Unit IV Assignment
Instructions
There are various disease processes that affect the skin such as scleroderma, psoriasis, and melanoma. Some of these disease processes can potentially disfigure individuals. For this assignment, you will write a paper exploring a disease process of the skin, correlating the information with available treatment options. Make sure you answer the following questions.
- What is the disease?
- What layer of the skin does it affect?
- How does it disrupt the normal physiology of the skin?
- What research studies have been completed to help treatment efforts for the disease and improve patient outcomes?
- How will knowledge concerning the disease help you in your line of work?
Your final paper must be a minimum of two pages in length, and it should include a solid introduction along with evidence to support your main ideas. You must utilize at least two outside, reputable resources. Follow APA Style when constructing this assignment, including in-text citations and references for all sources that are used. Please note that no abstract is needed.
This formal paper example provided by the CSU Writing Center shows this type of formatting.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Skin diseases are a common phenomenon affecting millions of people worldwide. Some of these diseases, such as scleroderma, psoriasis, and melanoma, can disfigure people and severely affect their quality of life. As a medical professor, it is essential to educate students on different skin diseases and their available treatment options. In this paper, I will discuss one skin disease: psoriasis.
1. What is the disease?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, nails, and joints. It causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, resulting in red, scaly, and itchy patches on the skin’s surface. Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, but it primarily affects the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, palms, and soles of the feet.
2. What layer of the skin does it affect?
Psoriasis affects the epidermis layer of the skin, which is the outermost layer of the skin. It is made up of several layers of cells that serve as a protective barrier against external environmental factors.
3. How does it disrupt the normal physiology of the skin?
The rapid multiplication of skin cells in psoriasis causes a buildup of thick, scaly patches on the skin’s surface. This buildup disrupts the skin’s normal physiology by interfering with the skin’s natural exfoliation process. Psoriasis also triggers inflammatory responses in the skin, leading to redness, swelling, and soreness. In some cases, psoriasis can lead to joint pain and stiffness, known as psoriatic arthritis.
4. What research studies have been completed to help treatment efforts for the disease and improve patient outcomes?
Recent research studies on psoriasis treatment have shown promising results with biologic medications such as etanercept, adalimumab, and ustekinumab. These medications work by targeting specific immune system cells that trigger the excessive skin cell growth in psoriasis. Phototherapy, which involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light, is also an effective treatment option for psoriasis.
5. How will knowledge concerning the disease help you in your line of work?
As a medical professor, knowledge of psoriasis and its treatment options will enable me to educate my students on the disease’s causes, symptoms, and available treatment options. This information will equip future medical professionals with the necessary skills to diagnose and treat psoriasis correctly. Knowing the latest research on psoriasis treatment will also help me keep abreast of the evolving treatment options for the disease.
