skin problems, such
as acne, also affect your appearance.
Your skin can also develop several
kinds of cancers.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Skin exam is not separate from the
rest of the physical examination
Examine the patient in good lighting
INSPECT AND PALPATE SKIN FOR THE
FOLLOWING:

Color: Contrast with color of mucous

membrane.
Texture

Turgor: Lift a fold of skin and note the

ease with which it moves (mobility)
and the speed with which it returns
into place
Moisture

Pigmentation
 Lesions

Hair
distribution
Warmth: Feel with back of your hand.
NORMAL:

Color varies based on race (black, white etc)

and environmental effect (tan).
Few moles and areas of depigmentation can
be encountered.
Fine hair is seen over most of the skin.

Hair distribution varies based on sex.

With aging

Texture and turgor changes. Loss of

stretch and resilience.
They tend to be dry.
Aging spots: Irregularly pigmented
melanocyte loss.
SKILLS REQUIRED:

1.) Listening
2.) Inspection
3.) Palpation