Question

This discussion board will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of one function of the integumentary system and how it interacts with other body systems to contribute to homeostasis for the organism. Think about the functions of the integumentary system. Along with the barrier function of the skin, there are many other important functions that the integumentary system contributes to. Injury or pathology to the integumentary system often causes a potential disruption to the ability of a person to maintain homeostatic conditions. You will pick two of the following conditions and provide the following for each: the layers and structures of the integumentary system that are involved, the integumentary system functions that are lost or inhibited, and the compensatory steps that the body will take to overcome the deficit. It is fully expected that you will have to do some independent research to provide a robust response to this prompt - it would be in your best interest to start this assignment early!

Choose two of the following conditions to discuss:

Decubitis ulcers (i.e. bedsores)

Shingles

Second degree burn covering the majority of the thorax

Necrotizing fasciitis

Hyperhidrosis

Answer 1

Shingles also known as herpes zoster, is a reactivation of a initial infection with varizella zoster virus which remains latent in the dorsal root ganglion of sensory nerves. Thoracic dermatomes are usually affected; it can cause severe burning pain along the distribution of the nerve. Ophthalmic division of trigeminal nerve when affected can cause vesicles on cornea and lead to ulceration. Geniculate ganglion affection cause Ramsay hunt syndrome. When sacral roots are affected it cause bowel and bladder dysfunction.

Treatment is with Acyclovir.

Necrotising fascitis: involves subcutaneous fascia and fat. There is erythema and oedema that progress to bullae and necrosis. It is a medical emergency. They are of two types; type 1 caused by gram negative bacteria and anaerobes, seen post operatively in diabetic patients, type 2 caused by group A or other streptococci.

Treatment is with broad spectrum agents.