Anatomy of the dermis
The dermis consists of two layers – on the one hand, the papillary layer (also called papillary stratum or stratum papillare) and on the other hand, the braided layer (stratum reticulare). The papillary layer lies directly on the epidermis and is firmly connected to it. This connection is formed by the papillae, or cones, which protrude into the epidermis.
This creates the tear resistance of the skin. The papilla layer is equipped with blood vessels (capillaries) that also supply the epidermis with nutrients. In addition, the dermis contains touch receptors (so-called Meissner’s touch corpuscles), which are decisive for tactile perception.
They are found in particularly high numbers in the fingertips. The braided layer is located under the papillary layer and thus adjoins the subcutis. It consists of firm, irregularly arranged connective tissue and contains collagen and elastic fibers as well as blood vessels, fatty tissue, hair follicles, nerves, sebaceous glands and sweat glands.
The connective tissue fibers are interwoven in a net-like manner, which is how this skin layer got its name. The combination of collagen and elastic fibers makes the dermis stretchy and tear-resistant. The thickness of the dermis varies depending on the region of the body and therefore the strain on it.
Parts of the body that are less protected and subject to severe stress, such as the soles of the hands or feet, can have a dermis thickness of up to 2.4 mm. Extremely thin areas of leather skin and thus also very sensitive body zones are for example the eyelid or the penis. Here the dermis is only 0.3 mm thin.
Diseases: What is inflammation of the leather skin?
A leather dermatitis is also called dermatitis and is a very general statement, as leather dermatitis is usually specified further. It is therefore a collective term that describes all inflammatory changes of the skin that are associated with eczema. Only punctiform parts of the body or large areas or the whole body can be affected.
The inflammations can occur only for a short period of time, be long lasting or also in the context of other diseases. An allergy as a trigger should also always be considered.In most cases, those affected are under great pressure of suffering, as the inflammation cannot be hidden from their fellow men and usually leads to rejection. The cause of dermatitis can be manifold and is often a combination of many different causes.
Nevertheless, there are certain symptoms that are very similar or even run the same way in all forms of dermatitis. Particularly noteworthy is the characteristic eczema, which usually leads to redness, itching or burning of the skin; it can also appear in the form of nodules or blisters, causing swelling, incrustation or wetness. In order to be able to make an exact diagnosis or find a cause of the dermatitis, it is necessary to examine the eczema very carefully, as well as to observe when and how it changes and to question the patient in detail.
