Vitiligo Education: The 2 sublayers of the Dermis
The second layer of the skin has two sublayers called the papillary and reticular layers. As Vitiligo investigators we find it essential to know the ins and outs of each layer.
Papillary layer: This is the top 20% of the dermis. It is located directly under the epidermis and is made up of loose connective tissue. Interestingly this is where the ridges are located that form our unique fingerprints. This layer also has small blood vessels that feed the epidermis.
Reticular layer: This is the bottom 80% of the dermis. It is very dense and thick consisting of a thick network of collagen. This is the layer that gives your skin structure and elasticity which allows the skin to snap back into place when it is stretched. Additionally this is also where hair follicles, sweat glands, oil glands and large blood vessels are stored.
As we age the reticular layer goes through many structural changes which cause the skin to look aged on the surface. This happens through the collagen becoming more fragmented, elastin becoming degraded and a loss of hyaluronic acid.
In terms of Vitiligo there doesn’t seem to be much going on in this layer but that does not mean knowing this information will not be useful and could not lead to future discoveries.
In our education collection we dive deep on each layer and how it relates to vitiligo.
Never stop educating yourself. This is how you will connect the dots!
