YA KNOW WHAT I DO ALMOST EVERY DAY? I WASH. PERSONAL HYGIENE IS PART OF THE PACKAGE WITH ME. — JIM CARRY

THE SKIN BARRIER

Skin is the largest organ of the human body and is made up of two main layers — the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin, and it is composed of proliferating basal and differentiated suprabasal keratinocytes. The epidermis acts as the body's major barrier against an inhospitable environment.

The epidermis contains Keratinocytes, Melanocytes, Langerhans cells, Merkel cells, and inflammatory cells. Keratinocytes are the most common type of skin cells. They constitute 95 percent of the epidermis. Keratinocytes make keratin, a protein that provides strength to skin, hair, and nails.

Keratinocytes form in the deep, basal cell layer of the skin and gradually migrate upward; becoming squamous cells before reaching the surface of the skin over the course of a month. Keratinocytes at the outer surface of the epidermis are dead and form a tough protective layer.

Langerin is a protein found in Langerhans cells and other types of dendritic cells — a special type of cell that is a key regulator of the immune system. On infection of an area of skin, Langerhans cells will take up and process microbial antigens to become fully-functional antigen-presenting cells.

Evidence indicates that Langerhans cells act as initial cellular targets in the sexual transmission of HIV [1] and may be a target, reservoir, and vector of dissemination.[2]

Langerhans cells have been observed in the foreskin, vaginal, and oral mucosa (a mucous membrane) of humans. The lower concentrations of Langerhans cells in oral mucosa suggest that it is not a likely source of HIV infection relative to foreskin and vaginal mucosa.[3]

On March 4, 2007 the online Nature Medicine magazine published the letter "Langerin is a natural barrier to HIV-1 transmission by Langerhans cells."[4] Teunis Geijtenbeek, one of the authors of the study, said that "Langerin is able to scavenge viruses from the surrounding environment, thereby preventing infection" and "since generally all tissues on the outside of our bodies have Langerhans cells, we think that the human body is equipped with an antiviral defense mechanism, destroying incoming viruses."[5]

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[1] Kawamura T, Kurtz SE, Blauvelt A, Shimada S (December 2005). "The role of Langerhans cells in the sexual transmission of HIV." Journal of Dermatological Science 40 (3): 147–55. Published online doi:10.1016/j.jdermsci.2005.08.009. National Library of Medicine PubMed Unique Identifier [PMID] 16226431.

[2] Dezutter-Dambuyant C, Charbonnier AS, Schmitt D (December 1995). "[Epithelial dendritic cells and HIV-1 infection in vivo and in vitro]" (in French). Pathol. Biol. 43 (10): 882–8. PMID 8786894.

[3] Hussain, LA, Lehner T (1995). "Comparative Investigation of Langerhans' cells and Potential Receptors for HIV in Oral, Genitourinary and Rectal Epithelia". Immunology 85: 475–484. PMID 7558138.

[4] de Witte L, Nabatov A, Pion M, Fluitsma D, de Jong M, de Gruijl T, Piguet V, van Kooyk Y, Geijtenbeek T (2007). "Langerin is a natural barrier to HIV-1 transmission by Langerhans cells". Nat Med 13 (3): 367–71. doi:10.1038/nm1541. PMID 17334373.

[5] Mundell, E.J. (March 5, 2007). "Scientists Discover 'Natural Barrier' to HIV". HealthDay News via sexualhealth.e-healthsource.com. http://sexualhealth.e-healthsource.com/index.php?p=news1&id=602421. Retrieved 2008-07-13.

PERSONAL HYGIENE

A pimple starts when the pores in the skin become clogged with a type of oil called sebum, which normally lubricates the skin and hair. Many oil-producing glands are on the forehead, nose, and chin. This area — the T-zone — is where a person is most prone to pimples. Also keep in mind, a tan can cause the body to produce extra sebum.

Touching your face can spread the bacteria that cause pores to become inflamed and irritated. You should avoid touching your face with your fingers or leaning your face on objects that collect sebum and skin residue. To keep bacteria at bay, wash daily with a mild soap — and wash your hands frequently.
If you wear glasses or sunglasses, or any type of safety eyewear, make sure you clean them frequently to keep oil from clogging the pores around your eyes and nose. It is also important to keep all body hair clean to prevent additional dirt and oil from clogging your pores.

The genital area is actually a focal point for heat, sweat and bacteria. All of us have microscopic fungi and bacteria living on our bodies — and dermatophytes are among them. Dermatophytes live on the dead tissues of your skin, hair, and nails and thrive in warm, moist areas like the insides of the thighs. When your groin area gets sweaty and isn't dried properly, it provides a perfect environment for the fungi to multiply and thrive.

Hair growth begins beneath the surface of your skin at a hair root inside a hair follicle, a small tube in the skin. Hair is made of Keratin. This is a hard protein that is also found in your fingernails and toenails. Vellus hair is soft, fine, and short. Most women have Vellus hair on their chest, back, and face. Vellus hair helps the body maintain a steady temperature by providing some insulation.

Terminal hair is coarser, darker, and longer than vellus hair. This type of hair grows on the head, armpits, pubic region, arms and legs. Most men have this type of hair on the face, chest, and back. Terminal hair can provide cushioning and protection.

Hair removal is an option for both men and women. Trimming or shaving is more than a matter of grooming. It contributes to better personal hygiene. The whole area will be cleaner, smell better, and be healthier.

For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult a physician. All information contained in this text is for educational purposes only.