Aetiology of Disruption of Normal Skin Barrier in Urban Communities

The anatomy of the skin is a well-organized network of three layers, the epidermis is the outermost layer and is composed of keratinocytes or skin cells. Beneath the epidermis is the dermis, composed mostly of collagen but also adjunctive structures like hair follicles and sweat glands. Sebaceous glands are found next to hair follicles and produce sebum, a combination of natural lipids that coat the skin’s surface and provide a protective nourishing role. Sweat glands function to help regulate temperature through evaporation and cooling. Their ducts pass through the dermis and epidermis to empty directly onto the skin’s surface. The dermis also contains vital blood vessels and nerves which traverse the collagen network there. The subcutaneous layer which holds fat and larger blood vessel lies underneath the dermis. It acts as a heat insulator and provides protection from mechanical trauma. Pathophysiological processes affect all layers of the skin which damage to the skin barrier is the usually the first step.