Homeostatic Imbalance of the Skin The skin can

Homeostatic Imbalance of the Skin �The skin can develop over 1000 ailments �Most disorders result from allergies or bacterial, viral, or fungal infections �Burns and cancer are less common, but more damaging

Infections �The following are the most common skin infections �These infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungus

Athlete’s Foot �Itchy, red, peeling of skin between toes �Fungal

Boils and Carbuncles �Inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands �Bacterial

Cold Sores �Small, fluid-filled blisters that itch and sting �Herpes simplex infection (viral)

Impetigo �Water-filled lesions that develop yellow crust and eventually rupture �Bacterial

Psoriasis �Red lesions covered with dry, silvery scales �Bacterial and viral infections

Allergies �Contact dermatitis: • Itching, redness, and swelling of the skin; leads to blistering • Caused by exposure of skin to chemicals that provoke allergic reactions

Burns �A burn is tissue damage and cell death caused by intense heat, electricity, UV radiation (sunburn), or certain chemicals (such as acids)

Burn degrees �Classified according to severity

1 st degree burns � 1 st degree: only epidermis is damaged. Skin becomes red and swollen. �Healing in 2 -3 days by regeneration

1 st degree burn

2 nd degree burns � 2 nd degree: damage to epidermis and upper layer of dermis. Skin blisters. �Regeneration usually occurs if infection is prevented

2 nd Degree burn

2 nd Degree Burns

3 rd degree burns � 3 rd degree: entire thickness of skin is destroyed. �Since nerves are also destroyed, victim doesn’t feel the pain. �Regeneration impossible, skin must be grafted from unaffected tissue

3 rd degree burn

3 rd Degree Burn

Why are face, hands, and feet burns so dangerous? �Facial burns are dangerous because the respiratory passages may become swollen and lead to suffocation �Joint injuries are troublesome because scar tissue limits joint mobility