The skin
Our skin protects us from various forms of physical damage, variations in temperature, radiation, and harmful microorganisms, but its capacity for protection has its limitations.
Moreover, the skin has various functions as a sensory organ, in the regulation of fluid and salts, as a depot for fat and sodium, in the production of certain hormones and pheromones, and last but not least, the skin is important in our relations with other people where having an attractive skin means a lot to our mental well-being.
The skin is divided into three primary layers: The epidermis has a thickness of approx. 0.1 mm. In some places it can be thicker. It can be divided into more layers of cells. The outermost layer is called the horny layer and the most profound layer is the basal layer. New skin cells are produced in the basal layer of the epidermis and from here they force their way up and change structurally until they end up on top as dead horn cells. The skin's pigment cells are also produced in the basal layer and they determine what colour your skin will be.
Under the epidermis is the dermis. It consists of firm connective tissue and has the thickness of approx. 1 mm. However, in the palm of the hand and under the foot it can be quite thicker. In this layer, the blood- and lymphatic vessels, nerves, sweat- and sebaceous glands are located. Farthest below, at the transition to the subcutis, our hairs begin.
The subcutis consists of firm and loose connective tissues. The thickness varies from a few millimetres to several centimetres according to the amount of subcutaneous fat. The subcutis also contains blood vessels and nerves.
Wounds
Wounds can be subdivided into acute tissue damage like e.g. cuts, open wounds, cauterizations, and abrasions etc. or tissue damage resulting from chronic disease processes like e.g. leg sores caused by reduced blood flow to the legs or an ulcer caused by a bacterial infection.
Occur after violent heat affections of the skin where the damage continues after the burning and the skin loses several of its protective functions. Large burns can be life threatening and require hospitalization. Burns to the skin can be subdivided into:
- First degree burns: The skin is red and in pain. This can typically be observed after scalding.
- Second degree burns: In this case the burn has reached deeper into the skin and fluid-filled blisters occur. This is very painful.
- Third degree burns: Here the skin is entirely destroyed and charred. It is not necessarily painful as the sensory nerves of the skin is destroyed.
Scar tissue
Is produced when the deeper layers of the skin is healing.
Cauterizations
Stong acids and bases both have caustic effects if they come into contact with the skin.
Bruises
Is caused by damaged blood vessels where the blood has come out into the surrounding tissue under the skin, e.g. as a result of being hit or falling. After some time the blood dissolves and the dark colour disappears. Some people are more easily bruised than others. This can be caused by a lack of bioflavonoids and vitamin K. Together with vitamin C, bioflavonoids help keep the blood vessels strong and flexible.
Chapped lips
Chapped lips can be caused by dry skin or freezing temperatures. It can also be caused by the lack of certain vitamins and minerals. Finally, it can be caused by infection, most often fungal infection. Fungal infection of the mouth can be seen as white deposits on the tongue and throat and is most often seen in people with compromised immune systems and people undergoing steroid treatment. In older people with thin skin, it can be caused by a general lack of vitamin B and possibly of iron. If they have poorly fitted dentures or other problems with their bite, spit can drip onto the corners of the mouth and give fungus the perfect environment to grow. This can lead to small cuts in the corners of the mouth which burn. Also see Candidiasis .
