The integumentary system consists of hair, fingernails, toenails and the skin, which is the largest organ in the human body. The functions of the integumentary system include temperature regulation, protection from outside threats and water regulation. The integumentary system also aids the excretory system in removal of waste from the body. Most integumentary diseases affect the skin.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is an infection of the feet caused by fungi. Certain fungi live on the body normally, but athlete’s foot occurs when these fungi multiply rapidly and lead to infection. Increased multiplication occurs when the foot remains moist and warm for extended periods of time, such as when sweat builds up on the feet in closed shoes, according to MedlinePlus. Although rare, the infection can occur on the hands as well.
Symptoms of athlete’s foot include cracked, peeling skin between the toes that is red and itchy. Blisters, burning and stinging may also occur. Athlete’s foot is contagious so those with the infection should avoid direct contact and sharing shoes with others. Treatment for athlete’s foot involves the use of anti-fungal medications that should be administered for one to two weeks, according to MedlinePlus. During this time, the feet should be kept dry and cleaned at least twice per day.
Warts
Warts are small bumps that appear on the skin due to an infection by a variant of the human papillomavirus. Certain types of the human papillomavirus cause warts on the hands, fingers and inside of the mouth, while other types cause warts on the genitals and rectum, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Some people are more susceptible than others to the virus and the eventual development of warts.
Warts are not usually accompanied by any other symptoms. Warts on the skin, especially genital warts, are contagious so direct contact should be avoided. Some warts may go away on their own but for those that don’t, treatment consists of over-the-counter creams or freezing or burning off of the wart by a doctor.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its hair follicles. This results in hair loss that usually occurs in small, round patches, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Hair loss most frequently occurs on the scalp, but can also involve eyebrows, eyelashes and facial hair. Hair loss that occurs only on the scalp is called alopecia totalis and hair loss that occurs on the scalp and other parts of the body is called alopecia universalis. Lost hair usually grows back, but there is a high chance that the hair will fall out again.
The hair loss is usually not accompanied by any other symptoms, but itching may occur when new hair grows into a bare patch. Treatment for alopecia areata is not necessary, but anti-inflammatory drugs are occasionally given in an attempt to suppress the immune system and stop the disease. Medications that promote hair growth may also be given.
