Nursing Management of Patients with Diseases & Disorders of the Integumentary System

a) Nursing Assessment of Skin Disorders

1. History Taking

✅ Patient’s History Should Include:

• Chief Complaint: Rash, itching, pain, discoloration, hair loss, nail changes.
• Onset & Duration: Acute or chronic symptoms.
• Personal & Family History:
  • Skin diseases (Psoriasis, Eczema, Atopy, Dermatitis, Acne).
  • Allergies (Food, drugs, cosmetics, environmental factors).
  • Autoimmune diseases (Lupus, Scleroderma).
• Systemic Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, weight loss (Indicates systemic involvement).
• Exposure History:
  • Sunlight, chemicals, occupational hazards, infections, insect bites.
• Medications:
  • Recent antibiotics, steroids, NSAIDs (Drug reactions).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Atopic Dermatitis is linked to asthma & allergic rhinitis (Atopic Triad).

2. Physical Assessment of the Skin

✅ Inspection:

• Color: Pallor (Anemia), Cyanosis (Hypoxia), Jaundice (Liver disease).
• Lesions: Macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, nodules, ulcers.
• Moisture: Dry (Dehydration, Hypothyroidism), Sweaty (Hyperthyroidism).
• Hair & Nails: Alopecia, nail clubbing, pitting (Psoriasis).

✅ Palpation:

• Temperature: Cool (Shock, Hypothyroidism), Warm (Infection, Inflammation).
• Turgor: Decreased in dehydration & aging.
• Texture: Thickened (Eczema, Psoriasis), Thin (Aging, Diabetes).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Pitting of nails is seen in Psoriasis.
• Koilonychia (Spoon-shaped nails) occurs in Iron Deficiency Anemia.

b) Etiology (Causes of Skin Disorders)

✅ Common Causes:

• Infections: Bacterial (Impetigo), Viral (Herpes, Warts), Fungal (Ringworm).
• Allergic Reactions: Eczema, Urticaria, Contact Dermatitis.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Psoriasis, Lupus, Pemphigus.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Vitamin A, C, and Zinc deficiency.
• Endocrine Disorders: Diabetes (Slow wound healing), Hypothyroidism (Dry skin).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Impetigo is caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
• Zinc deficiency causes Acrodermatitis Enteropathica.

c) Pathophysiology of Skin Disorders

✅ Common Pathophysiological Mechanisms:

• Inflammatory Response (Dermatitis, Eczema, Psoriasis).
• Immune Dysregulation (Autoimmune diseases – Psoriasis, Pemphigus).
• Infectious Process (Bacterial, Viral, Fungal skin infections).
• Allergic Reaction (Urticaria, Atopic Dermatitis).
• Hyperkeratinization (Acne Vulgaris, Psoriasis).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Psoriasis involves increased keratinocyte turnover (Hyperproliferation).
• Acne Vulgaris is due to increased sebum production & Propionibacterium acnes infection.

d) Clinical Manifestations of Skin Disorders

✅ General Symptoms:

• Rashes, redness, itching, pain.
• Swelling, blisters, crusting, ulceration.
• Pigment changes (Hyperpigmentation – Addison’s disease, Hypopigmentation – Vitiligo).
• Hair loss (Alopecia), Nail changes (Brittle nails in Hypothyroidism).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Butterfly rash on face is seen in SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus).
• Vesicles along dermatome indicate Herpes Zoster.

e) Nursing Management of Skin Disorders & Appendages

1. Lesions & Abrasions (Wounds & Injuries)

✅ Nursing Care:

• Clean the area with Normal Saline.
• Apply antiseptic ointments (Mupirocin for bacterial infections).
• Cover with sterile dressing if needed.
• Monitor for signs of infection (Redness, Pus, Swelling).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Debridement is done for necrotic wounds.

2. Infections & Infestations (Dermatitis, Fungal, Parasitic)

✅ Common Skin Infections:

• Bacterial: Impetigo, Cellulitis (Treated with Antibiotics).
• Fungal: Ringworm, Candidiasis (Treated with Antifungals).
• Parasitic: Scabies, Lice infestation (Treated with Permethrin).

