The largest organ of the human body is the skin. The skin is a part of the integumentary system where it conducts many vital functions, “such as (a) protecting the body against injury, physical agents, and ultraviolet radiation; (b) regulating body temperature; (c) preventing dehydration, thus helping to maintain fluid balance; (d) acting as a sense organ; and (e) acting as an outpost for immune surveillance” (1). These many vital functions are carried out by the extensive layers of the skin. The skin consists of an outer epidermis which is what covers our skin outwardly, and an inner dermis, with subcutaneous fat. The epidermis consists of four layers that protect the skin from the environment, keep moisture in, and keep out foreign elements like bacteria. The dermis is a connective tissue layer that provides support for various skin structures and appendages such as sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair, and nails (1). The fatty layer of subcutaneous tissue below the dermis helps maintain the body temperature and protects bones and muscles from damage.
As the skin is the most visible organ we see, we should remind our patients as pharmacists that they need to be vigilant and report any suspicious or changing lesions to their health care provider. As future pharmacists, we should be aware of the different cells that make up the skin, such as melanocytes. Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells found in the stratum basale which is the first layer of four of the epidermis. These cells produce melanin which reduces ultraviolet penetration into the skin. This explains why people with lighter skin complexions will burn easily in the sun compared to darker skin complexions. However, this does not mean that those with darker skin complexions do not need sun protection. We should educate all of our patients even those with an increased amount of melanocytes, that everyone needs sun protection. Sun protection includes sunscreens, sun avoidance, shading, long-sleeved clothes, and wide-brim hats that cover the ears and neck (1).
In addition, age affects the epidermis, dermis, and subcutis. Pediatric skin is thinner, which enhances topical drug absorption and can lead to potential drug toxicities. Older adults have drier and thinner skin which is sensitive to breakage and leads to the loss of skin barrier function. This is important for pharmacists to know as these two special populations are highly sensitive to medications. We can emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and moisturizing daily to our older patients while emphasizing the importance of knowing what topical drugs can lead to potential drug toxicities for pediatric patients.
In summary, understanding the anatomy and physiology of the skin is fundamental for safeguarding overall health and making informed medical interventions as pharmacists.
Reference:
Law R.M., & Maibach H.I. Skin care and minor dermatologic conditions. DiPiro J.T., & Yee G.C., & Haines S.T., & Nolin T.D., & Ellingrod V.L., & Posey L(Eds.), [publicationyear2] DiPiro’s Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach, 12th Edition. McGraw Hill. https://accesspharmacy-mhmedical-com.jerome.stjohns.edu/content.aspx?bookid=3097§ionid=269804767
The largest organ of the human body is the skin. The skin is a part of the integumentary system where it conducts many vital functions, “such as (a) protecting the body against injury, physical agents, and ultraviolet radiation; (b) regulating body temperature; (c) preventing dehydration, thus helping to maintain fluid balance; (d) acting as a sense organ; and (e) acting as an outpost for immune surveillance” (1). These many vital functions are carried out by the extensive layers of the skin. The skin consists of an outer epidermis which is what covers our skin outwardly, and an inner dermis, with subcutaneous fat. The epidermis consists of four layers that protect the skin from the environment, keep moisture in, and keep out foreign elements like bacteria. The dermis is a connective tissue layer that provides support for various skin structures and appendages such as sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair, and nails (1). The fatty layer of subcutaneous tissue below the dermis helps maintain the body temperature and protects bones and muscles from damage.
As the skin is the most visible organ we see, we should remind our patients as pharmacists that they need to be vigilant and report any suspicious or changing lesions to their health care provider. As future pharmacists, we should be aware of the different cells that make up the skin, such as melanocytes. Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells found in the stratum basale which is the first layer of four of the epidermis. These cells produce melanin which reduces ultraviolet penetration into the skin. This explains why people with lighter skin complexions will burn easily in the sun compared to darker skin complexions. However, this does not mean that those with darker skin complexions do not need sun protection. We should educate all of our patients even those with an increased amount of melanocytes, that everyone needs sun protection. Sun protection includes sunscreens, sun avoidance, shading, long-sleeved clothes, and wide-brim hats that cover the ears and neck (1).
In addition, age affects the epidermis, dermis, and subcutis. Pediatric skin is thinner, which enhances topical drug absorption and can lead to potential drug toxicities. Older adults have drier and thinner skin which is sensitive to breakage and leads to the loss of skin barrier function. This is important for pharmacists to know as these two special populations are highly sensitive to medications. We can emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and moisturizing daily to our older patients while emphasizing the importance of knowing what topical drugs can lead to potential drug toxicities for pediatric patients.
In summary, understanding the anatomy and physiology of the skin is fundamental for safeguarding overall health and making informed medical interventions as pharmacists.
Reference:
Law R.M., & Maibach H.I. Skin care and minor dermatologic conditions. DiPiro J.T., & Yee G.C., & Haines S.T., & Nolin T.D., & Ellingrod V.L., & Posey L(Eds.), [publicationyear2] DiPiro’s Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach, 12th Edition. McGraw Hill. https://accesspharmacy-mhmedical-com.jerome.stjohns.edu/content.aspx?bookid=3097§ionid=269804767