Answer to Question #126660 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for Ramseyer Brace

Question

Many medications can be administered transdermally by applying patches that contain the medication to the surface of the skin. These patches can be attached anywhere on the skin except the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Why?

Answer 1

Many lipid-soluble medications can be delivered by diffusion across the skin. This process is called transdermal administration and is commonly done by applying patches that contain the medication to the surface of the skin. These patches can be attached anywhere on the skin except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Why?

Thick skin slows the rate of diffusion of the medication and thus decreases its defectiveness. In addition, excessive sweat formed on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet would make the patch fall off more readily

In a condition known as sunstroke, the victim appears flushed, the skin is warm and dry, and the body temperature rises dramatically. Explain these observations based on what you now concerning the role of the skin in thermoregulation

When body temperature increases, more blood flow is directed to the vessels of the skin. The red cells in the blood give the skin a redder look than usual color and account for the victim's flushed appearance. The skin is dry because the sweat glands are not producing sweat (avoiding forward dehydration). Without evaporation cooling, not enough heat is dissipated from the skin, the skin is warm, and the body temperature rises. The situation represents "positive feedback" operating in a disease state