✅ Nursing Care:

• Isolate patient if contagious.
• Use topical & oral antifungal/antibiotic therapy.
• Educate on hygiene & prevention.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Scabies is treated with Permethrin 5% Cream.

3. Dermatoses (Infectious & Non-Infectious)

✅ Infectious Dermatoses:

• Fungal (Tinea infections, Candidiasis).
• Viral (Herpes, Warts).
• Bacterial (Impetigo, Erysipelas).

✅ Non-Infectious Dermatoses:

• Psoriasis (Autoimmune).
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis).
• Lichen Planus (Idiopathic, Autoimmune).

✅ Nursing Care:

• Provide anti-inflammatory medications.
• Use topical steroids (Hydrocortisone, Betamethasone).
• Educate about triggers (Allergens, Stress, Weather).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Psoriasis is associated with Koebner’s phenomenon (New lesions at trauma site).

4. Inflammatory Dermatoses (Eczema, Contact Dermatitis)

✅ Types:

• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Genetic, allergic-based.
• Contact Dermatitis: Due to allergens (Cosmetics, Latex).

✅ Nursing Care:

• Avoid irritants & allergens.
• Use topical steroids & antihistamines.
• Moisturizers & hydration to prevent dryness.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Patch Testing is done to diagnose Contact Dermatitis.

5. Acne Vulgaris

✅ Definition: A chronic inflammatory disease affecting sebaceous glands & hair follicles.
✅ Causes:

• Increased sebum production (Androgen effect).
• Propionibacterium acnes infection.
• Hormonal fluctuations (Adolescents, PCOS).

✅ Types:

• Comedonal Acne: Blackheads & Whiteheads.
• Inflammatory Acne: Pustules & Papules.
• Nodulocystic Acne: Severe deep lesions.

✅ Treatment:

• Mild Acne: Topical Benzoyl Peroxide, Retinoids.
• Moderate Acne: Oral Antibiotics (Doxycycline).
• Severe Acne: Isotretinoin (Teratogenic, Monitor Liver function).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Isotretinoin is contraindicated in pregnancy.
• PCOS-related acne needs hormonal therapy (Oral Contraceptives).

🛑 High-Yield Exam Revision Table

Condition	Key Features	Nursing Management
Psoriasis	Silvery scales, Koebner’s phenomenon	Topical steroids, Phototherapy
Eczema	Itchy, dry skin, Atopic triad	Moisturizers, Antihistamines
Acne Vulgaris	Comedones, Pustules	Retinoids, Benzoyl Peroxide
Scabies	Itchy lesions in web spaces	Permethrin 5%
Impetigo	Honey-colored crusts	Mupirocin, Hygiene

Nursing Management of Allergies & Skin Disorders –

Allergies & Eczema

✅ Definition: Hypersensitivity reactions causing inflammation, itching, and skin damage.
✅ Types:

• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) – Genetic, immune-mediated.
• Contact Dermatitis – Irritant or allergic reaction.
  ✅ Symptoms:
• Redness, itching, dry/scaly skin, blisters.
  ✅ Treatment:
• Avoid triggers (Allergens, chemicals, detergents).
• Moisturizers & Antihistamines (Cetirizine, Loratadine).
• Topical steroids (Hydrocortisone, Betamethasone).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Patch test confirms contact dermatitis.
• Moisturizers are first-line in atopic dermatitis.

Psoriasis

✅ Definition: Chronic autoimmune skin disorder causing rapid skin cell turnover & inflammation.
✅ Clinical Features:

• Silvery-white scales over red plaques (Common on elbows, knees, scalp).
• Koebner’s Phenomenon: New lesions at injury sites.
• Auspitz Sign: Bleeding on scale removal.
  ✅ Treatment:
• Topical steroids (Clobetasol), Vitamin D analogs (Calcipotriol).
• Phototherapy (UVB therapy).
• Systemic therapy (Methotrexate, Cyclosporine, Biologics – Infliximab).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Psoriasis has no cure, lifelong management needed.

