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.

  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:

• Skin & Hair Health
• Supplements
• Sexual & Reproductive Health (STD’s)

 RETURN TO PHYSICAL BODY

  RETURN TO HEALTHY YOU DASH