Textbook Question
Rebecca, the mother of a 13-month-old infant, brings her child to the clinic because his skin has turned orange. Why does the pediatrician inquire about the child’s diet?
5. Integumentary System
The Dermis
Problem L3.A3b
Textbook Question
Nguyen comes to your clinic with a mole that has recently changed in appearance. You examine the mole and note that its borders are irregular, it has a deep blue-black color, and the color is unevenly distributed throughout the mole.
Nguyen tells you that she has used a tanning booth once per week for the past several years and that the tanning salon advertises it as safe. What do you tell her about the tanning salon's claim? How does any UV exposure affect keratinocytes and melanocytes? Explain.
Verified step by step guidance1
Explain to Nguyen that the tanning salon's claim of being 'safe' is misleading. UV radiation, whether from the sun or tanning booths, is a known carcinogen and can damage skin cells, increasing the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Discuss how UV radiation affects keratinocytes, the primary cells in the epidermis. UV exposure can cause DNA damage in keratinocytes, leading to mutations. If these mutations are not repaired, they can result in uncontrolled cell growth and potentially skin cancer.
Explain the role of melanocytes, which are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. UV exposure stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin as a protective response, leading to tanning. However, excessive UV exposure can damage melanocytes, causing mutations that may lead to melanoma.
Describe the warning signs of melanoma using the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6 mm, and Evolving size, shape, or color. Nguyen's mole exhibits several of these signs, such as irregular borders and uneven color distribution, which are concerning.
Advise Nguyen to avoid further UV exposure, including tanning booths, and to consult a dermatologist for a thorough evaluation of the mole. Early detection and treatment are critical for managing potential skin cancers like melanoma.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Tanning Booths and UV Exposure
Tanning booths emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can be classified into UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and are primarily responsible for skin aging and long-term skin damage, while UVB rays cause sunburn and play a significant role in developing skin cancer. Despite claims of safety, any exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of skin damage and malignancies, including melanoma.
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Keratinocytes
Keratinocytes are the predominant cell type in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. They play a crucial role in forming a protective barrier against environmental damage, including UV radiation. When exposed to UV light, keratinocytes can undergo changes that lead to inflammation, DNA damage, and, over time, an increased risk of skin cancer due to mutations.
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Melanocytes and Melanin Production
Melanocytes are specialized skin cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color and provides some protection against UV radiation. When the skin is exposed to UV light, melanocytes increase melanin production as a defense mechanism, leading to tanning. However, excessive UV exposure can damage melanocytes, leading to irregularities in pigmentation and an increased risk of skin cancers, including melanoma.
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