ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION The significance of the skin and fascinating functions it performs, such as protection, sensation, heat regulation, control of evaporation, absorption, storage and synthesis, water resistance, and so on, cannot be overstated. Because of limited space, this chapter will not provide detailed information on all aspects of skin function. However, more information may be accessible from other chapters in this book (see chap. 1) and from other literature (1-3). Furthermore, on account of the demonstrated importance of skin, any breach in the integrity of the skin or any compromised function will have a profound effect so that the protection of damaged skin cannot be neglected, which will be discussed at length in this chapter.
