Integumentary system
This system is composed of the skin and skin derivatives such as hair, nails, and glands. The skin is the major organ of the integumentary system. It is the body's largest organ, accounts for 155 of body weight and is available to serve and protect the body from the external environment.
Functions of the skin
- Helps regulate the body temperature
- Protects the underlying body tissues
- Receives stimuli from the external environment
- Excretes water, salts and certain organic compounds
- Synthesizes vitamin D
- Renders immunity via specialized cells.
Function |
Method |
Co-factors |
| Protection |
Rendered by the melanin pigment
-protects the skin from the sun's rays |
melanin is synthesized by melanocytes
Absence of melanin results in albinism |
| Temperature regulation |
Heat is lost through the skin by evaporation, radiation, convection, conduction by sweat at the surface of the skin
Heat is conserved by reduction of sweat and constriction of blood vessels |
- |
| Communication |
stimuli from the environment are received by specialized skin receptors which communicate information to the nervous system |
Pressure pain, touch, and temperature |
| Excretion |
Glands in the skin excrete water fatty substances, and certain ions |
- |
| Metabolism |
In the presence of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, Vitamin D molecules are synthesized from precursor molecules accumulating in the skin.
Final synthesis occurs in the kidneys. |
Obtained from Milk |
| Absorption |
Fat soluble vitamins A,E,K, and steroid hormones are released by the glands in the skin and then absorbed into the skin tissues. |
- |
Organs of the Integumentary System
| Epidermis |
Protects underlying tissues |
| Dermis |
Nourishes the epidermis, provides strength |
Hair Follicles
Hairs
Sebaceous
Glands |
Produce Hair
Provide sensation and some protection for head
secrete lipid coating that lubricates hair shaft |
Sweat glands
Sebaceous glands |
Produce perspiration for evaporative cooling
Secrete sebum which consists of lipids and oils that keep hair and skin soft and supple |
| Nails |
protect and stiffen distal tips of digits |
| Sensory receptors |
Provide sensations of touch and pressure, temperature, and pain |
| Superficial fascia |
stores fat |
| Skeletal muscles |
Allow the facial expressions |
The Skin in Diabetes
Problem |
Control |
| Excessive dry skin |
Due to dehydration from poorly controlled diabetes
Skin lubricants, rehydration, control blood sugar |
| Fatty Plaques |
Orange yellow in colour and may appear around eyes or on the shins or elbows
May be related to high cholesterol and triglycerides
reduce dietary saturated fats and cholesterol |
| NLD |
Thinning of the skin due to inflammation. discoloration, and dimpling may occur
The layer of fat is destroyed. More common in women. Skin may degrade and break open getting infected |
| Fungal Infections |
Athletes foot is common in diabetics. Blisters and itchy scaling between the toes should be treated immediately |
The care of the skin in diabetics is very important. The skin's role as a protective barrier is significant in the presence of bacteria loving high levels of sugar. Once the skin is broken then bacteria will quickly invade the system.
Diabetic neuropathy leaves the feet very vulnerable. Damage can occur to skin that has a significant loss of sensation.
The following are rules for care of the feet:-
- 1. Never soak your feet
- 2. Never apply heat of any kind to the feet
- 3. Never cut the toenails, use a file
- 4. Never wear shoes that do not fit.
- 5. Never go barefoot
- 6. Never use strong medicines on your feet
- 7. Never allow corns or calluses to go untreated
- 8. Never perform bathroom surger on your feet
- 9. Never keep you feet too moist or too dry
- 10. Never assume that the circulation in your feet is normal.
Skin Care
Foods for Health Skin |
Vitamins and Minerals |
Herbal Therapy |
Body Work |
Mineral Rich foods such as:
leafy greens
bell peppers
broccoli, rapini
sesame and sunflower seeds
fish and sea vegetables
-vitamin C,E, betacarotene
cultured foods including:
yoghurt
tofu
kefir
cleansing foods:
fresh fruit and cucumbers
Spring or distilled water
Aloe Vera juice daily
Watermelon juice
-alkaline in nature and contains silica
Eliminate red meats, fried and fatty foods, reduce salt, caffeine and dairy foods
Face lifts include:
- yoghurt to balance Ph
- oatmeal to exfoliate
- honey for ecternal enzyme therapy
- eggs for wrinkles
|
Silica capsules or powder
Pycnogenol 50 mg. daily
Ascorbate Vitamin C with bioflavonoids
Collagen tabs or powder
Calcium
Essential fatty acids
Flax seed oil capsules
Acidophilus or Bifidum culture caps or in natural yoghurt
Royal bee jelly
Vitamin and mineral facial:
- 1 vitamin A&D capsule 25,000iu
- 1 Vitamin E capsule 400 IU
- 1 tablet of Zinc 30 mg
- 1 PABA 100 mgm
Mix with 2 tsp of wheat germ oil, Smear on face, let dry and rinse off |
Essential Fatty Acids:
Evening Primrose Oil
Borage Seed Oil
Blackcurrant Oil
Blood Cleansing herbs:
Sage
Burdock
Pau d'arco
Echinacea
Antioxidant herbs:
Rosemary
Chaparral
Dandelion Root
Bioflavonoid sources:
Bilberry Extract
Rosehips
Hydrating Herbs:
Calendula
Rosehips in lemon juice
Chamomile
Witch Hazel
|
Aromatherapy Massage oil of:
Juniper 10%
Lavender 2%
in an olive oil base
Massage for 10 minutes, Wash then apply lavender cream
For dry cracked skin Use:
Patchouli
Sandalwood
Rose
Clary Sage in Olive oil |
Bibliography
- The Joslin Guide to Diabetes - Beaser and Hill
- Anatomy and Physiology the Easy Way - Barrons
- The Black Health Library Guide to Diabetes - Henry and Johnson
- Healthy Healing - Rector-Page
|