Skin disorders

The skin is the largest and one of the most versatile organs of the human body. It varies in thickness and sensitivity on different areas of the body and is made up of layers called the dermis and epidermis, which also incorporate sweat glands, blood vessels and nerve endings.

Skin has a number of vital functions for the body including:

• providing a protective layer
• protection against infection or injury
• assist with temperature regulation via sweating
• contains nerve endings which send signals to the brain about temperature, pain, touch and texture.

Disorders of the skin can be caused by many factors including:

• infection
• allergy
• injury such as burns
• disease
• sensitivity to specific products
• environmental conditions.

(Better Health Channel 2009)

References:

Better Health Channel 2009, Skin explained, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 13 March 2009, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Skin_explained?open>.