FUNCTIONS OF THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
The integumentary system has many functions, most of which are involved in protecting you and regulating your body’s internal functions in a variety of ways:
· Protects the body's internal living tissues and organs
· Protects against invasion by infectious organisms
· Protects the body from dehydration
· Protects the body against abrupt changes in temperature
· Helps dispose of waste materials
· Acts as a receptor for touch, pressure, pain, heat, and cold
· Stores water and fat

Skin structure
The skin is the largest organ of the body. It has three main layers, the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous layer.

The epidermis is an elastic layer on the outside that is continually being regenerated. It includes the following:

Keratinocytes - the main cells of the epidermis formed by cell division at its base. New cells continually move towards the surface. As they move they gradually die and become flattened.
Corneocytes - the flattened dead keratinocytes that together make up the very outer layer of the epidermis is called the stratum corneum or horny layer. This protective layer is continually worn away or shed.
Melanocytes – produce the pigment melanin that protects against UV radiation and gives skin its colour.
The dermis is the inner layer that includes the following:

Sweat glands – produce sweat that travels via sweat ducts to openings in the epidermis called pores. They play a role in temperature regulation.
Hair follicles – are pits in which hairs grow. Hairs also play a role in temperature regulation.
Sebaceous glands – produce sebum (an oil) to keep hairs free from dust and bacteria. Sebum and sweat make up the ‘surface film’.
The subcutaneous layer under the dermis is made up of connective tissue and fat (a good insulator).
Functions of the skin
Provides a protective barrier against mechanical, thermal and physical injury and hazardous substances.
· Prevents loss of moisture.
· Reduces harmful effects of UV radiation.
· Acts as a sensory organ (touch, detects temperature).
· Helps regulate temperature.
· An immune organ to detect infections etc.
· Production of vitamin D.

Skin cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer, the most common of which is basal cell carcinoma, said Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield III, a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School, and medical director of Crutchfield Dermatology. More than 2 million cases of this skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year, according to the AAD. This type of cancer is skin colored or has a slight pearl color to it. It rarely metastasizes (i.e., it rarely spreads to other parts of the body), but it can be very problematic if it's not treated, Crutchfield cautioned. According to the AAD, basal cell carcinoma can destroy skin tissue and bone.
The second most common skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. This is a rough-surfaced skin-colored lesion. Squamous cell skin cancer causes death in about 10 percent of affected patients.
The most serious skin cancer is melanoma, which looks like a dark, changing, bleeding skin spot, Crutchfield said. Melanoma is fatal in as many as 35 percent of patients diagnosed with this form of skin cancer.
Warts
Warts are rough bumps caused by a viral infection. They commonly occur on the hands and feet. Sometimes, tiny black dots will be visible in a wart, Crutchfield noted. "Those are blocked blood vessels, which is a common occurrence with a papilloma viral infection." The best treatment for warts is to cause a mild irritation of the wart — usually by freezing, liquid irritation and lasers — so the immune system can recognize the viral infection and get rid of it.
Eczema
Also known as dermatitis, eczema looks like red, itchy, flaky skin. It can occur anywhere. Sometimes, it happens by itself, and other times, it is caused by outside factors such as poison ivy, according to Crutchfield. Dermatitis is best treated with topical anti-inflammatory creams and ointments. For mild cases, over-the-counter medications work well, but a prescription may be required for more severe cases.
Acne
Acne, a disorder of the hair and oil glands, is among the most common conditions treated by dermatologists, Crutchfield said. "It is under the control of hormonal changes, hence the initial flare during adolescence," he said.
Acne presents itself as red bumps and pimples on the face, chest and back, Crutchfield said. Treatments include vitamin A products (retinols), salicylic acid (to unplug pores), benzoyl peroxides (to decrease bacteria) and antibiotics (to reduce inflammation).
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition in which the cells that produce skin color — melanocytes — no longer function properly. Some are attacked by the immune system. Sometimes, the cells mysteriously die or stop working, Crutchfield noted. "When this happens, the person with vitiligo can get multiple patches of white skin. One of the best treatments for vitiligo is specialized light treatment from a doctor."
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition in which red, itchy plaques commonly occur on the knees and elbows. Crutchfield explained that the nails can have pits and the scalp can be red and itchy, flaky and inflamed. "About 3 percent of all people have psoriasis to some degree, and it does run in families many times," he noted. Some patients with psoriasis can also develop arthritis, called psoriatic arthritis. The best treatment for psoriasis are topical medicines, light treatments and, in severe cases, systemic prescription medicines.
Moles
Moles are normal parts of the skin. Moles can be flat or raised, and they can be red, brown, black or skin-colored. If a mole start changing — in size, color or shape, or if it bleeds and doesn't heal on its own in three weeks — it should be evaluated by a doctor to make sure it is not turning into a skin cancer, Crutchfield said.

