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THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SKIN

 The skin that covers our body is the largest organ in the human body.  While most of us assume it only plays a cosmetic role there are many other functions.

 It protects us from infection

It prevents us from injury

It helps to touch and feel objects

The temperature of our body is maintained actively by various mechanisms

Synthesizes hormones like vitamin D

And the all important cosmetic function

 The visibility of skin offers a great advantage and disadvantage.  While we recover from a chest infection a few small areas in your lung could be damaged, since we do not see it we are not concerned.  Whereas a scar or a residual color left behind as a skin disease evokes great concern in some of us.

It is estimated that 10-15% of patients attending a family practitioner have a dermatological problem.  It is therefore surprising that in most medical schools training in Dermatology is only given for a period of two weeks to four weeks.  The fact is that there is no assessment examination in Dermatology for undergraduates is a matter of concern.

There are more than 2000 skin diseases.  Of these only the common ones have been explained in detail in this website.  Some of the skin diseases are so rare that a dermatologist may never see some of them!!

Structure of Skin

There are 3 layers.  The outer most layer is called epidermis, the middle layer dermis and the innermost layer subcutis.  The sweat glands and hair follicles run through this core to provide a wonderful matrix.

The language spoken by dermatologists is mainly to describe the disease and these terms are also found in the diagnosis.

 Learn the language to understand the words in this website and it will help to understand your skin disease as well.

If you have a skin problem do not attempt to diagnose or treat it yourself.  Always contact your doctor.

Remember in dermatology different diseases are similar and similar diseases are different in appearance!