Skin: Functions, Conditions and Treatments

Written by Girish Khera on May 7, 2019

The skin is the largest organ of the integumentary system and is the outer covering of our body. The skin has 3 layers: epidermis, dermis and the hypodermis.

The epidermis is the outermost layer which is a waterproof barrier. It is formed of flat , scale-like cells. The deepest part of the epidermis contains melanocytes. Melanocytes contain melanin, which gives the skin its colour. The dermis is right beneath the epidermis and contains the sweat glands, glands that produce sebum, hair follicles, and tough connective tissue. Sweat and sebum reach the skin’s surface through pores, which are tiny openings on the skin. The hypodermis consists of fat and subcutaneous tissue.

Functions of the Skin

The skin, being the largest organ in surface area and weight has a few extremely important functions.

Protection The skin acts as a barrier and provides protection from temperature variations, bacteria and micro-organisms, chemicals, radiation and pressure.
Regulation The skin helps in regulating the body temperature through sweat and hair, and also maintains peripheral circulation of fluids through sweat.
Vitamin D The skin helps in synthesising Vitamin D.
Sensation The skin, through its extensive network of nerve cells, communicate sensations such as heat, cold, pleasure and pain.
Control of evaporation The skin also provides a sufficient barrier to loss of fluids from the body.
Storage
The skin is also a storage for water and lipids.
Synthesiser
The skin helps in the synthesis of Vitamin D.

Skin conditions

There are a large number of diseases and conditions related to the skin. Some chronic skin conditions are Acne, Rosacea, Eczema, Psoriasis, warts, dandruff, skin abscess, herpes, hives, rash, scabies, ringworm. Some of these may not be curable but can be managed with proper medication and a healthy lifestyle. Melanoma is the most common type of skin cancer which results from skin damage.

Treatment of Skin conditions

To treat the various conditions of the skin, different types of medicines may be used. Corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, antibiotics, antifungal drugs, antihistamines, and immune modulators are some of the common medications that are used. In some cases, where the skin gets dry and itchy, moisturisers are sufficient to treat the condition.

Everyone has a different skin type, ranging from dry to oily.

Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.

Sources-

The Chemistry of Skin Tanning

The sun, water, air - the elements - are double-edged swords for humans. In moderation, they sustain planetary life. But they can also be dangerous. The human body’s machinery harvests the elements to produce nutrients or run internal processes. But it also has defenses against excess exposure to the elements. Versus the sun, this defence is the process of melanogenesis, or skin tanning. Read More..

Test what you learned