Skin and pressure sores

Epidermis - Most superficial layer of the skin and is composed of Stratified, Ceratinized squeamous epithelium and consists of four layers it completley covers the body.

Dermis - The dermis gives skin strength and is formed from connective tissue (ceratinosytes the type of cell that makes up 80% of epidermis. It migrates deep from the epidermis and sheds from the skin.

Puncture / stab - Penetration of skin and often underlieing tissues, usually by sharp object eg knife.

Laceration - Tissues torn apart (open wound) the edges are often jagged.

Incision - Open wound deep or shallow, usually neat and done by sharp object such as in surgery.

Contusion - bruise due to trauma, discoloured due to blood escape (closed wound)

Abraision - Usually a scrape of the skin (open wound).

Penetrating wound - Penetration of skin and underlieing tissuees eg by a bullet (open wound)

• Inflamatory
• Prolifeative
• Maturation/remodling

• Vitamin a, b1, b5 and c
• Zinc
• Protein
• Fluids (at least 2500ml a day)

Melanocytes - Cells within the epidermis that produce melanin. Protects skin from sunlight and is derived from amino acids secreted by melanocytes from the germanative layer.

Macrophages - A phagocytic tissue cell which protects the body from infection.

Eccrine - The most numerous type of sweat gland found all over the body, particularly on the palms of hands, soles of feet and forehead. Secretes sweat (99% water 1% fatty acids and protein) and helps to cool the body by evaporation as the blood vessels under the skin vaso dilate or vaso constrict depending on body temp. Smaller than other sweat gland and they are active from birth.

Apocrine - Mostly confined to the armpits (axilla) and the anal genital area. They typically end in hair follicles rather than pores. They become active at puberty, produce a sweat free of proteins and fatty acids, excrete pheremones and are active when sexually aroused to give of a scent to attract a mate.

Subaceous - Secretery epithelial cells that secrete oily substance (cebum) into hair follicles. Its purpose to stop skin drying out and to kill bacteria.

Ceruninous - Glands that are modified sweat glands that secrete ceranem (wax) a sticky material that contains lysozymes and haemo globulins.

Mammery glands - Produces milk (lactation) and they are stimulated by the hormone prolactine.

Pressure sore (decubitus) Analcerated area of skin caused by continous pressure on part of the body by an inmobile patient.