How to Keep the Integumentary System Healthy
When you look at yourself in a mirror, nearly everything you see is a part of the integumentary system. It consists of your skin, hair, nails and various glands, such as sweat and oil glands. Taking care of this body system will benefit your overall health and keep you looking young.
Step 1
Bathe every day and wash your hands regularly. Keep your skin and nails clean to prevent infections. Avoid using harsh soaps, hair treatments and other irritating chemicals, as they will cause excessive dryness. Water that's too hot will have the same effect, so use warm water in the shower or bath. Cut your fingernails and toenails straight across after bathing to avoid hangnails.
Step 2
Apply sunscreen before you spend time outdoors. Choose a formula that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation and has an SPF of 15 or higher. Over time, too much sun exposure contributes to wrinkles, skin cancer, freckles, aging and dilated blood vessels. Avoid using tanning beds because they are also damaging to your skin.
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Step 3
Eat a healthy well-balanced diet. Foods that are rich in antioxidants are good for your skin, according to Georgia Health Info, but consuming a lot of meat can contribute to wrinkles. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Step 4
Examine your entire body on a regular basis. Check for abnormal growths, signs of skin cancer, and anything else that looks out of the ordinary in your skin. See a dermatologist right away if you have an unusual sore that isn't healing properly. You should also consult a doctor about a mole that is larger than 1/4 of an inch across or has an irregular border, uneven coloring or a rough surface.
Step 5
Avoid wearing things that are too tight on your body. Pick shoes that fit your feet properly, because a tight fit can cause ingrown toenails that become painful and infected. Clothes and jewelry that are too constricting may interfere with blood circulation. Don't put rubber bands in your hair too tightly, or they will break individual strands of hair.
Step 6
Don't smoke cigarettes. Smoking causes wrinkles and ages your skin. It constricts blood vessels, which prevents your integumentary system from getting the nutrients it needs in order to be healthy.

As people age, dramatic changes take place in the integumentary system. The epidermis thins as basal cells divide less and less. The dermis also thins and its elastic fibers decrease in size. As a result, the skin becomes weaker and starts to sag, forming wrinkles. Melanocytes decrease production of melanin, and the skin becomes pale and hair turns white. Sebaceous glands also decrease production of sebum, causing the skin to become dry and scaly. Blood supply to the skin is reduced and body temperature cannot be regulated as well. Finally, the skin takes longer and longer to repair itself.
Although there is no way to avoid aging of the skin, there are ways to decrease the effects of aging. The loss of elasticity in the skin is speeded up by sunlight. The skin should be shielded from the Sun through the use of sunscreens, sunblocks, and protective clothing. Sunburns are never healthy and should always be avoided. This will also help reduce the risk of skin cancer.

As in all other body systems, the following play a part in keeping the integumentary system operating at peak efficiency: proper nutrition, healthy amounts of good-quality drinking water, adequate rest, regular exercise, and stress reduction. Hair loss and graying are both genetically controlled, but stress can add to both conditions. Exercise and relaxation techniques are proven ways to reduce stress.

Proper daily cleansing of the skin is highly recommended. However, harsh detergents and scrubbing will not make the skin cleaner. In fact, they can injure the skin and cause excessive drying. Greater benefits can be gained by cleaning the skin with gentle soaps or lotions, then applying an appropriate moisturizer to all areas of the body.