One of the important functions of the skin is to protect the body against infection. The skin is the first line of defense against infection. Infection happens when harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi enter the body and replicate. The skin protects against infections through the following mechanisms: It acts…
The Dermis: This is the second layer of the skin under the epidermis, it cushions the body from stress and strain, this layer contains nerve endings, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, hair follicles and blood and lymphatic vessels. The nerve endings in our dermis tell us how things feel when we…
The skin is the largest organ in the body that has many important functions which include the following: It protects the body from infection by preventing the invasion of harmful organisms. It protects the body from dehydration by preventing the loss of excessive fluids. It participates in the regulation of…
First aid: All third degree burns require emergency medical treatment, usually in a burn unit, call 911 or take the person to an emergency room as soon as possible. Smother any flames if the patient is on fire eg, using a blanket, stop drop and roll. Remove jewelry and any…
A third degree burn is a burn that causes injury to all three layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis). There may also be damage to fat tissue, muscle and bone. It is the most serious type of burn and may result in extensive scarring as well as other…
A second degree burn is caused by injury to the epidermis which is the first layer of the skin and the dermis which is the second layer of the skin. Causes: Severe sunburns. Contact with hot liquids. Exposure to flames. Contact with chemicals. Clinical features: Blisters. Deep redness. Swelling. Pain,…
Prevention: Burns of all degrees including first degree can be avoided or decreased by following simple measures, burns caused by scalding with hot water can be prevented by careful handling of hot liquids, turning pot handles on the stove out of the reach of children, check the temperature of the…
A first degree burn is caused due to injury to the epidermis which is the outer first layer of the skin; it involves minimal tissue damage and is the least serious type of burn. Causes: Spending too much time in the sun (sun burn part I, II). A brief contact…
One of the common complications that a burn patient may experience is a scar depending on the severity of the injury. Scars may lead to physical and emotional distress. One of the methods used to deal with and decrease the incidence of scaring is the use of compression garments. Compression…
A hypertrophic scar is an elevated scar that appears red, thick and raised as a lump on the skin, hypertrophic scars usually feel firm to the touch, and they may be sensitive to changes in temperature or texture. They don’t grow beyond the injury site or incision (unlike a keloid…