SKIN SKIN SKIN

Hi to all the people who are with the burn center. The burn center is the only center in the Visayas and Mindanao that deals with patients who have been burned. We also deal with patients with serious skin peeling conditions that are caused by an allergic reaction to medications or an illness.

Skin as you well know is the largest organ of the body. Since it is the largest organ, with a total area of about 20 square feet; it has 7 functions. Wow di ba?

The first function is protection. It screens the bad elements away from the body. It helps in keeping insects, bacteria, and viruses away from you. And at the same time, if the skin surface becomes compromised due to abrasion, pathogens and toxins can enter the body more easily.

The second is thermoregulation. The skin helps the body and maintain its desired temperature of 37C. It does this by dilating or constricting the blood vessels to release heat or retain heat. It secretes sweat which evaporatIng it has a cooling effect.

The 3rd function is sensation. We feel with our skin. We use the skin to evaluate the outside environment.

The fourth is excretion. Skin can secrete products of metabolism from the body as well as drugs and toxins thru sweat.
The fifth is Immunity. Langerhans cells from the immune system are found in the skin. The cells are called into action when necessary to prevent infection. The skin also participates in the inflammatory response to protect the rest of the body from potential pathogens.

The skin acts as the blood reservoir of our body. This is the 6 function. 8-10% of the total blood volume of the body resides in the skin. Whenever necessary this blood can be sent to the skeletal muscles to increase oxygen and nutrients.

Now you see what skin can do in our body.

Michelle Marie P. Aportadera MD
Diplomate in General Surgery
Master of the Arts Hospital Administration
Administrator, RD Aportadera MD SPMC BURN CENTER