Malignant Melanoma

✅ Definition: Most dangerous skin cancer, arising from melanocytes.
✅ Risk Factors:

• Excessive UV exposure, Fair skin, Family history.
  ✅ ABCDE Features:
• A – Asymmetry
• B – Border irregularity
• C – Color variation
• D – Diameter >6mm
• E – Evolving lesion
  ✅ Treatment:
• Wide surgical excision.
• Immunotherapy (Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab).
• Chemotherapy for metastasis.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Early detection saves lives! (ABCDE rule).

Alopecia

✅ Definition: Hair loss disorder due to genetic, autoimmune, or medical conditions.
✅ Types:

• Alopecia Areata (Autoimmune patchy hair loss).
• Androgenetic Alopecia (Genetic hair loss, male pattern baldness).
  ✅ Treatment:
• Minoxidil (Topical).
• Finasteride (For Androgenetic alopecia).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Alopecia areata is autoimmune-mediated.

Infestations & Infections

Bacterial Skin Infections

✅ 1. Pyoderma (Pus-producing skin infections)

• Common Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes.
• Types:
  • Superficial (Impetigo, Folliculitis).
  • Deep (Furuncles, Carbuncles).

✅ 2. Impetigo

• Highly contagious bacterial skin infection.
• Symptoms:
  • Honey-colored crusted lesions (Mostly on face).
• Treatment:
  • Topical Mupirocin, Oral antibiotics (Cephalexin).

✅ 3. Folliculitis

• Infected hair follicles (Red, pus-filled bumps).
• Treatment:
  • Topical Clindamycin, Hygiene maintenance.

✅ 4. Furuncles (Boils) & Carbuncles

• Furuncle: Deep-seated painful abscess.
• Carbuncle: Cluster of boils (Deeper infection).
• Treatment:
  • Warm compress, Incision & Drainage, Antibiotics.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Impetigo is highly contagious (Hand hygiene is crucial).

Viral Skin Infections

✅ 1. Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

• Cause: Reactivation of Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV).
• Symptoms:
  • Painful vesicular rash along dermatome (Unilateral).
  • Post-herpetic neuralgia (Persistent nerve pain).
• Treatment:
  • Antivirals (Acyclovir, Valacyclovir within 72 hours).
  • Pain management (Gabapentin for neuralgia).

✅ 2. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 & HSV-2)

• HSV-1: Cold sores (Oral herpes).
• HSV-2: Genital herpes.
• Symptoms:
  • Fluid-filled vesicles, burning pain.
• Treatment:
  • Acyclovir, Famciclovir.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Herpes Zoster follows a dermatomal pattern.

Fungal Infections

✅ 1. Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

• Cause: Dermatophyte fungal infection (Warm, moist environments).
• Symptoms: Scaling, itching, maceration between toes.
• Treatment: Topical Clotrimazole, Terbinafine.

✅ 2. Parasitic Infestation (Scabies & Pediculosis)

• Scabies: Sarcoptes scabiei (Burrows, intense itching).
• Pediculosis: Lice infestation (Head, body, pubic lice).
• Treatment: Permethrin 5% Cream, Ivermectin.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Scabies causes night-time itching.

Pemphigus & Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

✅ 1. Pemphigus Vulgaris

• Autoimmune blistering disorder (Nikolsky sign positive).
• Treatment: Corticosteroids, Immunosuppressants.

✅ 2. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

• Severe drug reaction (Sulfa drugs, NSAIDs, Anticonvulsants).
• Symptoms: Widespread blisters, mucosal involvement, fever.
• Treatment:
  • Immediate discontinuation of offending drug.
  • Supportive ICU care (Fluids, Wound care, Pain relief).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• SJS is a medical emergency! (High mortality rate).

Skin Cancer

✅ Types:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – Most common, slow-growing.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – Ulcerated, fast-growing.
• Melanoma – Most deadly, highly metastatic.
  ✅ Treatment:
• Surgical excision, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Melanoma follows the ABCDE rule.

