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Skin
It's the largest organ of our bodies. It weighs about six pounds and holds us together. It's our skin.
Skin provides the outer covering for our bodies and protects us from heat, light, injury and infection. (Read about "Microorganisms") The skin regulates our body temperature by releasing fluids to cool us - in other words, sweat - and keeping heat in when it's cold. The skin also stores water and fat and produces vitamin D - all things we need to survive and live. (Read about "Vitamins & Minerals")
The skin is made up of two main layers, and an underlying layer:
- Epidermis - This is the main outer layer. The epidermis is mostly made up of flat scale-like cells called squamous cells. Under that are some round cells called basal cells. The deepest part of the epidermis also has what are called melanocytes. They produce melanin, which is what gives our skin its color.
- Dermis - Under the epidermis is the dermis, which contains the vessels for the blood and the lymph. It's also where the hair follicles and the glands are. Those glands are what produce sweat (to help cool us) and sebum, which is an oil that keeps the skin from drying out. Both oil and sweat get to the surface via the pores. The dermis also contains a binding protein called collagen.
- Subcutaneous tissue - Under the dermis is the subcutaneous tissue, which contains fat. This helps to keep us warm and provide cushioning.
There are a number of conditions that can change the look and the condition of the skin. Follow the links below to learn about them.
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Acne: see Acne Actinic keratosis: see Skin Cancer Actinic lentigines: see Noncancerous Skin Growths Allergies: see Allergies Athlete's foot: see Tinea: Ringworm, Athlete's Foot and Jock Itch Birthmarks, mole/nevi: see Moles (Nevi) Birthmarks, vascular: see Vascular Birthmarks Cancer, skin: see Skin Cancer Cavernous hemangiomas: see Vascular Birthmarks Cellulitis: see Cellulitis Chloasma: see Melasma/Chloasma Dermatitis: see Eczema and Dermatitis Dermatofibromas: see Noncancerous Skin Growths Dry skin: see Skin Care Eczema: see Eczema and Dermatitis Folliculitis: see Folliculitis Head lice: see Head Lice Hemangiomas, (birthmarks): see Vascular Birthmarks Hives: see Hives (Urticaria) Hot tub folliculitis: see Folliculitis Impetigo: see Impetigo Jock itch: see Tinea: Ringworm, Athlete's Foot and Jock Itch Keloids: see Noncancerous Skin Growths Keratosis pilaris: see Keratosis Pilaris Lice: see Lice Lichen planus: see Lichen Planus Lipoma: see Noncancerous Skin Growths Lupus: see Lupus Macular stains: see Vascular Birthmarks Melasma: see Melasma/Chloasma Moles: see Moles (Nevi) Molluscum contagiosum: see Molluscum Contagiosum MRSA: see Staph & MRSA Nevi: see Moles (Nevi) Pityriasis rosea: see Pityriasis Rosea Plantar warts: see Warts Port wine stains: see Vascular Birthmarks Pseudofolliculitis barbae: see Folliculitis Psoriasis: see Psoriasis Rashes: see Skin Rash Razor bumps: see Folliculitis Rhinophyma: see Rosacea and Rhinophyma Ringworm: see Tinea: Ringworm, Athlete's Foot and Jock Itch Rosacea: see Rosacea and Rhinophyma Scleroderma: see Scleroderma Seborrheic keratosis: see Noncancerous Skin Growths Skin care: see Skin Care Staph: see Staph & MRSA Strawberry hemangiomas: see Vascular Birthmarks Tinea: see Tinea: Ringworm, Athlete's Foot and Jock Itch Urticaria: see Hives (Urticaria) Vascular birthmarks: see Vascular Birthmarks Vitiligo: see Vitiligo Warts: see Warts |
All Concept Communications material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.
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