6 Functions of the skin

Absorption
Thousands of pores on the surface of the skin can absorb vitamins, acids, water and oxygen
in order to provide moisture and nourishment to our skin.

Excretion
The skin is the body’s largest waste removal system. Toxins are released through the sweat
glands and pores.

Secretion
The skin secretes sebum, a mixture of oils that keeps the skin soft and supple. The layer of
sebum on the outermost layer of the skin is known as the acid mantle. When intact the acid
mantle has a PH that ranges from 4.5-5.5. The acid mantle is acidic in nature to protect the
skin from outside invasion.

Regulation
The skin regulates the body’s temperature by sweating; when water from sweat on the skin
evaporates it gives off heat and cools the body.  The body’s temperature increases or by
shivering or getting goosebumps when the body is cold. The contraction of muscles
releases energy that warms the body.

Sensation
The skin contains millions of nerve endings that transport stimuli. These nerve endings
allow humans to detect sensation such as heat, cold, pain and pressure.

Identify and explain 3 diseases of the muscular system

Muscular dystrophy
A group of diseases that lead to weakness and loss of muscle mass. They are primarily
caused by abnormal gene mutations that interfere with the production healthy muscle
proteins. There are many different types of muscular dystrophy and some of the most
common types present in early childhood and particularly in males. While symptoms may
vary from case to case, most patients will eventually lose their ability to walk. Some may
also develop trouble breathing or swallowing. Unfortunately, there is no cure for muscular
dystrophy, with therapy and medication only slowing down the disease.
Cerebral palsy

A broad term used to describe impairment or loss of motor function as a result of brain
damage. It is believed that this damage occurs while still in the mother’s womb, as those
with cerebral palsy are born with it. However, there are cases where the development of
cerebral palsy can occur after birth. This condition affects muscle control, body movement,
muscle coordination, reflexes, muscle tone, and balance.

Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disease characterized by muscle weakness and a

distinctive rash. The condition can occur in both children and adults, affecting mostly
females. Skin changes are often described as appearing violet-colored or dusky red, most
commonly on the face, eyelids, knuckles, elbows, knees, chest, and back. Rashes are often
painful and itchy and are the first sign of dermatomyositis. Muscle weakness of the hips,
thighs, shoulders, upper arms, and neck are commonly observed. Weakness can affect both
sides of the body and become progressively worse.

7 Disorder or disease of the Integumentary System.

Basal cell carcinoma is a form of cancer that affects the mitotically active stem cells in the
stratum basale of the epidermis. It is the most common of all cancers that occur in the
United States and is frequently found on the head, neck, arms, and back, which are areas
that are most susceptible to long-term sun exposure.

These are some of the treatment options your doctor may suggest:

 Cutting out the tumor. 

 Scraping the tumor away and using electricity to kill cancer cells.
 Freezing your cancer cells.
 Creams and pills.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer that affects the keratinocytes of the stratum
spinosum and presents as lesions commonly found on the scalp, ears, and hands
Treatments:

 Excision: cutting out the cancer spot and some healthy skin around it, then stitching
up the wound
 Surgery using a small hand tool and an electronic needle to kill cancer cells
 Mohs surgery: excision and then inspecting the excised skin using a microscope;
this requires stitching up the wound
 Lymph node surgery: remove a piece of the lymph node; uses general anesthesia

MELANOMA

A melanoma is a cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, the

pigment-producing cells in the epidermis. Typically, a melanoma develops from a mole. 

Treatment for small melanomas

 Treatment for early-stage melanomas usually includes surgery to remove the
melanoma. A very thin melanoma may be removed entirely during the biopsy and
require no further treatment.

Treating melanomas that have spread beyond the skin

If melanoma has spread beyond the skin, treatment options may include:

 Surgery to remove affected lymph nodes.

 Immunotherapy.
 Targeted therapy.
 Radiation therapy.

Eczema is an allergic reaction that manifests as dry, itchy patches of skin that resemble
rashes.
There are numerous things that people with eczema can do to support skin health and
alleviate symptoms, such as:

 Taking lukewarm baths

 Applying moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing to “lock in” moisture

 Moisturizing every day

 Wearing cotton and soft fabrics, and avoiding rough, scratchy fibers and tight-fitting
clothing.

Acne is a skin disturbance that typically occurs on areas of the skin that are rich in
sebaceous glands (face and back). It is most common along with the onset of puberty due to
associated hormonal changes, but can also occur in infants and continue into adulthood.

 Treating moderate to severe acne

A skin specialist, or dermatologist, can treat more severe cases.
 Corticosteroid injection
If an acne cyst becomes severely inflamed, it may rupture. This can lead to scarring.
 Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for up to 6 months for patients with moderate to
severe acne.
 Oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptives can help control acne in women by suppressing the overactive
gland. They are commonly used as long-term acne treatments.

Burn; A burn results when the skin is damaged by intense heat, radiation, electricity, or
chemicals. The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss
of fluid.

 Water-based treatments.
 Fluids to prevent dehydration.
 Pain and anxiety medications.
 Burn creams and ointments.

BEDSORES AND STRETCH MARKS

Skin and its underlying tissue can be affected by excessive pressure. One example of this is
called a bedsore.

 Remove the pressure from the sore by moving the patient or using foam pads or
pillows to prop up parts of the body.

 Clean the wound: Minor wounds may be gently washed with water and a mild soap.
Open sores need to be cleaned with a saline solution each time the dressing is
changed.

 Control incontinence as far as possible.

 Remove dead tissue: A wound does not heal well if dead or infected tissue is
present, so debridement is necessary.