The human body's largest organ is the integumentary system, which includes the skin, hair, nails, glands and nerve receptors. How the integumentary system worksThe integumentary system works to waterproof, cushion and protect the body from infection. Most skin is waterproof because of keratin, a fibrous protein, and it also is made up of water, other proteins, lipids and different minerals and chemicals Skin excretes wastes, regulates temperature and prevents dehydration by controlling the level of perspiration. It also houses sensory receptors that detect pain, sensation and pressure. The skin is also the body's initial defense against bacteria, viruses and other microbes. Skin and hair provide protection from harmful ultraviolet radiation, and the skin guards against sunburn by secreting melanin. Human skin color is determined by the interaction of melanin, carotene and hemoglobin. Storage of water, fat, glucose and vitamin D is also a function of the integumentary system. In humans, skin pigmentation varies among populations, and skin type can range from dry to oily. Such skin variety provides a rich and diverse habitat for bacteria that number roughly 1000 species from 19 phyla, present on the human skin. How Does My Skin Work? There are medical terms for various parts of your skin. Here's a rough guide to what those terms mean:
Dermis: The Middle Layer of Skin This is the layer responsible for wrinkles. The dermis is a complex combination of blood vessels, hair follicles, and sebaceous (oil) glands. Here, you'll find collagen and elastin, two proteins necessary for skin health because they offer support and elasticity. Fibroblasts are the cells you'll find in this layer, because they synthesize collagen and elastin. This layer also contains nerves that sense pain, touch, and temperature. Heat sensitive, Cold sensitive, Pressure sensitive, Itch sensitive, Pain sensitive.
Collagen and Your Skin Collagen is found in the dermis and is the most abundant protein in the skin, making up 75% of this organ. This is also your fountain of youth. It's responsible for warding off wrinkles and fine lines. Over time, environmental factors and aging diminish your body's ability to produce collagen and can also break down existing collagen. Your Skin and Elastin When you hear the word elastin, think elastic. This protein is found with collagen in the dermis, and is responsible for giving structure and support to your skin and organs. As with collagen, elastin is affected by time and the elements. Diminished levels of this protein cause your skin to wrinkle and sag. Keratin and Your Skin Keratin is the strongest protein in your skin. It's also dominant in hair and nails. Keratin is what forms the rigidity of your skin. SKIN DISORDERS Skin disorders vary greatly in symptoms and severity. They can be temporary or permanent, and may be painless or painful. Some have situational causes, while others may be genetic. Some skin conditions are minor, and others can be life-threatening. Common skin conditions include: moles acne hives chickenpox eczema rosacea seborrheic dermatitis psoriasis vitiligo impetigo warts skin cancer While most skin disorders are minor, others can indicate a more serious issue. Contact your doctor if you think you might have one of these common skin problems.
Common childhood skin disorders include: eczema diaper rash seborrheic dermatitis chickenpox measles warts acne fifth disease hives ringworm rashes from bacterial or fungal infections rashes from allergic reactions Causes of skin disorders Common known causes of skin disorders include: Bacteria trapped in skin pores and hair follicles Fungus, parasites, or microorganisms living on the skin Viruses A weakened immune system Contact with allergens, irritants, or another person’s infected skin Genetic factors Illnesses affecting the thyroid, immune system, kidneys, and other body systems Inflammatory bowel disease Diabetes Lupus Pregnancy Stress Sun Symptoms of skin disorders Skin conditions have a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms on your skin that appear due to common problems aren’t always the result of a skin disorder. Such symptoms can include blisters from new shoes or chafing from tight pants. However, skin problems that have no obvious cause may indicate the presence of an actual skin condition that requires treatment. Skin irregularities that are typically symptoms of a skin disorder include: Raised bumps that are red or white A rash, which might be painful or itchy Scaly or rough skin Peeling skin Ulcers Open sores or lesions Dry, cracked skin Discolored patches of skin Fleshy bumps, warts, or other skin growths Changes in mole color or size A loss of skin pigment Excessive flushing Preventing skin disorders Certain skin disorders are NOT preventable, including genetic conditions and some skin problems due to other illnesses. However, it’s possible to prevent some skin disorders. Follow these tips