Overview
Skin is the largest organ of the human body, representing approximately 16% of the total body weight. While the functions of protection and thermoregulation are well recognized, skin also has important metabolic functions in protein and vitamin D metabolism. The human body produces the greatest amount of vitamin D in the epidermal layer of the skin.
In addition to providing a physical barrier to pathogenic organisms, skin functions as an active immune organ with distinctive antigenic properties that play a significant role with particular regard to composite tissue allotransplantation.
Despite its numerous beneficial properties, skin is an organ that is often abused and underappreciated by the individual until its compromise results in pain and loss of resistance to infection. Restoration of an intact barrier is of critical importance and may be achieved in numerous ways, including grafting. Among the indications for skin grafting are promotion of accelerated healing of burns and other wounds, reduction of scar contracture, enhancement of cosmesis, reduction of insensible fluid loss, and protection from bacterial invasion. See image below.
Nonhealing lower extremity wound.