Integumentary System Disorders and Long-Term Disability Benefits in Canada

The integumentary system, made up of skin, nails, hairs, and associated glands, is the largest set of organs of the body. By forming a physical barrier around the internal organs, the integumentary system protects the body from the external environment.

Integumentary system disorders can have profound effects on an individual’s quality of life. Essential to wound healing, immunity, vitamin D synthesis, and more, damage to the integumentary system can render a person vulnerable to infection, inflammation, or more. Issues with the integumentary system may arise as a result of genetic and/or environmental factors. They may be brought gradually, through prolonged exposure to harmful conditions, or as a result of a single event such as an encounter with a defective product.

In some cases, integumentary system disorders may render an individual unable to carry on with their regular responsibilities, potentially including work. This may lead to financial insecurity, resulting in stress, which may further exacerbate the health condition.

Long-term disability (LTD) benefits are a form of disability insurance meant to provide financial support for individuals who are unable to work as a result of their illness and/or injuries. Whether you have questions about filing an LTD claim, or if your claim has been denied by an insurance provider, contact us at Preszler Injury Lawyers to discuss your case. Our team of long-term disability lawyers would be happy to discuss your particular circumstances, and see how we may be of service to you.

What Is the Integumentary System?

Made up primarily of skin, hair, nails, and glands, the integumentary system forms the external layer of the body. It functions as a protective barrier against external environments, synthesizes essential vitamins, regulates body temperature, facilitates sensation, and more.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, made up of tight layers of cells that form a soft yet tough exterior. The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, withstands the daily wear and tear of outside elements. The inner layer, the dermis, supplies blood and nerves that provide essential information to the brain. Below that, the hypodermis supplies cushioning through adipose (fat) tissue. Nails protect the fingers by providing a hard cover, while hairs contribute to body temperature regulation as well as filtering out harmful particles.

The skin and other parts of the integumentary system are essential to the body’s immunity against external pathogens. Not only is it a literal physical barrier, the presence of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as well as lipids (fats) provide a biomolecular defense against invasive bacteria. Moreover, certain resident immune cells in the skin have the ability to trigger activation of the greater immune system.

When the body sustains trauma, such as cuts and lacerations in a bicycle accident, the integumentary system leads the process of wound healing. This involves hemostasis (which stops the bleeding), inflammation (which directs immune cells to the area), proliferation (which forms new integumentary tissue) and remodeling (which breaks down excess tissue, completing the healing process).

Much of our vitamin D intake, which is essential to helping the body absorb calcium, thereby strengthening the bones, comes from the skin’s exposure to the sun. The skin also regulates body temperature by constricting and dilating its blood vessels, as well as secreting sweat.

Finally, many sensory nerves in the skin and hair follicles provide the brain with information as to touch, temperature, pain, and more. When integumentary disorders affect nerve cell function, individuals may face higher risks of injury and infection, as their detection systems are compromised.

Types of Integumentary System Disorders

Integumentary system disorders range from mild to life-threatening. They may be brought on by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or sudden external trauma (such as in a motor vehicle accident). Individuals may inherit genetic predispositions that contribute to integumentary system disorders. All of these factors, and more, may combine as comorbidities towards an integumentary system disorder.

Whether you have been injured as a result of an accident, or are navigating a hereditary issue, you may be eligible for long-term disability benefits if your disorder prevents you from being able to work. Contact our long-term disability lawyers today to learn more.

Examples of integumentary system disorders include:

  • Severe burns
  • Warts
  • Genetic photosensitivity disorders
  • Cellulitis
  • Psoriasis
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Bullous diseases
  • Sebaceous cysts
  • Ichthyosis
  • Chronic skin diseases
  • And more

Long-Term Disability Coverage for Integumentary System Disorders

Through long-term disability benefits, eligible policyholders may be entitled to receive between 60-70% of their regular income while they focus on their health. If you have already filed an LTD claim, and an insurance company has denied you coverage, you may be eligible for an appeal.

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we prioritize compassionate, results-oriented service that puts our clients’ needs at the forefront. We will ask clarifying questions and strive to provide the clarity you need to make informed decisions. Wherever you are in your LTD claims journey, book a free initial consultation with our long-term disability lawyers today and see how we may be able to help.

Contact Our Ontario Integumentary System Disorders Lawyers Today For a Free Initial Consultation

Navigating an integumentary system disorder can be challenging both on a physical and emotional level. When health issues imperil a person’s ability to work, financial stress may arise as bills continue to accrue. Stress, known to exacerbate skin disease and have adverse impacts on overall health, can cause significant delays in the healing process.

Our long-term disability lawyers may be able to help. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation, and learn more on what may be possible for you.