SKIN ANATOMY

SKIN ANATOMY

The skin is the largest organ of the body, with a total area of about 20 square feet. The skin protects us from microbes and the elements, helps regulate body temperature, and permits the sensations of touch, heat, and cold.
Skin has three layers:

  • The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone.

  • The dermis, beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.

  • The deeper subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is made of fat and connective tissue.

The skin is  one of the most complicated organ. Not other organ demands so much attention and concern in both states of disease and health. There is a huge focus on skin health, with fierce competition to have glowing, clearer, healthier, younger and fresher skin. And this focus can cause secondary problems with self-esteem and mental health.

There are many different types of skin disorders. Here is a short list:

Eczema

When people refer to eczema, they usually mean atopic dermatitis, which is characterized as dry, itchy skin that often appears with a red rash.

It’s often seen in babies and young children, appearing on the faces of infants. But eczema can come in a variety of types in children, teens, and adults.

Other types of Eczema include:
Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is caused by contact with irritants. Burning, itching, and redness occur. The inflammation goes away when the irritant is removed.

Dyshidrotic dermatitis

Dyshidrotic dermatitis affects fingers, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. It causes itchy, scaly patches of skin that flake or become red, cracked, and painful. The condition is more common in women.

Nummular dermatitis

Nummular dermatitis causes dry, round patches of skin in the winter months. It usually affects the legs. It’s more common in men.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis causes itchy, red, scaly rashes, particularly on the scalp, on the eyebrows, on the eyelids, on the sides of the nose, and behind the ears.

 Hives (urticaria):

Hives are a red, raised, itchy skin rash that is sometimes triggered by an allergen. An allergen is something that produces an allergic reaction. It is also known as urticaria, welts, weals, or nettle rash.

When an allergic reaction occurs, the body releases a protein called histamine. When histamine is released, the tiny blood vessels known as capillaries leak fluid. The fluid accumulates in the skin and causes a rash.

Cubit Ulcers

A skin ulcer is a sore on the skin. Skin ulcers often form when blood circulation is impaired. Being bed- or wheelchair-bound can cause pressure that may lead to skin ulcers. Ulcers are generally round areas of red, swollen, thickened skin around a crater-like depression. They are often very slow to heal. If a skin ulcer isn’t properly treated, it may become infected. If the infection spreads, it can cause serious health issues.

Diabetes induced skin Lesions with Inflammation 

Diabetes can affect every part of the body, including the skin. In fact, such problems are sometimes the first sign that a person has diabetes. Luckily, most skin conditions can be prevented or easily treated if caught early.

Some of these problems are skin conditions anyone can have, but people with diabetes get more easily. These include bacterial infections, fungal infections, and itching. Other skin problems happen mostly or only to people with diabetes.

Burn:

Burns are one of the most common household injuries, especially among children. The term “burn” means more than the burning sensation associated with this injury. Burns are characterized by severe skin damage that causes the affected skin cells to die. There are three primary types of burns: first-, second-, and third-degree. Each degree is based on the severity of damage to the skin, with first-degree being the most minor and third-degree being the most severe.

Damage includes:

  • first-degree burns: red, nonblistered skin
  • second-degree burns: blisters and some thickening of the skin
  • third-degree burns: widespread thickness with a white, leathery appearance