Dermatology Pocket Guide

Chapter 1: Introduction to Skin Diseases

The skin is part of the integumentary system and covers the rest ofthe body systems and organs. In addition to protecting the bodyfrom mechanical, chemical, and microbial damage, the integumentarysystem performs a variety of other tasks, including cushioningdeeper tissues, keeping water and other molecules from escaping,regulating body temperature, and aiding excretion of waste molecules.