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YOUR Skin - For Kids!

YOUR Skin-For Kids!

How many people do you think realize that their skin is actually considered the largest organ in the human body? Skin is very important as it protects everything inside our bodies such as bones and muscles. Skin also helps regulate our body's temperature while providing us with the sense of touch as well. There are many things to learn about skin such as its various layers, how to protect it from the sun, skin cancer, cleaning it, how to treat burns, eczema, birth marks and skin facts. This article will provide you with answers regarding all of these topics and more.

Your Skin

Your skin consists of three different layers, which are each important in their own way. The outer layer is referred to as the “epidermis.” This is the layer of skin that you can see. New cells are created in the bottom of the epidermis layer, and when they are ready they slowly travel to the top of the epidermis. It takes approximately two weeks to one month for these new cells to make the journey. As newer cells are moving upward, older cells near the top of the layer die and move up to the skin's surface where they eventually flake off. When you look at your skin, you are actually seeing dead skin cells. These dead cells make great protectors for your body because they are very strong and tough. Ninety-five percent of the total cells in the epidermis layer create new skin cells. Your epidermis constantly makes new skin cells to replace the old ones. Melanin (which gives skin color) is produced by the other five percent of the skin cells in the epidermis. Melanin darkens your skin. The more you have, the darker your skin color. The cells that make melanin produce more of it when you are in the sun to help protect you from the sun's harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays. Yet the melanin alone will not completely protect you from sunburn or possible skin cancer. Other preventive measures must be taken as well such as using suntan lotion or wearing a hat. The epidermis layer also contains cells that are part of your immune system and help you to be healthy.

The second layer of the skin does many things for your body, and is referred to as the “dermis.” When you exercise and start to sweat, your dermis layer contains the glands that are the cause. Small pockets that are known as sweat glands are found in the dermis. The glands produce the sweat which passes through tiny tubes and exit the body through your pores (holes in the skin). Sweat not only cools you down, but also helps rid your body of bad things that aren't necessary. The dermis is the layer of your skin that helps you to feel things. There are nerve endings located in your dermis that send your brain signals. For example, when you touch something that is too hot the nerve endings send a signal to your brain that the item is too hot. Your brain then knows that you need to stop touching that item.

The root of each small hair on your skin is located in the dermis. When you are frightened or very cold, a small muscle that is attached to each hair root tightens and produces “goose bumps.” Your hair grows from the dermis layer. There is another small pocket or gland located in the dermis layer that creates oil. When the gland produces a normal amount of oil, it is good for your skin. The oil makes your skin smoother and softer as well as waterproof. Yet when your oil gland produces an excess amount of oil, it can lead to pimples. The final thing that the dermis layer is responsible for is providing blood to your skin. Blood vessels, which are small tubes that carry blood, are located in the dermis layer. These blood vessels provide your skin with blood while taking bad things away.

The third layer of your skin is called the subcutaneous fat layer. There is a connecting tissue in this layer that attaches muscles and bones to the dermis layer. In this layer, nerve cells and blood vessels come from the dermis, enlarge and then go to the remainder of the body. The subcutaneous fat layer helps to control body temperature and keep you from overheating or getting too cold. Finally this layer stores fat which protects your muscles and bones from falls or bumps.

Your SKIN: Kids Health offers this great article on the subject of skin which includes: what it is, what it does, the layers, how it controls body temperature and the importance of keeping it clean.
Skin: The article by Academic Kids discusses skin in general, it’s various layers, types of skin, skin functions, hygiene and aging and disease.
Skin, Hair & Nails: National Geographic has an excellent interactive section in the article where you can learn about skin anatomy, stresses on the skin, effects of aging and the human body. It also explains the three layers of the skin and skin color.
The Skin or (“Hey! Your epidermis is showing!”): The Neuroscience for Kids website discusses the layers of the skin and skin receptors.
Your Skin, Hair and Nails: This is an excellent interactive website for kids called “Kids Skin Health.” It features many different skin topics including the layers of the skin.

Protect Your Skin From The Sun!

Why should you protect your skin from the sun? The sun's rays may make you feel warm and relaxed, but they are not good for your skin. The UVA and UVB rays that you cannot see are harmful to your skin. Basically the UVB rays are the ones responsible for sunburn, while the UVA rays age your skin (cause wrinkles and age spots). Melanoma, skin cancer's deadliest form, has been linked through studies to sunburns. Prevention is the best way to avoid sunburn. How can you prevent sunburn?

