How Does the Skin Defend Against Disease?

How Does the Skin Defend Against Disease? thumbnail
How Does the Skin Defend Against Disease?
  1. The Skin Has Multiple Layers

    • For germs to get into your system, they must make it past three layers of skin. The epidermis or outer layer is constantly growing new skin cells and shedding old dead skin cells. The next layer is the dermis which contains nerve endings, blood vessels, oil glands, and sweat glands. The third and bottom layer of the skin is called the subcutaneous layer. Within these layers of skin are various components to fend against disease.

    The Skin Contains Oils and Bacteria to Fight Off Disease

    • The skin constantly secretes oils and other solutions that can help to naturally wash away germs. In addition, there is bacteria found on your skin which is harmless to you but destroys germs and potential invaders. For extra protection, within the level of the dermis there are many blood vessels. These blood vessels help to pick up waste and germs and so they can be excreted by the body.

    Other Skin Components That Fight Disease

    • Within the epidermis layer are Langerhans' cells. The cells work with your immune system to process antigens, which fight disease. When a foreign item is detected, these cells will ingest and then help to destroy the foreign particle.

Related Searches:

Resources

  • Photo Credit georgiahealthinfo.gov/cms/node/105866

You May Also Like

  • Functions of the Skin

    The skin is the largest organ in the integumentary system of the body. The integumentary system is composed of skin, hair and...

  • Canine Autoimmune Disease

    Canine autoimmune disease is a complicated health issue. This is because there are causes believed to combine to create this disease but...

  • How to Recognize the Symptoms of Liver Disease

    The liver is considered to be the largest organ in our body and it performs many functions. It directly or indirectly accounts...

  • Juice for Skin Disease

    There are many types of juices that a person can drink for skin diseases, which are often caused by an overgrowth of...

  • About Skin Allergies

    An allergy is a reaction of the body's immune system as a defense against foreign bodies. Substances that cause allergic reactions are...

  • How to Fight Heart Disease

    While your susceptibility to heart disease is largely hereditary, there are many day to day activities that you can do to help...

  • How the Skin Regulates the Temperature of the Body on a Hot Day

    On a hot day your body works hard to regulate its temperature. The skin, your body's largest organ, plays an important role...

  • How to Fight Germs in Public

    Use protective toilet seat covers when using public toilets. While it is rare to actually catch a disease from dirty toilets, you...

  • How to Defend Yourself Against Breast Cancer

    The best defense against breast cancer thus far is early detection: The earlier it's detected, the easier it is to treat. Help...

  • Vitamins That Are Good for Kidney Function

    Vitamins are important to carry out essential body functions like cell re-growth, energy production and tissue repair. According to the National Kidney...

  • Major Functions of the Immune System

    The main function of the immune system is defense against microbial infection. The other major functions of the immune system depend on...

  • How to Exfoliate Your Body

    If you want your skin to look healthy and radiant, exfoliate regularly. By removing the top layer of dead epidermis cells, you...

  • Hibiclens Skin Cleanser Baths for MRSA

    Hibiclens is a brand name for an antiseptic/antimicrobial skin cleanser that defends against a variety of infections, including MRSA (Methicillin-resistant ...

  • How Does Sunscreen Protect Your Skin?

    Sunscreen protects the skin by preventing redness to occur while also protecting it from the long ultraviolet A rays. Find sunscreen that...

  • How to Identify Autoimmune Skin Disorders

    Autoimmune skin disorders are often the most difficult to identify and treat because they are similar in nature and may present confusing...

  • How to Fight Oily Skin

    Heredity, diet, hormones, weather and habits such as smoking all play a role in the condition of your skin.

  • How to Protect Against Sunburn

    Almost all health officials agree that there is no such thing as a healthy tan, but a sunburn is particularly damaging to...

  • How to Avoid Germs in Public

    As unappealing as it may be, the reality is the handles of a grocery carts, gas pumps and escalator railings are filthy....

Related Ads

Featured