In the following, “skin–subcutaneous” describes diseases that are assigned to this category according to ICD-10 (L00-L99). The ICD-10 is used for the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems and is recognized worldwide.
Skin – subcutaneous
The skin (cutis) is the largest human organ (areal organ) and has multiple tasks to perform. In addition, a healthy and beautiful skin, natural-beautiful hair and firm nails particularly shape the self-image of the “I” and thus the self-confidence.
Anatomy
The skin is about one to two millimeters thick. As we age, the thickness of the skin decreases. It has an average total area of about 1.8 m2. The skin consists of three layers:
- Epidermis (upper skin) – consists mainly of keratinocytes (horn-forming cells).
- It is constantly renewing itself; in the process, the new cells push the old cells upwards, these become keratinized, die and are exfoliated
- it contains the following types of cells:
- Melanocytes: produce and store melanin (black pigment); when tanning, melanocytes produce more melanin to protect against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation, therefore the skin becomes darker
- Lymphocytes and Langerhans cells: Part of the body’s defense system.
- Merkel cells: Nerve cells that serve the perception of pressure.
- Dermis (dermis) (synonym: corium) – consists of tight connective tissue.
- It dissipates excess heat
- Subcutis (lower skin) – consists of loose connective tissue and contains mainly body fat.
- The fat protects the bones and joints from external impacts such as blows and shocks and serves as a thermal cushion
- Hormones are formed in the fat cells
- Under the influence of sunlight is formed vitamin D
The skin also includes the appendages hair and nails, as well as sweat and sebaceous glands.
Physiology
The tasks of the skin are many and varied:
- Reflection and absorption of sunlight, under the action of which vitamin D is formed. Rays that penetrate deeper are absorbed by the melanin pigment and converted into heat.
- Antimicrobial action (against bacteria and fungi) of the acid mantle of the skin, which is formed from sweat and sebum.
- Secretion of a small amount of urinary substances through the sweat glands of the skin, such as table salt.
- Protective function against:
- Harmful environmental influences and pathogens.
- Dehydration, i.e. excessive water loss from the organism/fluid deficiency due to evaporation.
- Injuries to internal structures during shocks or blows.
- Part of the body’s defense system – when the skin is injured, blood cells (platelets/platelets, cytokines/proteins that play an important role in the immune system), among others, are sent to the affected region to close the wound (= hemostasis) and protect it from inflammation
- Regulation of body temperature – by contraction (contraction) of the skin vessels (vasoconstriction) is prevented too much heat dissipation of the body; on the other hand, the heat dissipation is promoted by vasodilation (vasodilatation), so that, for example, during physical activity no heat accumulation occurs
- Sensory organ – important place of the sense of touch as well as the sensation of pain, pressure, itching, heat and cold.
Common skin diseases
Due to constant contact with the environment, skin diseases are constantly increasing in parallel with the increasing environmental pollution. Sun rays, diseases and disorders of well-being can also leave traces on the skin. For those affected, these are sometimes extremely stressful. The most common skin diseases include:
- Acne vulgaris (acne)
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Atopic eczema (neurodermatitis)
- Erysipelas (erysipelas)
- Herpes labialis (cold sore)
- Herpes zoster (shingles)
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Malignant melanoma (“black skin cancer”)
- Rosacea (rosacea) – chronic inflammatory skin disease that manifests itself on the face.
- Psoriasis (psoriasis)
- Tinea (dermatophytosis) – chronic superficial fungal skin disease.
- Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot)
- Urticaria (hives)
- Viral warts – especially children are affected
In the last 15 years, the number of new cases of malignant (malignant) skin tumors in Europe has almost doubled. About 2-3% of Germans are newly affected annually.
The most important risk factors for skin diseases
Behavioral causes
- Diet
- High in carbohydrates (mono- and disaccharides/single and double sugars), high in fats (saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids), micronutrient deficiencies.
- Prolonged fluid deficiency
- Consumption of stimulants
- Alcohol consumption
- Tobacco consumption
- Psycho-social situation
- Stress
- Sleep deprivation
- Excessive sunbathing (UV and IR light).
- No adequate sun protection in the summer
Causes due to disease
- Diabetes mellitus (diabetes mellitus type 1, diabetes mellitus type 2) – can lead to wound healing disorders, diabetic foot, pruritus (itching), among other things.
Medication
- Cortisone
- Cytostatics – active substances in oncology (cancer therapy).
X-rays
- Radiatio (radiotherapy)
Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisonings).
- Environmental toxins
Please note that the enumeration is only an extract of the possible risk factors. Other causes can be found under the respective disease.
The most important diagnostic measures for skin diseases
- Smear of the affected skin area – e.g., if mycosis (fungal disease) is suspected.
- Dermatoscopy (reflected light microscopy) – for early detection of malignant (malignant) tumors of the skin.
- Trichogram – analysis of the current hair root status in alopecia (hair loss).
- Biopsy (tissue sample) – for example, if psoriasis is suspected.
Preventive measures, special therapies as well as holistic treatment approaches can help to maintain healthy and beautiful skin, hair and nails for life.
Which doctor will help you?
In the case of diseases of the skin, hair and nails, as a rule, a dermatologist (specialist in skin diseases) should be consulted.
