Home Doctor: Practical Medicine for Every Household
SKIN AND SKIN APPENDAGES Before the third year of medical training, I didn’t know that the skin was an organ; in fact, it’s the largest organ of the body and constitutes the first barrier of defense against microorganisms and traumas. It is considered a neurological organ since it has nerve endings that allow us to communicate with the environment. It also has the function of lowering body temperature through sweating. In addition, through its changes, we can guide the diagnosis of many skin and non-skin conditions. Its changes in color, odor, and texture are good indicators of a number of systemic diseases. The cutaneous annexes are complementary structures to the skin that protrude from it. They include body hair, nails, and sweat glands. The easiest way to keep skin in good condition is to keep it clean and moisturized. Cleaning should be done with a special soap for this purpose. In my case, I always use specific face care products. These types of soaps are milder and adjust to the pH and moisture of the skin. In my country, it is very common to use a laundry soap bar to clean infected skin, as if it had bacteriostatic properties. It is so common, that when a patient with a wound or allergy arrives to the hospital, it should be specified that they should not wash with “Jabón Las Llaves,” which is a local brand so well known that any soap bars are called by that name. This soap has been traditional throughout Venezuela since 1877. I cannot say when it became part of wound care in popular culture, but I do know that it is deeply rooted, especially in the interior of the country. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to bathe with a laundry soap bar, you have to know they have very alkaline detergents that alter the surface layer of the skin, making it susceptible to damage. Instead of providing the correct moist and oily environment, it dries out the skin. If you are allergic or you get skin reactions easily, it is best to use hypoallergenic or non-detergent soaps. Moisturizing the skin is easy. Just by staying well hydrated, we already have 80% of the work done. You’ll complete the other 20% by applying a moisturizing cream, preferably unscented or soft or some natural oil. Dermatologists, as well as many models and artists, always share a useful tip that helps them to better absorb the moisturizer. This is to apply it after a shower or bath, when the skin is still wet. 37
