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Skin and hair

Even at its thickest point, the skin is only millimetres thick. Even so, at almost one-seventh of the body's weight, the skin is the body's biggest organ. This surprisingly great weight shows just how important the skin is. It plays a role in metabolism and even in the body's balance. Hair and skin provide a stable and flexible covering for the body, protection against injury and evaporation, cold and heat, ultraviolet light and germs. And the skin is a sensor for touch and pain.

Feature: Wounds

It is easy to hurt yourself in daily life, but most small wounds can heal by themselves. However, if you cut yourself in the finger with a sharp knife when cooking, or injure yourself more seriously, a plaster might not be enough any more. Some larger wounds need help to close, either with special bandages or suturing. They will still usually heal within weeks. But some wounds, like bed sores, leg ulcers, or wounds after cancer treatment, can take months or even longer to heal, or don't heal at all.

Fact sheet

Fact sheets

Fact Sheet: Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic condition that especially affects the face. It can cause episodes of redness, flushing, pimples and spidery red veins. It usually starts over the age of 20, and it affects up to one in 10 fair-skinned young adults, although many do not realise that they have a skin condition. It can affect the eyelids and eyes, and swollen lumpy areas can develop, especially on the nose. more...

Research summaries

Impetigo: What treatments work?

For less extensive infections with impetigo, the evidence shows that particular antibiotic ointments are effective. more...

Rosacea: Which treatments have been well-studied?

Skin creams containing metronidazole or azaleic acid can help reduce the symptoms of rosacea, but other treatments have not been well-enough studied. more...