j. Keloid.
(1) Description/characteristics. A keloid is a mass of fibrous tissue
overgrowth at the site of a burn or skin wound. These growths occur more frequently in
Blacks. A keloid is a firm, elevated, whitish or reddish elastic nodule of scar tissue. It is
common for keloids to have crab-like projections. Their surface is smooth, glistening,
and hairless.
(2) Treatment. Keloids are treated by surgical removal, x-rays, and
intralesional corticosteroid and hyaluronidase injections.
k. Basal Cell Cancer Lesions.
(1) Description/characteristics. These skin lesions are single or multiple,
elevated, waxy nodules with pearly, rooted borders. In the later stages, the lesions may
become ulcerous. These lesions are most frequently found on areas of the body which
are exposed to the sun: the scalp, face, neck, and ears.
(2) Treatment. Basal cell cancer lesions can be treated by removing them
surgically or by x-ray therapy. Fair-skinned people can prevent these lesions from
forming by wearing sunscreen lotions.
l. Malignant Melanomas.
(1) Description/characteristics. Malignant melanomas are highly malignant
tumors of the skin or mucous membranes. These tumors may metastasize (transfer) to
any organ of the body. They occur more frequently in women, fair complexioned
individuals, and people between the ages of thirty and sixty. Incidence is increased with
great ultraviolet light exposure. The lesions are usually brown, pink, black, or purple
nodules ("red, white, and blue"). These tumors are sometimes flat.
(2) Treatment. Malignant melanomas may be removed surgically or
exposed to chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
m. Drug Eruptions.
(1) Description/characteristics. Skin lesions can be caused by drugs. The
skin eruptions are usually small, red maculae, papules, vesicles, or wheals. The onset
is sudden, and itching may be severe. The lesions are generally widespread and
symmetric in distribution. Almost any systemically administered medication may
produce a skin eruption: penicillin, antibiotics, salicylates, and barbiturates.
(2) Treatment. Follow this treatment for drug eruptions. Find the cause.
Which drug caused the skin eruptions? Discontinue the medication. Administer
antihistamines; they may be helpful. For severe cases, administer corticosteroid
therapy.
MD0575
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