to prevent infectious skin disorders: Wash your hands with soap and warm water frequently. Avoid sharing eating utensils and drinking glasses with other people. Avoid direct contact with the skin of other people who have an infection. Clean things in public spaces, such as gym equipment, before using them. Don’t share personal items, such as blankets, hairbrushes, or swimsuits. Sleep for at least seven hours each night. Drink plenty of water. Avoid excessive physical or emotional stress. Eat a nutritious diet. Noninfectious skin disorders, such as acne and atopic dermatitis, are sometimes preventable. Prevention techniques vary depending on the condition. Here are some tips for preventing some noninfectious skin disorders: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and water every day. Use moisturizer. Avoid environmental and dietary allergens. Avoid contact with harsh chemicals or other irritants. Sleep for at least seven hours each night. Drink plenty of water. Eat a healthy diet. Protect your skin from excessive cold, heat, and wind. Learning about proper skin care and treatment for skin disorders can be very important for skin health. Some conditions require the attention of a doctor, while you can address others safely at home. You should learn about your symptoms or condition and talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment methods. Healthy Choices for Your Skin’s Top Health The IMPORTANCE of Making Healthy Choices Your skin reveals to the world how healthy you are - and how old you are. Positive lifestyle behaviors keep you healthy and your skin looking younger. The following lifestyle behaviors can impact the skin:
Chronic drinkers develop larger oil glands and blood vessels. This process results in the enlargement of the skin's pores, particularly of the nose and chin. Chronic drinking can cause liver disease, including cirrhosis, which changes the skin color to yellow.
Exercise also increases sweating and skin temperature. Infections caused by bacteria and/or fungi may occur if proper hygiene is not performed after exercise. In addition, some clothes and shoes used while exercising can lead to blisters on the hands, feet or body. lead to blisters on the hands, feet or body.
Permanent waves can damage the hair, so take care not to perm your hair more often than every three months. If the perming solution is left on too long, is too strong or is applied to hair already damaged by dyes, the hair could break and the scalp could become irritated. Frequent tight braiding or tight ponytails, as well as hair straightening agents, flat irons, curling irons, and hot rollers, can also cause hair loss or broken hair.
Nail polish and nail glue can cause allergic reactions. Use a polish that is labeled "hypoallergenic" and nail polish remover that is acetone-free. Sculptured nails - those that are custom-made to fit permanently over your natural nails - can cause severe and painful reactions. Doctors recommend that people who wear artificial nails take them off every three months to allow their natural nails to breathe.
The following nutrients help the life of your skin:
Smoking and chewing tobacco can also hurt the skin through the development of lip cancer, mouth cancer and/or emphysema. When emphysema in the lungs causes shortness of breath, the skin may turn bluer due to lack of oxygen.
BUT, a study by the American Academy of Dermatology revealed these attitudes toward tanning among teens:
Tattooing involves injecting dyes into the skin with multiple injections from one or more needles. It can take several hours to complete a tattoo and the procedure may be painful. It may also cause some bleeding. It takes about 7 to 10 days for the tattoo to heal. Tattooing received a bad reputation in the past due to tattoo artists who neglected health and safety concerns. This resulted in outbreaks of infectious diseases and banning of the practice in some states and localities. The two biggest risks in getting a tattoo are allergic responses to the dyes and exposure to blood borne pathogens. The dyes are made from chemical compounds ranging from metal oxides to synthetic organic dyes. The most common infectious diseases associated with tattoos are atypical mycobacteria and hepatitis B, although hepatitis C and HIV are also possible. Proper disinfection and sterilization procedures must be followed. Someone thinking of getting a tattoo should check with the state or local health department to see which regulations exist in the area, such as a requirement that only new sterile needles be used. Also, check to see if the tattooist has been certified by the Alliance for Professional Tattooists. Dermatologists report that over 50% of the people who get tattoos eventually seek to have them removed, usually after they have entered the work world. Although tattoos can be removed, the process is very expensive and painful. It may take several months and could result in scarring.
