Final answer:
The two primary methods for skin assessment are visual examination and palpation, which include evaluating color, texture, and temperature of the skin, as well as sensory tests like two-point discrimination. Skin cancer screening is also vital, often starting with a visual inspection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two primary methods used to assess the skin are visual examination and palpation. The visual examination of the skin is the first method. It involves looking at the color, texture, and presence of any abnormalities, such as rashes, lesions, or growths. The second method, palpation, involves feeling the skin for texture, moisture, temperature, and elasticity.
Additionally, specific tests like two-point discrimination can assess sensory function, where a caliper is used to measure the smallest distance between two points on the skin that is perceived as separate stimuli. This test is particularly sensitive on areas with a higher concentration of nerve endings, such as the fingertips, and less sensitive on areas like the arm or shoulder. Another assessment is for tactile movement, gauging the skin's ability to perceive directionality of stimulus movement.
Screening for skin cancer is also a crucial component of skin assessment. Methods such as visual inspection for unusual moles or changes in existing moles are commonly used. Advanced techniques include dermatoscopy and biopsy, where necessary. Understanding and being able to differentiate between the skin's two main layers - the epidermis and the dermis, as well as their functions, are essential for accurate assessment.