Skin Conditions
This section focuses on introducing and explaining facts about skin conditions. Skin is considered the largest organ covering and protecting the inside of the human body from outside elements. On average, the surface area of the skin covers approximately 1.5 to 2.0 m2 and is about 2 to 3 mm in thickness.
As part of the adaptive immune system, the skin is comprised of multiple layers of dermal cells with enzymes, blood vessels, nerve endings, sweat glands, and melanocytes responsible for skin pigmentation or skin color. How the skin functions affects the condition of the skin. Therefore this section introduces what is meant by “skin condition”, skin functions, and types of skin conditions, before discussing these types in-depth, their causes and treatments.
What is meant by skin condition?
The skin condition refers to the appearance and health of the skin as a result of skin functioning. If the skin is highly sensitive or irritated, if the pores are clogged, or if injury causes inflammation, the skin condition may change and become inflamed or infected. Skins either reflect healthy or unhealthy functioning. Besides protecting the inside of the body, the skin performs a number of functions that include heat regulation, experience of sensations, absorption and excretion, water resistance and regulating evaporation, water and lipid storage, synthesizing vitamin D and Ultraviolet rays, and expressing beauty and emotions. These functions occur across the three layers of skin called the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.
The layers of the skin
The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin comprised of more layers and sub-layers but no blood vessels. The dermis is underneath the epidermis and consists of blood vessels, nerve endings, sweat glands, connective tissue and membranes. The hypodermis attaches the dermis to the bones and muscles with connective tissues, elastin, blood vessels and nerves. This layer contains approximately 50 percent of the body’s fat making up human body mass index (BMI).
Different skin types
Skin types are classified according to melanin and reaction to Ultraviolet light (UV). The types range from pale, fair and freckled, to light brown, olive, brown and black in classification, but in condition can range from dry, normal, combination or oily. The condition of the skin is also impacted on how it is cared for, the aging process, environmental elements, diseases and infections, and injury.
What types of skin conditions exist?
Whether skin in youthful or aging, skin conditions can become unhealthy through:
- Environmental changes – such as those from stings, bites and allergies, exposure to Ultraviolet light or allergic reaction to chemicals.
- Skin infections or infestations - such as cysts or through bacteria, virus, mycosis and parasites.
- Diseases – such as types of acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, mucous membrane or dermal tissue abnormalities, cancer and immunodeficiency related conditions.
- Physical irritations – such as blisters, burns, inflammation, or abrasion.
- Other conditions – such as abnormalities resulting from pregnancy or vascular function.
Each skin condition usually has a specific cause and therefore requires unique treatment to return the skin to a healthy condition. The following sections will address each particular skin condition, the causes, and recommended medical treatments.