Welcome to the Skin, Hair, and Nails Studies Page
About Skin, Hair, and Nails
As the largest organ in the body, the skin plays a variety of roles, from barrier and gateway to sensory array. At root, the skin works to keep things inside the body away from things outside the body; it stops diseases from entering easily and helps prevent the loss of fluids like blood. The sense of touch is made possible by the skin, as a network of nerve cells embedded in the skin relay information back to the brain. Skin and hair help the body keep its temperature stable, and finger- and toenails protect the sensitive endings of hands and feet. If the skin becomes irritated or infected it can result in conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis. Several types of cancer can develop on the skin, the most serious of which is melanoma. Whatever the cause, research into the prevention and treatment of skin conditions and diseases can help more people feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin.
