Skin Disorders: Prevention and Treatment

As the largest organ of the body, the skin, or the integumentary system, provides a strong, flexible, and waterproof covering for the body. Human skin is composed of 3 layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. The epidermis is the thin, outermost layer and is made up of cells that constantly shed and renew. The dermis is the middle layer that contains the components of the skin that give it strength (collagen), flexibility (elastin), and oil (sebum). The dermis also contains blood vessels, sweat glands, and lymph nodes. The hypodermis is the fatty, inner layer of skin and contains blood vessels as well. Hair and nails are also considered part of the skin. The skin functions to provide a barrier to the body, prevent ...