Special Dermatological Therapies

✅ 1. Phototherapy (UVB Therapy) – Psoriasis, Vitiligo.
✅ 2. Cryotherapy – Freezing warts, Actinic keratosis.
✅ 3. Laser Therapy – Tattoo removal, Hair removal, Acne scars.
✅ 4. Biologic Therapy – Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Phototherapy is first-line for moderate-severe Psoriasis.

🛑 High-Yield Exam Revision Table

Condition	Key Features	Treatment
Psoriasis	Silvery plaques, Koebner’s sign	Steroids, Phototherapy
Impetigo	Honey-crusted lesions	Mupirocin, Hygiene
Herpes Zoster	Painful vesicles along dermatome	Acyclovir
Pemphigus	Blisters, Nikolsky’s sign (+)	Steroids
SJS	Drug-induced skin peeling	ICU care

Burns & Its Management

1. Burns Plastic Surgery

✅ Definition:

• Burns destroy skin layers and may require plastic surgery (reconstructive, cosmetic, grafting).
  ✅ Plastic Surgery in Burns:
• Skin Grafting (Autograft, Allograft, Xenograft).
• Flap Surgery (For deep burns, pressure ulcers).
• Contracture Release Surgery (Prevents deformities).
• Cosmetic Reconstruction (Scar revision, laser therapy).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Autograft (Patient’s own skin) is the best graft type.
• Flap surgery prevents contractures.

2. Incidence & Causes of Burns

✅ Incidence:

• Burns are a major public health problem worldwide.
• Most common in children & elderly.
  ✅ Causes:
• Thermal Burns: Fire, scalds (hot liquids).
• Chemical Burns: Acids, alkalis, industrial exposure.
• Electrical Burns: High-voltage shocks (Exit & entry wounds).
• Radiation Burns: Sunburn, radiation therapy.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Electrical burns cause deep tissue damage (Risk of cardiac arrhythmias).

3. Types & Classification of Burns

✅ Based on Depth:

Type	Layers Affected	Features	Healing Time
Superficial (1st Degree)	Epidermis only	Red, painful, no blisters	3-7 days
Partial Thickness (2nd Degree)	Epidermis & part of dermis	Blisters, severe pain, red/white	2-3 weeks
Full Thickness (3rd Degree)	Epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous	White/black, painless, leathery skin	Needs grafting
Deep Full Thickness (4th Degree)	Muscles, bones, tendons	Charred, no sensation	Amputation needed

✅ Based on Extent (Severity):

• Minor Burns: <15% TBSA in adults.
• Moderate Burns: 15-40% TBSA.
• Severe Burns: >40% TBSA (Major burns).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• 3rd-degree burns are painless due to nerve destruction.
• Rule of Nines is used for burn assessment.

4. Pathophysiology of Burns

✅ Key Processes:

• Tissue Damage → Inflammation → Increased Capillary Permeability → Fluid Loss (Hypovolemia).
• Electrolyte Imbalance → Hyperkalemia, Hyponatremia.
• Metabolic Changes → Increased metabolism, protein loss.
• Immune Suppression → High risk of infections.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Burn shock (Hypovolemia) is a major cause of early mortality.

---

5. Calculation of Burn Percentage (Rule of Nines & Lund-Browder Chart)

✅ Rule of Nines (For Adults):

Body Part	% TBSA (Total Body Surface Area)
Head & Neck	9%
Each Arm	9% (4.5% front, 4.5% back)
Each Leg	18% (9% front, 9% back)
Front Trunk	18%
Back Trunk	18%
Perineum	1%

✅ Lund & Browder Chart:

• More accurate, used in children (Considers age-based differences).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Rule of Nines is quick for adults; Lund-Browder Chart is for children.

6. Local & Systemic Effects of Burns

✅ Local Effects:

• Pain, redness, blistering.
• Tissue destruction → Scar formation.
• Contractures (If deep burns heal with fibrosis).

