The secretions and excretions are perspiration and sebum. These contain
water, carbonic acid, urea, buturic acid, formic acid, acetic acid,
salts, the chief being sodium chloride, and many other substances.
The respiratory function consists in the absorption of a small amount of
oxygen and the giving off of some carbonic acid.
A small amount of water can be absorbed by the skin. Oils can also be
absorbed. In case of malnutrition in children, olive-oil rubs are often
helpful. This absorptive function is taken advantage of by physicians
who rub various medicaments into the skin. Mercury enough to produce
salivation can be absorbed in this way.
From the above it will be seen that the skin is not only complex in
structure, but has many functions. It is impossible to have perfect
health without a good skin. Under civilized conditions a healthy skin
can not be had without giving it some care. The average person has a
skin that shows lack of care. Fortunately, but little care is needed.
A bath should be taken often enough to ensure cleanliness. Warm water
and soap need not be used more than once or twice a week under ordinary
conditions.
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