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Most of the skin problems that we may encounter are mostly limited only to the skin. And to most cases, simpler treatments may be applied using a combination of home remedies, do-it-your self alternative remedies and by use of OTC drugs. However, on severe cases, it is wise to consult a professional health practitionerwhen the problem persists or worsen. There are also some instances that a skin disorder may be a manifestation of another body disoder that may affect the general health of a person. Thus it is important to oroperly identify the possible diseases when evaluating skin problems. When in doubt it is best to consult your doctor.
Biology of the Skin
The skin is the largest organ of our body. Its color, texture and folds make up the characteristics which makes a person as an individual. It also serves many important function to the body including – regulating the temperature of the body, maintaining the water and the electrolyte balance, and sensing painful and pleasant stimuli. The skin keeps the dangerous substances from entering the body and acts as a shield from the harmful rays of the sun.
Structure and Function
The skin has three layers — the epedermis, dermis and the fat layer( also called the subcutaneous layer).
Epedermis is the thin tough, top layer of the skin. The outer portion o fhte epidermis, the stratum corneum, is water proof and when undamaged, prevents most bacterias, viruses and other foreign objects and substances from getting into the body. Keratin is the outer most layer of the skin which is composed of tough, fibrous protiens. The same is found in our nails and hair strands. Keratin are composed of dead skin cells and would normally be replaced with newer cells that are pushed out from below.
At the bottom of the epdermis we can find the melanocytes. These are cells that produce melanin — the dark pigment of the skin. Melanin serves as the natural ultraviolet radiation filter of the skin coming from the sunrays. The production of melanin provides the color of the skin.
The epedermis also contains Langerhans’ cells, which is part of the immune system of the skin. These cells are responsible for the development of skin allergies.
Dermis the next layer of the skin is composed of thick fibrous and elastic tissue which are mostly made up of protien collagen and fibrillin. The dermis gives the skin its flexibility and strength. The nerve endings, glands, hairfolicles and blood vessels are within this layer.
The nerve endings gives the skin the sense of feeling — pain, pleasure, touch, temperature and others. Some parts of the skin contains more nerve endings than others. The fingertips contains many nerve endings which makes it very sensitive to touch.
The sweat glands are also found in the dermis layer of the skin. These sweat glands gives out sweat upon reaction to the sense of heat. The evaporation of the sweat cools the body. Sweat is composed of water, salt and other chemicals. Another specialized gland found in the armpit and the genital area produces a thick oily sweat that when consumed by bacteria produces a characteristic body odor. The sebaceous gland produces oil, which helps to maintain the skin moist and soft. The oil also acts as a barrier against foreign substances.
The blood vessels of the dermis provide nutrients to the skin and help regulate the body temperature.
Fat Layer is the bottom most part of the skin. This serves as an insulation for the body against heat and cold. This also acts as a protective padding for the bones and muscles of the body. The fat is an energy storage for the body.
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