Skin system

Question 1

What are the functions of skin in children?

Answer 1

• absorptive (for medicines + ointments)
• make melanin
• protective (against UV light)
• respiratory (water loss)
• sensory organ
• regulates heat
• excretory function

Question 2

What are distinctive features of skin in children?

Answer 2

1. skin is 2-3 x less thick than in older people
2. lack of melanin synthesis
3. granular layer is underdeveloped = transparency of skin in children
4. Horny layer is thin

Question 3

At what age does the skin reach a similar composition, histologically speaking, to that of an adult?

Answer 3

6 years

Question 4

A majority of children display signs of jaundice after birth - this usually disappears by ca. 7-10th day of life. If the jaundice lasts for up to a month, is this ideal? What name is given to this type of jaundice?

Answer 4

Jaundice in a child should not persist > 1 week and definitely not for a month. This is known as conjugative jaundice.