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Integumentary System -

Skin

Hair

Nails

Exocrine Glands

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Integument - a tough outer protective layer.

Integumentary system includes the skin, exocrine glands, hair and nails.

Keratin - main fibrous protein of hair and nails. Helps to waterproof the epidermis.

Stem cells - undifferentiated (non-specialised) cells that can give rise to one or more types of

differentiated (specialised) cell

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) - small, naturally occurring molecules with broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses

Sebaceous glands - Sebaceous glands are oil-producing glands in the skin that secrete sebum, an oily substance that lubricates hair and skin. They are located in the dermis and are usually associated with hair follicles, opening into the follicular canal. Sebum production is influenced by factors like androgens, and can be affected by age and hormonal changes. Is classed as an exocrine gland

PTH - Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a hormone your parathyroid glands release to control calcium levels in your blood. It also controls phosphorus and vitamin D levels. If your body has too much or too little parathyroid hormone, it can cause symptoms related to abnormal blood calcium levels.

Vasoconstriction - diameter of the arterioles decreases. as a result less blood flows close to the surface of the skin, therefore less thermal energy is transferred by radiation.

Vasodilation - diameter of the arterioles increases. As a result more blood flows through the capillaries close to the skin surface so that more thermal energy is radiated away from the body.

Atopic - In medicine, "atopic" refers to a tendency or predisposition to develop allergic diseases. This predisposition is linked to an exaggerated immune response. Atopic conditions, like eczema, asthma, hay fever, and food allergies, are often seen together in the same individual or within families.

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The Integumentary System, Part 1 - Skin Deep: Crash Course Anatomy & Physiology #6

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Functions of the Integumentary System

Protection

Vitamin D synthesis

Cutaneous sensation

Excretion

Temperature regulation

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Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) is the most common form of eczema, a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, dry and cracked.
Atopic eczema is more common in children, often developing before their first birthday. But it may also develop for the first time in adults.

It's usually a long-term (chronic) condition, although it can improve significantly, or even clear completely, in some children as they get older.

Symptoms of atopic eczema

Atopic eczema causes the skin to become itchy, dry, cracked and sore.

Some people only have small patches of dry skin, but others may experience widespread inflamed skin all over the body.

Inflamed skin can become red on lighter skin, and darker brown, purple or grey on darker skin. This can also be more difficult to see on darker skin.

Although atopic eczema can affect any part of the body, it most often affects the hands, insides of the elbows, backs of the knees and the face and scalp in children.

People with atopic eczema usually have periods when symptoms are less noticeable, as well as periods when symptoms become more severe (flare-ups).

When to seek medical advice

See a GP if you have symptoms of atopic eczema. They'll usually be able to diagnose atopic eczema by looking at your skin and asking questions, such as:

whether the rash is itchy and where it appears

when the symptoms first began

whether it comes and goes over time

whether there's a history of atopic eczema in your family

whether you have any other conditions, such as allergies or asthma

whether something in your diet or lifestyle may be contributing to your symptoms

Typically, to be diagnosed with atopic eczema you should have had an itchy skin condition in the last 12 months and 3 or more of the following:

visibly irritated red skin in the creases of your skin - such as the insides of your elbows or behind your knees (or on the cheeks, outsides of elbows, or fronts of the knees in children aged 18 months or under) at the time of examination by a health professional

a history of skin irritation occurring in the same areas mentioned above

generally dry skin in the last 12 months

a history of asthma or hay fever - children under 4 must have an immediate relative, such as a parent, brother or sister, who has 1 of these conditions

the condition started before the age of 2 (this does not apply to children under the age of 4)

Causes of atopic eczema

The exact cause of atopic eczema is unknown, but it's clear it is not down to one single thing.

Atopic eczema often occurs in people who get allergies. "Atopic" means sensitivity to allergens.

It can run in families, and often develops alongside other conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.

The symptoms of atopic eczema often have certain triggers, such as soaps, detergents, stress and the weather.

Sometimes food allergies can play a part, especially in young children with severe eczema.

You may be asked to keep a food diary to try to determine whether a specific food makes your symptoms worse.

Allergy tests are not usually needed, although they're sometimes helpful in identifying whether a food allergy may be triggering symptoms.

Treating atopic eczema

Treatment for atopic eczema can help to relieve the symptoms and many cases improve over time.

But there's currently no cure and severe eczema often has a significant impact on daily life, which may be difficult to cope with physically and mentally.

There's also an increased risk of skin infections.

Many different treatments can be used to control symptoms and manage eczema, including:

self-care techniques, such as reducing scratching and avoiding triggers

emollients (moisturising treatments) - used on a daily basis for dry skin

topical corticosteroids - used to reduce swelling, redness and itching during flare-ups

Other types of eczema

Eczema is the name for a group of skin conditions that cause dry, irritated skin.

Other types of eczema include:

discoid eczema - a type of eczema that occurs in circular or oval patches on the skin

contact dermatitis - a type of eczema that occurs when the body comes into contact with a particular substance

varicose eczema - a type of eczema that most often affects the lower legs and is caused by problems with the flow of blood through the leg veins

seborrhoeic eczema - a type of eczema where red, scaly patches develop on the sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears and scalp

dyshidrotic eczema (pompholyx) - a type of eczema that causes tiny blisters to erupt across the palms of the hands

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Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) is the most common form of eczema, a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, dry and cracked. Atopic eczema is more common in children, often developing before their first birthday. But it may also develop for the first time in adults.

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Eczema and mental health - My Story | NHS

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We are registered as a charity in England and Wales and in Scotland. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with eczema and their carers.

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Endocrine - hormone secreted into the bloodstream.

Very good blood supply to these glands.

Exocrine - Product secreted from the gland/duct (sweat / saliva / breastmilk / tears)

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Explain the role of the integumentary system in maintaining homeostasis. Discuss the processes involved in temperature regulation, protection against pathogens, and sensory perception. Include specific examples of how the system responds to external stimuli.

(10 marks)