Post-text assignments

1 Describe the structure of the human skin using the picture in the text.

2 Answer the questions:

1 What are the functions of skin?

2 What is the melanin? What is it needed for?

3 What does dermis contain?

4 What is the sebum? What is it needed for?

5 How can hypothalamus control your body temperature?

6 What is the pilomotor reflex?

3 Translate the following:

1 As newer cells continue to move up, older cells near the top die and rise to the surface of your skin.

2 The nerve endings in your dermis tell you how things feel when you touch them. They work with your brain and nervous system, so that your brain gets the message about what you're touching.

3 The sweat comes up through pores, tiny holes in the skin that allow it to escape. When the sebum meets the sweat, they form a protective film that's a bit sticky.

4 The subcutaneous layer also helps hold your skin to all the tissues underneath it.

5 Once the sweat hits the air, it evaporates off your skin, and you cool down.

6 When you're cold, your blood vessels keep your body from losing heat by narrowing as much as possible and keeping the warm blood away from the skin's surface.

Unit 20

Pre-text assignment

Learn the key words and phrases:

viral skin disease, germ, ailment, chemical irritant, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, detergent, edema.

Dermatitis

If you've ever suffered from the irritating itch of a skin disorder, take heart… you're not alone.

Every year millions of people suffer from some kind of skin disorder, skin disease or plain skin infections.

Skin disorders are very common among the human being. There are not many statistics to prove the exact frequency of skin disease, but general impression is 20-25 percent of patients seeking medical advice suffers from viral skin disease. While infections are more common in the tropics, These skin diseases are a great deal of misery, suffering, incapacity and economic loss.

The largest organ in the body, the skin is the first line of defense against dirt, germs and other foreign objects. Unfortunately, it is also most affected by sun damage. The skin is one of the most vulnerable organs of the body. Though seldom life threatening, skin disorders can be uncomfortable and may cause chronic disabilities. In addition, because the skin is so visible, skin diseases can lead to psychological stress.

Skin disorders cover a wide range of conditions, some benign, some very serious, and some even a sign of another underlying illness. A skin disorder not only affects your physical health, but also your emotional well-being.

One of the most common skin disordes is dermatitis.

Dermatitis simply means skin inflammation, but it embraces a range of ailments. In most cases the early stages are characterized by red, itchy skin, although acute attacks may result in crusty scales or blisters that ooze fluid. Since many things can irritate the skin, a doctor will try to narrow the diagnosis to a specific category of dermatitis, even though treatment is similar for most types of skin irritation and inflammation.

The types of dermatitis include:

Contact dermatitis typically causes the skin to develop a pink or red rash, which usually itches. Pinpointing the exact cause of contact dermatitis can be difficult. Among plants, the leading culprits are poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, although contact with certain flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables can cause dermatitis in some people.

Common chemical irritants include detergents, soaps, some synthetic fibers, nail polish remover, antiperspirants, and formaldehyde (found in permanent-press fabrics, polishes, artificial-fingernail adhesive, particle board, and foam insulation). Wearing rubber gloves, unwashed new clothes, or plated jewelry can also cause contact dermatitis if the person is allergic to these substances. The inflammation is occasionally caused by cosmetics, perfumes, hair dyes, and skin-care products.

Nummular dermatitis consists of distinctive coin-shaped red plaques that are most commonly seen on the legs, hands, arms, and torso. It is more common in men than women and the peak age of onset is between 55 and 65. Living in a dry environment or taking frequent very hot showers can cause this condition.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, causes the skin to itch, scale, swell, and sometimes blister. This type of eczema usually runs in families and is often associated with allergies, asthma, and stress.

Seborrheic dermatitis consists of greasy, yellowish, or reddish scaling on the scalp and other hairy areas, as well as on the face or genitals, and in skin creases along the nose, under the breasts, and elsewhere. This condition is called cradle cap in infants. It may be aggravated by stress.

Stasis dermatitis is caused by poor circulation in the legs and can happen in people with varicose veins, congestive heart failure, or other conditions which result in chronic leg swelling. Veins in the lower legs fail to return blood efficiently, causing pooling of blood and fluid buildup and edema. This leads to irritation, especially around the ankles.