Dermatologists recommend that everyone, no matter age nor skin type, wear a broad spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays), waterproof sunscreen with at least an SPF (Skin Protection Factor) of 30 every day. UVA rays can reach you through glass windows. Even on cloudy days 80 percent of the harmful UV rays go right through the clouds to reach you. You need to be particularly careful when you are near water, snow, pavement or sand, because they all reflect the harmful rays of the sun. You should put sunscreen on at least 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside. Apply it to dry skin. It is best to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day (every two hours or so) especially after exercising or swimming. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to lips, ears and even the top of your feet if they're exposed.

Sunscreen is not the only way to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays. Wearing protective clothing is a good idea if you can take the heat. If it's too hot to wear long sleeves, make sure you put sunscreen on all exposed areas of your body. A hat can help to shade your face, ears, scalp and neck from the sun. Sunglasses are an excellent idea because UV ray exposure can lead to cataracts later in life. Try to wear sunglasses that block as close as possible to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Find shade especially when the sun's rays are the strongest, which is during midday. If shade isn't available, find something inside to do during those hours. These are all great ways to protect your skin from the sun.

Protecting Children from the Sun: This is an excellent article by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to protect children from the sun. It also explains what is happening when your skin turns pink or tans.
Sunscreen: This article is part of the Sun Safety for Kids website, and it focuses on reasons that sunscreen doesn't work sometimes, UVA and UVB rays, ingredients, dosage, history of prohibition, use of sunscreen at school and risk reduction.
Don't Let Kids Get Burned: Nick Jr. is a beloved website by kids. Nick Jr. provides some tips for protecting kids from the sun including: sunscreen, clothing, play time hours, sun sensitivity and medication, protecting lips, sunburn and medical help.
Summer Sun Protection for Kids: The article on Web MD discusses sunblock, child-friendly sunscreen, tips, covering up, hats and soothing sunburn.
Sunscreens: The American Academy of Dermatology focuses mainly on the use of sunscreen in this article, but also includes: different skin categories, UVA and UVB rays, other methods of sun protection, tanning beds and sunburn treatment.

Skin Cancer

Everyone hears the word skin cancer and thinks that it is an automatic death sentence. This is not the case. Most forms of skin cancer are rarely deadly, but can lead to disfiguration if allowed to grow. Skin cancer is defined as a malignant tumor growing in skin cells. More people worldwide are affected by skin cancer than any other form of cancer. Luckily, children are rarely affected by it. The potentially deadly form of skin cancer is known as melanoma. One in 55 people will be diagnosed with melanoma at some point in their lives, but the survival rate is 99 percent when caught early (before the tumor breaks through the skin). Melanomas typically stem from large moles (greater than 6 mm) that are asymmetric (both sides are not identical) with both irregular borders and coloration. Other cancerous changes can include bleeding, itching or a mass under your skin.

If a child has to have radiation treatment for cancer, any moles in the radiated area are at an increased risk of becoming cancerous. Exposure to sunlight is the leading factor in the development of skin cancer. Approximately 90 percent of all non-melanoma skin cancers are linked to UV ray exposure, while the majority of melanoma cases are also caused by UV rays as well. Blistering sunburns during childhood or adolescence greatly increase your risk of developing malignant melanoma. If you have a family history of melanoma, you are at an increased risk of getting it. Fair-skinned people (light colored eyes with red or blond hair) are more commonly affected by skin cancer. Also people who have a lot of freckles or a lot of moles are more likely to get it. If you find a strange looking mole on your body, look at the pictures on the link “Skin Cancer-What is Skin Cancer?” They will help you to identify cancerous moles and decide if you should see a doctor. If you are still unsure, see your doctor.

The best way to prevent skin cancer in later life for kids and teens is limiting the amount of time they spend in the sun, especially during midday (10:00 a.m. To 3:00 p.m.). As previously stated, make sure you apply a broad spectrum sunscreen every day, and reapply it throughout the day. Protective clothing is helpful in preventing skin cancer as well as hats. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.

Skin Cancer Facts: The Skin Cancer Foundation website provides a lot of great information about skin cancer. This article includes information on skin cancer in general, melanoma, men and women, indoor tanning, pediatrics, ethnicity, aging and sun damage and treatment costs.
5 Things You Must Know About Skin Cancer: Live Science provides you with skin cancer facts such as melanoma information, gender and sunscreen use.
Skin Cancer-What is Skin Cancer?: This website of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin offers excellent information about what skin cancer is, causes, different types, risk factors and skin self-exams along with skin cancer pictures.
Sun Safety-Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer: The website by Health Unit focuses on skin cancer prevention options such as reducing sun exposure and protective clothing.
Is it Skin Cancer? 38 Photos that Could Save Your Life: These pictures on the CBC News website could save your life. There are 38 different pictures with an explanation of what you are looking at.