✅ Systemic Effects:

• Hypovolemic Shock → Fluid loss, low BP.
• Electrolyte Imbalance → Hyperkalemia, Hyponatremia.
• Renal Failure → Due to myoglobin release.
• Infection & Sepsis → Immunosuppression.
• Metabolic Changes → Increased calorie demand.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Sepsis is the leading cause of late death in burns.
• High metabolic demand → Burns patients need high-calorie diet.

7. Immediate Care of Burns (Emergency Management)

✅ ABC Approach:

• A – Airway: Assess for inhalation injury, intubation if needed.
• B – Breathing: Oxygen therapy.
• C – Circulation: Start IV fluids (Ringer’s Lactate).

✅ Remove Clothing & Jewelry (Prevents heat retention).
✅ Cool Burns with Lukewarm Water (NOT ice → Causes vasoconstriction).
✅ Cover with Sterile Dressing (Avoid ointments initially).
✅ Pain Management: IV opioids (Morphine).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Inhalation burns require immediate airway management (Risk of asphyxia).

8. First Aid Care for Burns

✅ DO’s:

• Run cool (not cold) water over minor burns.
• Cover with clean, dry cloth.
• Encourage fluid intake for mild burns.

✅ DON’Ts:

• DO NOT apply butter, oil, toothpaste.
• DO NOT pop blisters (Infection risk).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Ice should never be used on burns (Causes vasoconstriction & worsens damage).

9. Medical Management & Barrier Nursing Care

✅ Fluid Resuscitation (Parkland Formula – First 24 Hours):

• 4 ml × Body Weight (kg) × % TBSA burned
• 1st 8 hours – Give 50% of total fluid.
• Next 16 hours – Give remaining 50%.

✅ Pain Management:

• IV Morphine, Fentanyl (No IM injections – Poor absorption).

✅ Wound Care:

• Debridement (Removes dead tissue).
• Silver Sulfadiazine Cream (Prevents infection).

✅ Barrier Nursing:

• Strict infection control (Sterile dressing changes).
• Reverse isolation for immunosuppressed patients.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Parkland formula is crucial for burn resuscitation!
• Silver Sulfadiazine prevents Pseudomonas infection.

10. Complications of Burns

✅ Early Complications:

• Shock (Hypovolemic, Septic).
• Airway obstruction (Inhalation injury).
• Electrolyte imbalances (Hyperkalemia, Hyponatremia).

✅ Late Complications:

• Infections → Sepsis (Common cause of death).
• Scarring & Contractures (Rehabilitation required).
• Psychosocial Issues (Depression, PTSD).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Sepsis is the most common late complication of burns.

11. Health Education for Burn Prevention

✅ Home Safety:

• Keep hot objects out of children’s reach.
• Use safe cooking practices.

✅ Workplace Safety:

• Protective clothing in industries.
• Proper chemical handling.

✅ Sunburn Prevention:

• Use SPF 30+ sunscreen.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Education & prevention strategies reduce burn incidence.

🛑 High-Yield Revision Table

Topic	Key Points
Rule of Nines	Quick TBSA estimation for adults
Parkland Formula	4 ml × kg × % TBSA
First Aid	Cool water, NO ice, NO oils
Most Common Infection	Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Sepsis in Burns	Major cause of late death
Barrier Nursing	Strict asepsis to prevent infection

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

1. Definition of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

✅ Plastic Surgery:

• A surgical specialty involving restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body.
• Can be cosmetic (aesthetic) or reconstructive.

✅ Reconstructive Surgery:

• Focuses on repairing defects, restoring function, and improving appearance after trauma, burns, congenital deformities, or disease.
• Example: Burn scars, Cleft lip repair, Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Plastic surgery includes both cosmetic & reconstructive procedures.

2. Types of Plastic Surgery

✅ 1. Reconstructive Surgery (Medical Necessity):

• Burn Reconstruction (Skin Grafts, Flaps).
• Cleft Lip & Palate Repair.
• Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy.
• Scar Revision, Trauma Repair.

✅ 2. Cosmetic Surgery (Elective, Aesthetic):

• Rhinoplasty (Nose Job).
• Liposuction, Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty).
• Breast Augmentation, Face Lift.

