Vitiligo Education: What is the skin exactly?
As someone serious about vitiligo investigation. There is no option but to understand the skin well. At first it may seem easy to do but quickly the individual realises how complex and nuanced the skin is. This article looks at the very basics of the skin which we go deeper into in our education collection.
1. Epidermis: Layer 1. The first layer of the skin is the epidermis. This is the outer part that you can see and touch. The part where the white marks appear. This layer acts as a waterproof shield and defence line against bacteria and viruses. Interestingly it does not have its own blood supply and depends on the other layers to supply nutrients. Additionally it is constantly shedding skin cells and replacing them with new ones.(something to think about for vitiligo)
2. Dermis: Layer 2. This is the second layer. It is a thick layer because it contains blood vessels, nerve endings, hair follicles, sweat glands and oil glands. It allows you to feel things and keep your skin alive. It also contains collagen and elastin which are the proteins that give skin its strength, structure and stretchiness.
3. Hypodermis: Layer 3 This is the deepest layer. It is made of fat and connective tissue. It connects the other skin layers to muscles and bones and also absorbs shock to protect internal organs.
Each these three layers need to be understood deeper and with a clear intention to link and connect vitiligo to the skin building process.
