ABSTRACT
Introduction Skin is the largest organ in the human body, measuring approximately 1.6-1.8
square meters in the adult. While its function is often taken for granted, any viola tion quickly reveals itself in pain and suffering for the owner, and extensive damage is life-threatening. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and harmful chemicals must penetrate the skin before causing harm to deeper tissues. By providing a barrier to the outside world, the integument protects internal organs against injuries and also prevents insensible fluid losses. In addition, skin helps to regulate body temperature through the activity of sweat glands and blood vessels; nerves in skin also receive stimuli that are interpreted by the brain as touch, heat, cold and vibration.
