The Beauty Society

The skin is the body's largest organ which acts as a protective layer against infection and injury. It also helps to regulate body temperature, stores water and fat, whilst being responsible for detecting the sensations of pleasure and pain.

The skin is made up of the following layers, with each layer performing specific functions:

• Epidermis – Is the thin outer layer of skin made up of three sub layers which include the squamous and basal cells. It also contains melanocytes which are responsible for pigmentationDermis - Is the middle layer of the skin which is made up of blood and lymph vessels, hair follicles and sweat glands.
• Epidermis – Is the thin outer layer of skin made up of three sub layers which include the squamous and basal cells. It also contains melanocytes which are responsible for pigmentation
• Dermis - Is the middle layer of the skin which is made up of blood and lymph vessels, hair follicles and sweat glands.
• Subcutaneous layer – Forms the deepest layer of the skin consisting of collagen and fat cells, whilst acting as a heat and shock absorber for the organs of the body.

How to describe a skin condition

Sometimes it is difficult to explain what a skin condition looks like in layman’s terms. When you need to communicate with a medical professional it is best you understand the key terms that are used to describe dermatological conditions, as this would help during the consultation.

Atrophic	worn, thin, sometimes wrinkled appearance
Blister	fluid-filled skin bump
Crust/scab	formation of dried blood, pus, or other skin fluid over a break in the skin
Cyst	deep cavity below the skin that is filled with pus
Excoriation	hollowed-out or linear area covered by a crust
Hives/wheals	pink, raised swelling of the skin, sometimes itchy
Lichenification	skin that has thickened or hardened
Macule	smaller version of a patch; a flat discolored spot
Nodule/papule	solid, raised skin bump
Raised bumps	bumps that stick out above the skin surface
Patch	flat, discolored spot or area
Pustule (pimple)	inflamed, raised lesions that look like pink bumps
Scales	dead skin cells that look like flakes or dry skin
Scar	fibrous tissue that has formed after a skin injury

Common Skin Tests

Skin tests can help to diagnose specific diseases or allergens that are causing a reaction. These tests form part of the investigations needed by your physician or dermatologist to determine exactly which skin condition you are suffering from. This is especially important when two skin conditions look similar, as specialized skin tests can identify the true culprit. Below are descriptions of the most common skin tests:

Patch testing

Patch tests are used to help diagnose allergies. Common irritants are applied to the skin and left for a period of time. The skin is then examined after the removal of the patches for any reaction.

Skin biopsy

A biopsy of the skin is a laboratory analysis of diseased skin. Skin biopsies are often performed to diagnose skin cancer or other skin disorders.

Culture

Drainage of blood, pus and fluid from lesions or portions of skin, hair and nails may be cultured in the laboratory to detect the cause of infection.