INTEGUMENTARY
The integumentary system consists of skin – the largest organ – hair, nails and endocrine glands. The integumentary system provides the body with a boundary, and protects internal organs and tissues from outside infections. It provides an excretion and cooling system for the body though sweat, and protects against dehydration while working to maintain the body’s internal homeostasis. As a key to protection from the sun, the integumentary system serves as one of the body’s primary survival mechanism.
Signs of Optimal Health & Wellness
The system is operating well when:
- Hair and nails are strong and growing at a normal pace
- Skin is moist, elastic and free from rashes or cuts
- The body is cool or maintained at an average temperature
Warning Signs
As the body’s primary external system, indicators of warning or decline are often highly noticeable. These might include:
- Unhealed cuts or bruises
- Uncontrolled growths, moles or warts
- Severe sunburn
- Brittle hair and nails
SELF EVALUATION
Conducting a daily or weekly body scan by looking at or feeling the skin, hair and nails is a great way to evaluate the integumentary system’s health and well-being. Dry brushing, soaps, regular bathing or showering, proper hydration and nutrition, and the addition of lotions, conditioners and sun blockers can help maintain optimal wellness. Using non-toxic, ethically sourced products also helps to promote environmental harmony. Certain supplements and skin care products (such as lotions and conditioners) can help improve the life and vitality of skin, hair and nails.
SELF-CARE
- Healthy eating
- Hydration
- Lotions, conditioners and sun blockers
- Supplements
GET SUPPORT
Intervention should be sought when new, sudden or fast changing growths appear on the skin, unhealed wounds or rashes are present, strong body odors or infections are present, or when hair and nails have prolonged indicators of brittleness or discoloration not associated with normal aging. Any changes or challenges to sweat patterns should also be addressed.
Intervention services might include:
EMERGENCY
If you have uncontrolled bleeding or severe burns:
- Dial 911; or
- Go the nearest hospital emergency room