The Skin: Layers, Functions, Care and Skin Injuries

Structure of the Skin

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It is a sense organ receiving stimulus like touch, pressure, pain, heat and cold respectively. The skin acts a protective barrier, while also producing vitamin D from cholesterol when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays.

The skin is divided into two layers. These are the epidermis and dermis respectively.

Epidermis

This is the outer layer of the skin, acting as a barrier against pathogens and ultraviolet radiation. It contains melanin which is responsible for the skin color. It is covered with hairs and tiny holes called sweat pores. Sweat or perspiration passes out through the pores, while the hair protects the skin from dust.

Functionally, the epidermis protects the internal bodily organs, while giving coloration to the skin.

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Dermis

This is the inner layer of the skin, and it is directly under the epidermis. It provides support, sensation, and nourishment through its network of blood vessels, collagen fibres, nerves. This makes it important for making the skin firm and flexible. It also receive nervous impulses through its sensory neurones.

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The dermis contains the following:

• Sebaceous Glands: They are also called the oil gland. It produce oil that keeps the skin soft and smooth.

• Blood Vessels and nerves: It supply nutrients and oxygen to the upper layer of the skin, while also regulating body temperature. It therefore keeps the skin healthy and helps it to perform its functions.

• Sweats Glands: It produces sweat which cools the skin. The sweat gland is an exocrine and apocrine gland.

• Adipose Tissue: These are fat deposits under the skin. It reduces heat loss from the body.

• Collagen and Elastin: This provides strength (through the collagen fibers) and elasticity (through the elastin fibres) to keep skin firm and flexible. 

• Hair Follicles: The roots of hair grow from follicles present in the dermis. 

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Below is a diagram of the skin.

Functions of the Skin

• It protects the internal tissues and organs of the body by acting as the first line of defense against ultraviolet radiation and pathogens.

• It acts as a sense organ receiving stimulus like touch, pressure, pain, heat and cold.

• It acts as an homeostatic organ by regulating water in the body.

• It assists in controlling the body's temperature through the production of sweat.

• It synthesizes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is important for proper bone formation. 

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Care of the Skin

• Wash your skin gently during bath. Avoid hard scrubbing with a hard sponge.

• Aviod the use of bleaching cream.

• Apply mild skin cream or oil daily immediately after bath.

• Do not forcefully burst pimples or inflammation so as to prevent redness, swelling and scarring.

• Do not stay under ultraviolet radiation for a long duration of time.

• Exercise regularly as this helps boost blood flow to the the skin.

• Eat healthy meals and a balanced diet.

• Catch enough rest; at least seven hours during the night.

• Drink plenty of water and always stay hydrated.

• Avoid smoking, hard drugs and excessive alcohol.

• Consult a dermatologist when skin rashes and other skin infections persist.

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Skin Injuries And Treatments

1. Cuts

This occurs when the skin is opened by sharp objects which results into bleeding. Cuts can be caused by razorblades, knives, broken bottles, glasses, scissors etc.

Treatment for Cuts

• Wash with antiseptic solution, for example, dettol.

• Cover with clean guaze and bandage.

• For a large open cut, do not wash. Rather, bandage tightly and see the doctor.

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2. Bruises

These are discolorations of the skin without breaking it. It occurs when the body is given a blow with safficient force. There may be very little or no bleeding, but the area affected may become swollen.

Treatment for Bruises

• Place a clean piece of cloth or handkerchief soaked in very cold water over the braised area.

• Cover with a dry dressing wool and bandage to protect the area.

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3. Burns And Scalds

These are damage to the skin usually cused by heat. A burn is caused by dry heat. Examples of dry heat are hot iron, electric cooker and fire. A scald is caused by wet heat such as hot water, steam or a solution.

Treatment of Burns and Scalds

• Dip the affected area in cold water.

• Do not prick blasters.

• Give the person enough fluid to drink.

• Serious burns and scalds should get a doctor's attention immediately.

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4. Stings

These are sharp structures found in various animals capable of infecting venom, usually by piercing the skin of another animal. Examples of animals that sting include wasp, bee, scorpion, mosquitoes, snakes, etc.

Treatment of Stings

• Remove the sting from the body by squeezing greatly.

• Clean the area with suitable anticeptic solution. For example, TCP and dettol.

• Apply a clean bandage and get a doctor's attention immediately.

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