# INJURY TO THE SKIN INJURY TO THE SKIN Burns cause a multisystem injury , but by far the most common organ a ff ected is the skin. An understanding of the function and the structure of the skin is essential when assessing and treating a burn injury (see Chapter 45 ). Summary box 46.3 Functions of the skin /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF Waterproo /f_i ng and protection from ultraviolet light Immune response Thermoregulation Vitamin D production Facilitates movement, sensation and cosmesis INJURY TO THE SKIN Burns cause a multisystem injury , but by far the most common organ a ff ected is the skin. An understanding of the function and the structure of the skin is essential when assessing and treating a burn injury (see Chapter 45 ). Summary box 46.3 Functions of the skin /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF Waterproo /f_i ng and protection from ultraviolet light Immune response Thermoregulation Vitamin D production Facilitates movement, sensation and cosmesis INJURY TO THE SKIN Burns cause a multisystem injury , but by far the most common organ a ff ected is the skin. An understanding of the function and the structure of the skin is essential when assessing and treating a burn injury (see Chapter 45 ). Summary box 46.3 Functions of the skin /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF Waterproo /f_i ng and protection from ultraviolet light Immune response Thermoregulation Vitamin D production Facilitates movement, sensation and cosmesis