Pathology, Contraindications & Pharmacology
Recognize risk, adapt thoughtfully, and know when to pause or refer.
Lesson 7 of 18
Integumentary Pathologies
Skin findings can reflect local irritation, infection, allergy, chronic disease, or systemic illness. Appearance alone rarely confirms a diagnosis, and some conditions spread through contact. Protect skin integrity and preserve the client's privacy and dignity during assessment. When a lesion is unexplained, changing, open, or potentially contagious, do not work directly on it.
Key points
- Eczema and psoriasis may involve dryness, scaling, itching, fissures, or tenderness; flares alter tolerance.
- Suspected fungal or bacterial lesions should be left untouched and assessed by a clinician.
- Avoid massage over open wounds, burns, blisters, active rashes, and areas with unexplained discoloration.
- Fragile skin can tear with friction or shear; reduce traction and use a suitable lubricant only on intact skin.
- New or changing pigmented lesions should be referred for medical assessment rather than interpreted by the therapist.
- Ask about allergies to oils, fragrances, adhesives, and topical products before use.
Key terms
- Eczema
- A group of inflammatory skin conditions that may cause itch and dryness.
- Psoriasis
- A chronic immune-mediated condition that can produce scaly plaques.
- Lesion
- An area of tissue that differs from surrounding tissue due to damage or disease.
- Pruritus
- The sensation of itching.
- Skin integrity
- The intact condition of skin as a protective barrier.
Memory tip
If you cannot confidently identify it, do not touch it - refer it.
Clinical note
Use draping and permission before visual inspection. Avoid products on compromised skin and follow infection-control procedures for any contact with nonintact skin.
Unit checkpoint
Lock it in: match the terms, then test yourself.