✅ 3. Microsurgery:

• Uses microvascular techniques to reattach tissues (Replantation of fingers, limbs).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Cleft lip surgery is usually done at 3-6 months of age.

3. Definition of Skin Grafts & Flaps

✅ Skin Graft:

• A section of skin removed from one area (donor site) and transferred to another (recipient site).
• No blood supply in grafts; depends on recipient site for nourishment.

✅ Types of Skin Grafts:

• Autograft: Skin from the same patient (Best option).
• Allograft: Skin from another human (Cadaver skin).
• Xenograft: Skin from animals (Mostly pigs).

✅ Flap Surgery:

• Tissue moved from one part of the body to another, with its blood supply intact.
• Used for deep wounds, trauma, and reconstructive surgeries.

✅ Types of Flaps:

• Local Flap: Tissue remains attached near the defect (Rotational Flap).
• Free Flap: Tissue is completely detached and reattached via microsurgery.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Autografts are permanent; Allografts & Xenografts are temporary.

4. Possible Complications of Plastic Surgery

✅ Early Complications:

• Infection (Cellulitis, Abscess, Necrosis).
• Hematoma (Blood collection under skin).
• Seroma (Fluid accumulation under skin).
• Flap or Graft Failure (Necrosis due to poor blood supply).

✅ Late Complications:

• Hypertrophic Scars & Keloids (Excessive scarring).
• Contractures (Tightening of skin, limiting movement).
• Psychological Impact (Dissatisfaction, depression).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Keloids are more common in darker-skinned individuals.

5. Preparation of Patient for Reconstructive Surgery

✅ Pre-Operative Assessment:

• Detailed history & physical examination.
• Blood tests (Hemoglobin, Coagulation Profile).
• Nutritional assessment (Protein & Vitamin C needed for wound healing).

✅ Patient Education:

• Realistic expectations.
• Consent for procedure & possible complications.
• Psychological preparation (Especially for trauma/burn patients).

✅ Pre-Op Instructions:

• Fasting (6-8 hours before surgery).
• Antibiotics to prevent infections.
• Skin preparation & shaving (If required).

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Psychological counseling is essential for reconstructive surgery patients.

6. Post-Operative Care

✅ Immediate Post-Op Care:

• Monitor vital signs (BP, HR, Oxygen levels).
• Pain management (IV analgesics, opioids).
• Wound dressing (Sterile, non-adherent dressings).

✅ Care for Skin Grafts & Flaps:

• Keep grafts immobilized for 5-7 days.
• Monitor for color changes (Pink = Healthy, Blue/Black = Necrosis).
• Avoid pressure on the grafted area.

✅ Nutrition for Healing:

• High-protein, high-vitamin diet (Vitamin C, Zinc for wound healing).
• Adequate hydration.

✅ Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy:

• Splinting & ROM (Range of Motion) exercises to prevent contractures.
• Compression therapy to reduce swelling.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Immobilization is crucial for successful graft healing.

7. Health Education for Plastic Surgery Patients

✅ Prevention of Infections:

• Keep wound clean & dry.
• Hand hygiene to prevent contamination.
• Take antibiotics as prescribed.

✅ Lifestyle Modifications:

• Avoid smoking (Delays healing).
• Avoid excessive sun exposure (Can cause hyperpigmentation of scars).
• Exercise regularly (Prevents contractures).

✅ Emotional & Psychological Support:

• Counseling for body image concerns.
• Support groups for burn survivors & trauma patients.

🔹 Competitive Exam Tip:

• Smoking reduces wound healing by decreasing oxygen supply.

🛑 Quick Revision Table for Competitive Exams

Topic	Key Points
Plastic Surgery	Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery
Skin Grafts	Autograft (Self), Allograft (Human), Xenograft (Animal)
Flaps	Local (Attached), Free (Detached & Reattached)
Common Complication	Graft necrosis, Infection, Keloids
Pre-Op Care	Consent, Nutrition, Psychological prep
Post-Op Care	Immobilization, Pain control, Wound monitoring
Health Education	Infection prevention, Sun protection, No smoking