Depending on where jewelry is placed, body piercings can cause problems with speech, eating, hearing and other body functions. For example, body jewelry can be torn out during contact sports. Dentists are particularly concerned about the dangers of tongue piercings. Among the things that can go wrong as a result of tongue piercings are swelling of the tongue that can interfere with breathing, cracked teeth, choking on loosened or unscrewed jewelry, and infection with hepatitis, HIV or bacteria. Healthy Foods for Your Skin How does Homeopathy Approach Skin Disorders?? Homeopathy is a 200-plus-year-old medical science based on the principle “like cures like.” This means if a substance can cause symptoms in a healthy person, it can stimulate self-healing of similar symptoms in a sick person. Suppose a person comes into contact with poison ivy. They will develop skin rashes accompanied by burning, itchy, swelling and painful blisters. Rather than prescribing cortisone cream to suppress the itch and swelling, a homeopath may prescribe the remedy rhus-tox, a tiny dose of poison ivy specially prepared by a homeopathic pharmacy. Similarly, when a person develops acne, rather than suppressing the skin symptoms with drugs, a homeopath will prescribe a substance that is capable of causing acne on healthy skin. In homeopathy, symptoms (pain, fever, congestion or acne) are seen as expressions of a curative process, the organism’s attempt (however ineffectual in some cases) to heal itself. Taking cues from the reactive expression of the organism, the homeopath seeks to enhance the symptoms thereby stimulating the organism to complete the curative process that has already been set in motion. Homeopathy aims to heal the entire organism in the physical, mental and emotional realms. Treating one organ at a time, such as your skin, will not result in a permanent cure. A person who takes prescription medication for high blood pressure every day is not undergoing a cure, but is only controlling the symptoms. Similarly, applying cortisone cream on your skin will not result in healing. If the medication is withdrawn, the illness returns. In contrast, homeopathic remedies address the underlying cause of illness by helping to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanism. The aim is to return to a healthy state and stop depending on medications, natural or otherwise. When seeking homeopathic help for your skin troubles, don’t be surprised to experience an improvement in your moods, motivation and energy levels. In fact, in most cases, the emotions improve before physical ailments begin to disappear. Does homeopathy work for skin problems? Homeopathic practitioners tend to regard skin conditions as a manifestation of what is going on within your body and can help you find the underlying causes of your skin problem. On this blog, we provide you with a list of homeopathic treatments for skin disorders. However, choosing the appropriate treatment often requires the help of a homeopathic physician to match the symptoms with the correct remedy. Each person is unique and the remedies should be chosen according to the character of the symptoms: mental, emotional and physical. Sources:http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/skin-melanoma/anatomy-and-physiology/?region=on https://www.nuskin.com/en_ZA/corporate/company/science/skin_care_science/skin_anatomy_andphysiology.html http://philschatz.com/anatomy-book/contents/m46064.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skin http://www.eucerin.co.uk/about-skin/basic-skin-knowledge/factors-that-influence-skin http://www.indiatimes.com/health/healthyliving/lifestyle-factors-affecting-your-skin-health-237012-2.html http://www.mybodybeautiful.co.uk/Beauty/Skin/Skin%20Factors.htm http://umm.edu/programs/facial-plastic/health/skin-care-tips/factors-affecting-our-skin http://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/athletic_skin_infections/hand_washing.htm http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/features/12-ways-protect-skin-cancer http://www.everydayhealth.com/eczema/preventing-skin-infections.aspx http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/bha-charity/how-we-can-help/articles/spotlight-on-skin/
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CategoriesAuthorA convinced believer, an eternal student and a fervent practitioner of Homeopathy and Alternative Medicines, I am awestruck by the real-life miracles these sciences deliver every day! My goal is to help people with my knowledge, experience and willingness to learn and adapt! |