The integumentary system is the body system that covers and protects the body. It consists of the skin, hair, nails, and exocrine glands. The skin is the largest organ of the body and serves as a barrier to protect the body from infection, dehydration, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The hair and nails are also part of the integumentary system and help to protect the body. In addition, the exocrine glands produce sweat, which helps keep the skin healthy and free of bacteria.
Americans are known for their great skin. However, a decent number of the population are vulnerable to certain skin diseases.
It’s estimated that 50 million Americans have, making it a common concern in the country. However, about 9,500 people are also affected by skin cancer every year. This is one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
You might think that genetics and lifestyle are the only reasons this is happening in the country. However, the community and your environment also play a significant role in poor skin health.
Pollution and the Skin
The United States is a country filled with pollution. There are millions of people living in areas with high pollution levels in the United States. This includes both outdoor and indoor air pollution. Moreover, the high usage of cars, buses, trains, and planes all release harmful chemicals into the air. These chemicals can cause a variety of health problems, including skin problems.
One of the most common types of pollution that affect people’s skin is smog. Smog is a mixture of smoke and fog that can harm your health. It’s made up of harmful chemicals like nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. These chemicals can react with other pollutants to form ozone, a major component of smog.
One of the most common skin problems caused by smog is acne. Acne is a condition that causes redness, swelling, and pus-filled bumps on the skin. It’s often caused by clogged pores and can worsen by inflammation.
Environmental pollution has also been linked to skin problems, such as eczema and psoriasis. Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and red. It’s often caused by an allergic reaction to something in the environment. Psoriasis is a condition that causes the skin to become scaly and inflamed. It’s thought to be caused by an overactive immune system.
High Levels of Sunlight
The country is also exposed to high levels of sunlight. This is because the United States is located in the southern hemisphere. The sun’s rays are much more robust in this world. This can lead to several health problems, including skin problems.
One of the most common skin problems caused by sunlight is sunburn. Sunburn is a condition that causes the skin to become red, painful, and swollen. It’s often caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and it’s a type of radiation that comes from the sun. It can damage the DNA in your skin cells and cause them to mutate.
Sunburn can also lead to other health problems, such as skin cancer. This is why skin cancer is relatively common in the country compared to other places in the world.
Lack of Community Care
The United States also lacks community care when it comes to skin health. This means that there are not many places where people can go to get their skin checked or treated. This can lead to a number of problems, including skin cancer.
There are a number of reasons why this is happening. One of them is the lack of robust healthcare insurance. There isn’t universal healthcare insurance that’s in place in the country, making it hard for people to get the medical care they need for their skin.
Thankfully, certain companies offer health insurance to their employees that include medical care for the skin. Some companies even cover advanced integumentary disease treatment such as scalp micro pigmentation treatment, which can help with hair loss.
The community plays a huge role in skin health. This is because the community can provide support and resources that can help people take care of their skin. The government also has a role to play in skin health. They can create policies and regulations that can help protect people from environmental hazards.
Individuals also have a responsibility when it comes to skin health. They need to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect themselves. This includes using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding exposure to sunlight. By combining both individual and community care, the skin health of Americans can be vastly improved.
