Page 167 - fourth year book

SKIN DISEASES

Introduction:
The integumentary system consists of a major organ, skin, and many

epidermal derivatives (accessory organs), which include hair follicles,

sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and nails. The skin is the largest organ
in the body (2 square meters; 10-11 lbs.) and serves as variety of
important function in maintaining health and protect from injury

Integumentary System Includes:

 Skin (cutaneous membrane):
o Epidermis
o Dermis
 Subcutaneous tissue or hypodermis below the skin

 Accessory Structures
o Sweat glands
o Sebaceous or oil glands
o Hair
o Nails

Functions of skin:

 Regulation of body temperature

 Protection
 Sensation
 Excretion
 Immunity/ Resistance
 Synthesis of vitamin D by UV light & aids absorption of calcium

Significance and brief description of common skin diseases

Skin diseases occur all over the world at significant levels. They
have been identified as a public health problem in developing countries.
They are common through-out Africa and are dominated by bacterial

and fungal infections. Skin diseases affect all segments of the population
without ethnic variability but are more prevalent among children and in
low socioeconomic groups, essentially due to poor hygienic practices.
Different studies also suggest that skin infections are more prevalent in
extreme climatic conditions. Most skin infections transmit through
contact with infected individuals or articles.

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