The Function and Structure of the Skin

General

The skin–the interface between humans and their environmentais the largest organ in the body. It weighs an average of 4 kg and covers an area of 2 m 2 . It acts as a barrier, protecting the body from harsh external conditions and preventing the loss of important body constituents, especially water. A death from…

Skin Disease in Perspective

General

Dermatology is the study of the skin and its associated structures, including the hair and nails, and of their diseases. It is an immense subject, embracing some 2000 conditions, yet, paradoxically, some 70% of the dermatology work in the UK is caused by only nine types of skin disorder (Table 1.1). Similarly, in the USA,…