The integumentary and musculoskeletal systems are two of the most important organs in the human body and can be affected by a variety of pathophysiologic alterations. These changes can range from mild to severe depending on the underlying cause, so it is important to understand them in order to properly evaluate and treat patients with these conditions.

Pathophysiologic alterations that affect the integumentary system include rashes, hives, eczema, psoriasis, infections, and skin cancers. Rashes are caused by allergic reactions or other irritants such as poison ivy or insect bites. Hives typically appear as raised red bumps on the skin and can indicate an allergic reaction or infection. Eczema is another type of rash that is characterized by dryness and itching of the skin which may lead to secondary bacterial infections if not addressed properly. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes thick red patches on the skin that are often inflamed, scaly, and painful. Infections such as staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can also affect this organ system but require careful monitoring for any signs of invasive disease progression due to their potential for significant morbidity or mortality if left untreated. Skin cancers including melanoma must also be considered when evaluating integumentary system abnormalities since they present serious health risks if complications arise from rapid progression or metastasis of malignant cells throughout the body tissues .