North Carolina Esthetician Ebook Continuing Education

Chapter 5: Understanding Inflammatory Skin Disorders 1 CE Hour

Course overview The impact of inflammatory skin disease affecting Americans is shocking, it was reported in 2013, by the American Academy of Dermatology, that one in every four Americans were treated for some sort of skin disorder. Learning outcomes After completing this course, the learner will be able to: Š Describe the layers of the skin and the function of each layer. Š Identify the role of inflammation in skin disorders. Š Recognize potential triggers for flare-ups when treating common skin conditions. Š Determine which professional treatments to avoid as these can potentially exacerbate conditions. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , nearly 85 million Americans affected by skin diseases were seen by a physician in 2013. Most common skin disorders start early in childhood but will continue to flare-up well into adulthood. Skin disorders affect all people, despite their age, race, gender or nationality. Inflammatory skin conditions can have a devastating effect on a client's self-esteem and mental health. When treating clients with skin disorders, it is important for the skin care professional to build a trusting relationship with the client. Furthermore, the skin care professional must have a thorough understanding of how the skin works, in relation to common inflammatory skin conditions, treatment protocols, and the scope of their esthetic license. The impact of inflammatory skin disease affecting Americans is shocking. It was reported in 2013, by the American Academy of Dermatology, that one in every Understanding inflammatory skin disorders The human body is composed of many different types of cells that work together to create tissues and organ systems, including the integumentary system. The primary function of this system is to protect by providing a barrier from external environments. The integumentary system (skin) is the largest organ in the human body; it covers 20 Functions and structure of the skin The first thing the skincare professional sees is the client’s skin, which is comprised of three parts: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue (fatty tissue). The epidermis, or outer layer of skin, has the following functions: prevents dehydration, protects internal organs and tissues, creates new skin cells every five weeks, guards against damaging sunlight, regulates body temperature, produces vitamin D, for healthy bones, allows sensations of touch, pain, heat, cold, safeguards the body against infection, absorbs nutrients and excretes toxins through perspiration. (Gonzalez, 2017). The epidermis is composed of five layers: ● Stratum corneum : Top, outermost, uppermost layer of the epidermis, often referred to as the horny layer. This is the skin’s first line of defense, commonly known as the acid mantle. ● Stratum lucidum . ● Stratum granulosum . ● Stratum spinosum .

In addition, recent research suggest that stress is the culprit, exacerbating skin condition, therefore, resulting in inflammatory skin diseases.

Š Devise a treatment plan using professional therapeutic products and procedures. Š Apply alternative and complementary services to help lower hormonal skin stress and control inflammation. Š Examine the client’s skin and know when to refer to a dermatologist.

INTRODUCTION

four Americans had been treated for some skin disorder. In addition, recent research suggests that stress is the culprit, exacerbating skin conditions and resulting in inflammatory skin diseases. (Sheridan, 2008). Skin care professionals must be familiar with inflammatory skin disorders. This course will help skin care professionals to better understand eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. It will teach them how to identify subtle signs and similar symptoms, thus providing them with practical tools for choosing the right therapeutic treatments, including devising a home care plan, and to know when to refer a client to a physician. Keywords : Inflammation, skin diseases, eczema, rosacea, inflammatory skin, skin, American Academy of Dermatology, conditions. square feet and weighs around 10 pounds. (Functions of the Integumentary System, 2019). The skin is also comprised of connective tissues, nerves, blood vessels, sweat glands, hair follicles, fat, oil, and muscle that covers the entire body, and consists of six primary functions: protector, sensor, excretion, absorption, secretion, and regulator. (Gonzalez, 2017). ● Stratum basale: Also called the stratum germinativum, the stratum basale is the deepest epidermal layer and attaches the epidermis to the basal lamina. (Functions, 2019). The acid mantle (stratum corneum) is a thin, protective, acidic coating that sits on the surface of the epidermis. It has a pH balance of 4.5 - 5.5, which prevents bacteria from growing on the skin. Clients suffering from inflammation of the skin either from trauma or disease will display an elevated pH level. pH is the acronym for the potential of hydrogen, the pH scale is used to measure the acid/alkaline ratio of a substance. A neutral pH 7, such as distilled water, denotes the middle of the range and is neither acidic nor alkaline. The acid mantle is comprised of water, sebaceous glands, lactic acid, enzymes, lipids and proteins, designed to keep harmful contaminants from penetrating the skin. Maintaining a healthy pH balance is vital to protecting a client's skin and is essential to the barrier function. (Sheridan, 2008).

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Book Code: ENC0825

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