Wash Your Face!

Do you know why washing your face is important? If you want healthy, beautiful skin you need to keep your face clean. If you get excess oil on your skin and clogged pores, they can contribute to acne. The best way to stop acne from forming is prevention, which includes washing your face. Try to wash your face twice a day, in the morning when you get up and right before bed. Do not scrub your face too hard, use a smooth, gentle motion with your fingertips. Warm water is best for cleansing as are mild cleansers such as Cetaphil and Neutrogena. Make sure you rinse your face well after using a cleanser to remove any residue that is left behind. Dry your face with a soft, clean towel and follow with a moisturizer. Always remove make-up at the end of the day so it doesn't clog your pores. If you are just removing make-up, you can use a cotton ball with moisturizing cream on it.

Facial Washing Tips & Techniques: This site offers a good article with tips on washing your face such as being gentle and not washing too often.
Tips for Washing Your Face: The website provides tips on washing your face such as using lukewarm water and scrubbing gently, and also has a lot of information on acne.
Tips for Properly Washing Your Face: This site suggests various tips for washing your face including avoiding harsh soaps or cleansers and using a moisturizer.
Dos and Don'ts of Skin Care: This is a great kid-friendly website by Kidz World that discusses skin care advice such as washing your face twice a day.
Face Washing: Three face washing tips to keep younger looking skin and control acne.

How to Treat a Burn

There are different degrees of burns that you can get including: first, second, third (some include a fourth). The most severe burns are considered third and fourth degree burns. Different burns require different treatments. First degree burns involve only the outer layer of the skin while second degree burns go through to the second layer of skin (dermis). Both of these burn types are treated as minor burns unless they involve large areas of the hands, face, buttocks, groin or feet or a major joint (which require medical treatment).

Begin minor burn treatment by cooling the burned area. Place the burned area under cool water (not hot and not cold) for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pain stops. If that is not an option, immerse the burn in cool water or cool with a cold compress. Cooling the burn will reduce swelling. Make sure you cover the burned area with a sterile gauze bandage. Wrap the gauze lightly around the burn so you don't put pressure on it. This will protect blistered skin, reduce pain and keep air off the burn. You can take over the counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed to help with the pain. Do not use ice on burns. Aloe vera is also a miracle plant that can help heal burns. Aloe gel, created from aloe leaves, is commonly used to treat minor burns and sunburn. It can be found in many skin lotions and even in cosmetics. Minor burns should heal without needing any further treatment. You must also watch for any signs of infection such as fever, increased pain, swelling, oozing or redness. If signs of infection are present, seek medical treatment.

Third degree and fourth degree burns are considered major burns. They involve every layer of the skin and cause permanent damage to tissue. Even fat, bone and muscle can be affected. Charred black or dry and white areas may be present. There can be difficulty breathing and other serious problems. Call 911 immediately or get other medical emergency assistance. If someone has a major burn, do not remove the burned clothing (but keep the person away from anything that is smoldering). You do not want to immerse large, serious burns in cold water as shock and hypothermia could result. Check the victim for signs of circulation such as a pulse. Are they breathing or moving? If no signs of circulation exist, begin CPR if you know it. If possible cover the burned area with: a cool, moist, sterile bandage; a moist towel; or a clean, moist cloth. A tetanus shot may be needed as burns are susceptible to tetanus.

Burns: First Aid: This is an excellent website of Mayo Clinic and it provides information on first, second and third degree burns as well as minor and major burns.
Burns: This article on the University of Maryland Medical Center website covers many burn topics including: types of burns, infection, dehydration, burn patterns, medications, surgery and other procedures, nutrition and dietary supplements, herbs and various therapies.
First Aid for Burns: The website of the Burn Institute discusses safety tips with burn victims, burn facts and figures, and the “rule of nines” regarding burn size.
First Aid for 1^st Degree Burns: The website by Family Education focuses on the various degrees of burns, first aid and treatment goals and rules.

Eczema

Eczema is actually a term used for a family of skin conditions that make your skin itchy, irritated and swollen. Atopic dermatitis is one of the conditions that is part of the eczema family, and it is very common among infants and children. Diaper rash is an example of atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis can begin when an infant is only two to six months old. Extremely dry and sensitive skin becomes red and itchy. Scratching makes the condition worse, so try not to scratch it. There are factors that appear to lead to someone getting eczema such as genetics, where you live and your immune system. Eczema cannot be cured, but there are treatments to control and prevent inflammation and itching.

