Integumentary System Disorders

The integumentary system consists of the skin, the tissue right below the skin and the accessory structures of the skin, such as the sebaceous, or oil glands, sweat gland, nails and hair. The body is protected by this system from damage caused by friction, injury, constant bathing, harsh weather conditions and germs. There are many disorders that can affect the integumentary system, even though it is one of the body's best protectors.

  1. Skin Disorders: Non-Contagious

    • There are many things that can affect the appearance of the skin. Acne is a common disorder, present when the oil glands secrete too much oil and clog the pores. Dermatitis is any type of inflammation of the skin. This rash may be related to many things, from the use of a certain detergent to the emotional state of a person. Eczema is recognized as red, scaly, dry skin, while hives are extremely itchy welts. Boils are bacterial infections that require antibiotics and drainage to be successfully treated.

    Skin Disorders: Contagious

    • There are also several contagious disorders that affect the skin. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the superficial skin and causes small blisters to appear. Ringworm is another fungal infection recognized by raised circular patches that are itchy. Impetigo is usually seen in infants and young children and is caused by the staphylococcus or the streptococcus organism. Impetigo causes blisters that rupture and form a yellow crust. Herpes, a viral infection that is spread by oral contact, causes cold sores. Genital herpes is another form of the same virus that is usually spread through sexual contact.

    Skin Cancer

    • Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. There are varying degrees of malignancy, but all skin cancers have been associated with ultraviolet light exposure. Basal cell carcinoma is the least malignant and most common type. Melanoma is the most malignant and occurs in the melanocyte cells of the skin. This form of cancer spreads to other areas rapidly. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs most often on the lower lip and the scalp. This can also spread quite quickly.

    Burns

    • Burns are caused by some type or traumatic injury. They can be caused by the sun or a heat lamp or by contact with steam, fire, electricity or chemicals. Dehydration and infection may occur if the skin is damaged. Burns are classified by how many layers of skin are affected. First-degree burns involve only the top layer or epidermis. Second-degree are deeper and may involve the lower level, the dermis. Third-degree burns completely destroy the skin and can cause a life-threatening situation.

    Lesions

    • Decubitus, or pressure ulcers are more commonly known as bedsores. They occur when a person is constantly in the same position with pressure being placed on one part of the skin. They frequently occur in tissue that lies directly over a bone, such as the hips, elbows, heels and spine. These should be carefully watched for and treated immediately as infection can spread rapidly.

    Aging

    • The integumentary system presents visible signs of aging. Skin becomes more dry and fragile due to a slowing down of sebaceous, or oil, secretions. Elastic fibers in the skin shrink as a body ages and there is a loss of superficial fat, which results in wrinkles and sagging. Skin becomes more sensitive to heat and cold and to ultraviolet rays also.