Vertical Aid by Seth C. Hawkins

Author:Seth C. Hawkins
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Countryman Press
Published: 2017-05-18T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

SKIN INJURIES AND CARE

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The skin is the largest organ of the human body and takes the most punishment of any part of a climber’s anatomy. Specifically, the skin on the hands, fingers, and feet is critical to our success in the mountains. Understanding the skin, its structures, and how best to care for it is one of the most important ways we can help our performance as climbers.

The skin is composed of three separate layers: the epidermis (outer), the dermis (middle), and the subcutaneous tissue (inner) (Figure 9-3). The epidermis is the visible portion of the skin, measures around 1 millimeter or less in thickness, and is of the most importance to climbers. The outermost layer, known as the keratin, or cornified layer, is made up of dead cells that are constantly shedding. This “dead” skin layer plays an important role in protecting the body. The living portions of the epidermis replicate themselves and are continuously replaced every three to four weeks, and it is within this layer that blisters form.

The next deeper portion of the skin is the dermis. The dermis is home to many important structures, including the sweat glands, hair follicles, motor and sensory nerves, blood vessels, sebaceous (oil) glands, tiny muscles (responsible for goose bumps), and collagen and elastin fibers. The sweat glands are present throughout the skin surface of the body but are concentrated on the palms, soles, and forehead. Although climbers use chalk specifically to counteract sweat, the glands producing it are essential in the regulation of body temperature. It is also important to note that excessively blocking the action of sweat glands can cause a condition known as miliaria (prickly heat), discussed later in this chapter. The importance of our nerve tissue and vascular network within the dermis cannot be overstated. Without their sensory and motor function and the blood they supply to the skin, our efforts at ascending mountains and scaling vertical rock walls would be futile.

The deepest layer of skin is the subcutaneous tissue. Comprised mostly of adipose tissue, this layer acts as a fat storage depot, insulates the body, and protects internal structures from trauma.

Friction, created by the application of the skin of climbers’ hands and feet (or gloves and footwear) to the surface they are climbing (rock, snow, ice), is the foundation of climbing. Because of this, in discussing skin care and injury, we will focus on the skin of the hands and the feet.

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