One way to help prevent outbreaks is to avoid the known trigger (whatever you know is causing it to itch such as poison ivy). Daily bathing (15 to 20 minutes) is recommended to help moisten the skin and relieve itching. Always use mild, non-drying soap like Neutrogena or Purpose. After your bath apply a steroid cream such as Cutivate or Westcort. A steroid ointment may be better for more severe eczema cases. Only use steroid creams when eczema is flared up. Discontinue use when rash is gone. Apply a moisturizing cream (Cetaphil or Eucerin) after applying the steroid cream. Try to do it within three minutes of getting out of the bath. This helps to lock moisture into your skin. An oral antihistamine like Benadryl can be used at night to help kids who are restless or irritated by the itching.

What is Eczema?: Eczema Net's website is dedicated to the skin condition of eczema, while this article discusses what it is (including pictures), causes, diagnosis and more.
Eczema Treatment Guide: The article on the Keep Kids Healthy website is geared toward children with eczema and it discusses atopic dermatitis, lubricants and moisturizers, steroid creams, bathing and eczema, itching relief, eczema prevention and reminders.
How to Treat Eczema in Children: The Berkeley Parents Network website provides information on eczema myths versus facts, topical treatments, allergens and quality advice.

Knowing Your Child's Eczema: The website by the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne discusses many topics involving eczema such as what it is and what aggravates it.
Eczema: This PDF by Brown University Health Services focuses on what eczema is, how it occurs, symptoms, diagnosing and treatments.

Birth Marks

Developing before birth or very soon after, birthmarks are marks that you find on newborn babies. There are many different types of birthmarks. One of the most common types is hemangioma. It is formed by many new blood vessels growing together on a certain skin area. It is not known what causes the blood vessels to group together. There are different kinds of hemangiomas. The strawberry mark resembles a strawberry. It is bright red in color and comes out from the skin. These birthmarks are thought to be an over-accumulation of cells that comprise the lining of the baby's blood vessels. Some of these types of birthmarks will go away on their own by the time the child reaches five years of age. Almost always they will fade away by the time the child reaches nine years of age. Another type of hemangioma birthmark is the cavernous hemangioma. These birthmarks are located deep beneath the outer skin layer. These marks are puffier than the strawberry marks and are more bluish-red in color.

Port-wine stains are a different type of birthmark. This type of mark is level with your outer layer of skin. Typically found on the face or neck, they tend to be maroon (purplish-red) or dark red in color. Most birthmarks are harmless, do not cause pain and will usually fade within the first few months of the baby's life. Sometimes doctors can use treatments such as laser surgery to help with certain types of birthmarks. If the birthmark causes health problems or risks for the child, then treatment might be an option. It truly depends on the severity and location of the birthmark, and not all birthmarks are treatable. Corticosteroid injections or oral medication and surgery are two other possible treatment options.

What are Birthmarks? What Causes Birthmarks?: The article by Medical News Today discusses birthmarks, types, causes, complications and treatments.
Birthmarks: The article on the NYU Langone Medical Center Department of Pediatrics website covers the definition of birthmarks, causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Birthmark Types: The Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC delves into the topics of what birthmarks are and common types.
Types and Skin Conditions: The website of the Oregon Health & Sciences University provides information on laser surgery for port-wine stains, hemangiomas and cafe au lai macules among other conditions.
Treatment Options: The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation's website discusses different birthmark types and their treatment options.

Skin Facts!

Did you know that your skin thickens with age? When you are born, it is only about 1 mm in thickness. By the time you reach adulthood, it measures about 2 mm in thickness. Eventually your skin will start to thin again as you continue to age, and it becomes more sensitive to sun damage. Did you know that a lot of the dust in your home is actually dead skin? It's just another interesting skin fact. Also, you have approximately 100,000 hairs on your head. That's a lot of hairs! You constantly lose skin cells even when you're not moving at all. Finally, no two people have the same fingerprints. Every person's fingerprints are unique.

Sun Safety-Skin Facts: The Leeds , Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit offers some basic skin facts.
Human Body Facts-Skin Facts: This Science Kids' website article has interesting skin facts such as the facts that a lot of dust in your home is actually dead skin.
The Integumentary (Skin) System: Dr Standley provides lots of useful information regarding skin.
Skin-It's all over you!: The website by the Women and Children's Health Network discusses skin functions, layers, types, facts and more.
Everyday Mysteries: Fun facts from the Library of Congress explain why fingers and toes wrinkle in the bathtub.

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