BASIC SKIN ANATOMY
The skin is the largest organ of the body, with a total area of about 20 square feet. The skin
protects us from microbes and the elements, helps regulate body temperature, and permits
the sensations of touch, heat, and cold.
Skin has three layers:
The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, provides a waterproof barrier and
creates our skin tone.
The dermis, beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles,
and sweat glands.
The deeper subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is made of fat and connective tissue.
The skin’s color is created by special cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment
melanin. Melanocytes are located in the epidermis.
, Skin Conditions
Rash: Nearly any change in the skin’s appearance can be called a rash. Most
rashes are from simple skin irritation; others result from medical conditions.
Dermatitis: A general term for inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis (a type of
eczema) is the most common form.
Eczema: Skin inflammation (dermatitis) causing an itchy rash. Most often, it’s due to
an overactive immune system.
Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that can cause a variety of skin rashes. Silver,
scaly plaques on the skin are the most common form.
Dandruff: A scaly condition of the scalp may be caused by seborrheic dermatitis,
psoriasis, or eczema.
Acne: The most common skin condition, acne affects over 85% of people at some
time in life.
Cellulitis: Inflammation of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues, usually due to an
infection. A red, warm, often painful skin rash generally results.
Skin abscess (boil or furuncle): A localized skin infection creates a collection of pus
under the skin. Some abscesses must be opened and drained by a doctor in order
to be cured.
Rosacea: A chronic skin condition causing a red rash on the face. Rosacea may
look like acne, and is poorly understood.
Warts: A virus infects the skin and causes the skin to grow excessively, creating a
wart. Warts may be treated at home with chemicals, duct tape, or freezing, or
removed by a physician.
Melanoma: The most dangerous type of skin cancer, melanoma results from sun
damage and other causes. A skin biopsy can identify melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma
is less dangerous than melanoma because it grows and spreads more slowly.
Seborrheic keratosis: A benign, often itchy growth that appears like a “stuck-on”
wart. Seborrheic keratoses may be removed by a physician, if bothersome.
The skin is the largest organ of the body, with a total area of about 20 square feet. The skin
protects us from microbes and the elements, helps regulate body temperature, and permits
the sensations of touch, heat, and cold.
Skin has three layers:
The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, provides a waterproof barrier and
creates our skin tone.
The dermis, beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles,
and sweat glands.
The deeper subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is made of fat and connective tissue.
The skin’s color is created by special cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment
melanin. Melanocytes are located in the epidermis.
, Skin Conditions
Rash: Nearly any change in the skin’s appearance can be called a rash. Most
rashes are from simple skin irritation; others result from medical conditions.
Dermatitis: A general term for inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis (a type of
eczema) is the most common form.
Eczema: Skin inflammation (dermatitis) causing an itchy rash. Most often, it’s due to
an overactive immune system.
Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that can cause a variety of skin rashes. Silver,
scaly plaques on the skin are the most common form.
Dandruff: A scaly condition of the scalp may be caused by seborrheic dermatitis,
psoriasis, or eczema.
Acne: The most common skin condition, acne affects over 85% of people at some
time in life.
Cellulitis: Inflammation of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues, usually due to an
infection. A red, warm, often painful skin rash generally results.
Skin abscess (boil or furuncle): A localized skin infection creates a collection of pus
under the skin. Some abscesses must be opened and drained by a doctor in order
to be cured.
Rosacea: A chronic skin condition causing a red rash on the face. Rosacea may
look like acne, and is poorly understood.
Warts: A virus infects the skin and causes the skin to grow excessively, creating a
wart. Warts may be treated at home with chemicals, duct tape, or freezing, or
removed by a physician.
Melanoma: The most dangerous type of skin cancer, melanoma results from sun
damage and other causes. A skin biopsy can identify melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma
is less dangerous than melanoma because it grows and spreads more slowly.
Seborrheic keratosis: A benign, often itchy growth that appears like a “stuck-on”
wart. Seborrheic keratoses may be removed by a physician, if bothersome.
