What are the Common Diseases of the Integumentary System?

About Integumentary System

The integumentary system is a complex system of the body that goes through many changes as we age. It is the organ system that protects the body from various kinds of damage, such as loss of water or abrasion from outside. The system comprises the skin and its appendages (including hair, scales, feathers, hooves, and nails). The skin also acts as a sensory organ. It contains nerves that can detect pain, pressure, heat, and cold.

The three layers of the skin are:

Epidermis: This outermost layer provides waterproofing and serves as a barrier to infection.

Dermis: This middle layer contains blood vessels, nerve endings, hair follicles, sweat glands and other structures.

Subcutaneous tissue: This innermost layer contains fat that helps insulate the body from extremes of temperature and shock.

The human skin is the outer covering of the body. In humans, it is the largest organ of the integumentary system. The skin has up to seven layers of ectodermal tissue and guards the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments and internal organs.

Most Common Diseases of the Integumentary System

While it may seem like our skin, nails, and hair are all separate parts of our bodies, they are all part of the same system. Therefore, when one part experiences problems, it can be difficult to treat and can affect other areas of the system.

Skin cancer – Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting Americans. The two most common types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both types are curable if caught early enough; however, if left untreated, these cancers can spread to other parts of the body and cause death.

Melanoma – Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes. These are cells in the skin that make melanin. Melanin is a pigment that gives your skin colour. Your risk of melanoma increases if you have many moles or unusual-looking moles on your skin. You’re also at greater risk if you have a family history of this cancer.

Acne – This is a skin condition caused by the blockage of hair follicles by excess oil and dead skin cells. Acne can be mild or severe with scars or pimples on the face, back, neck, chest and shoulders.

Eczema (dermatitis) – This disease causes excessive itching and dryness in the integumentary system. Itching can be severe that it causes bleeding and infections.

Psoriasis – It is a skin problem that can occur at any age. In this disease, skin cells grow too quickly, causing thick white patches or red scales.

Fungal Infections – Fungal infections usually begin in moist areas such as the groin, armpits, between fingers or toes and under breast folds. The fungus grows rapidly in these areas causing redness, swelling and itching in the area where it grows. Some common fungal infections are athlete’s foot (between toes), ringworm (scalp or beard), Candidiasis (in mouth) etc.

Dermatophytes (fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails)

Onychomycosis (fungal infection of the nail)

Athlete’s foot – caused by a fungus (Tinea pedis) that thrives in moist environments between the toes; characterized by intense itching and flaking skin.

Cellulitis – It is an infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue

Hair and nail disorders – Hair loss is a common condition that affects both men and women. Hair loss is an unwanted side effect of some medications, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and lupus, may also cause hair loss. Hormonal changes, poor nutrition, stress and scalp infections can also lead to hair loss.

Alopecia – The medical term for hair loss, which can range from mild thinning to complete baldness. Hair loss is often hereditary and may also be caused by illness, stress or certain medications like chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer patients. Alopecia affects both men and women and can often be treated with medications or surgery.

Rosacea – causes redness and swelling of the nose and cheeks. The cause is unknown, but it may be related to bacteria living on the skin surface or an overactive immune response to these bacteria. Rosacea is treatable with antibiotics, topical creams or laser therapy.

How to Prevent And Treatment Of Integumentary System

The integumentary system also plays a key role in our immune response by secreting immunoglobulin A (IgA). This antibody helps prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream through mucous membranes such as those in the respiratory tract or digestive system.

The primary functions of the integumentary system are protection against invasion by microorganisms; prevention of water loss from the body; and regulation of body temperature.

Here are some ways you can prevent and treat an infection in your integumentary system:

• Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, fish, lean meats and poultry.
• Drink at least eight glasses of water daily to hydrate your body. This will help your skin stay supple and moist.
• Avoid contact with people who have contagious skin infections such as pink eye or herpes simplex virus infection (fever blisters).
• Shower after working out or sweating profusely to remove sweat and oils on the skin’s surface.
• Use antimicrobial agents on the skin when needed
• Protect yourself against insects and pests that can infect your skin
• Report any unusual changes in the skin to a doctor
• Avoid touching your face throughout the day because you may be spreading bacteria that cause acne.
• Wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, hats and sunglasses when spending time outdoors to protect from UV rays and use plenty of sunscreens when outdoors.
• Be careful in reflective conditions, such as snow or sand.
• Don’t smoke because it increases your risk of skin cancer and makes wound healing more difficult.
• Wear a helmet when you ride a bicycle or motorcycle or play sports where there are a lot of contacts. Always use safety straps in cars and other vehicles to prevent injuries if something happens suddenly while you are moving.

To know to prevent and treat the integumentary system, you must understand the basic anatomy that is related to it. Then, you will also know how to avoid injuries more than before because every skin is good protection against external factors that can harm your skin.