Shall we learn about the secret layer beneath our skin (Hypodermis)?

Have you ever thought that our skin is just a thin layer that we can see on the surface? Our skin is actually a very amazing and complex organ. It has three main layers. We only see the top layer. But today we are going to talk about the deepest layer, which is very important for our body. This is what we call the hypodermis or subcutaneous tissue in medicine.

So what are these three main layers of skin?

Let's understand this very simply. Imagine that our skin is like a three-layer cake.

• Epidermis: This is the top layer that we can see. It's like the icing on a cake. It protects our body from germs and dirt from the outside.
• Dermis: This is the middle layer. This layer contains many things, such as our sweat glands, hair follicles, and nerve endings.
• Hypodermis: This is the deepest layer we're talking about today, the one underneath. This is what connects the two upper layers to the muscles and bones inside our bodies.

What is the actual function of the Hypodermis?

This bottom layer serves our body in no small way. It performs several important functions.

• Attachment: Simply put, this is the glue that "sticks" our skin to the muscles and bones inside our bodies. Without it, our skin wouldn't be attached to our bodies.
• Temperature regulation (Insulation): This layer is like a blanket wrapped around our body. It reduces the loss of body heat and protects us from the cold. The fat layer in this layer helps with this task.
• Protecting the body: Imagine you fall somewhere. Then the organs and muscles inside our body are not easily damaged because this Hypodermis layer acts like a 'shock absorber'. Also, it is because of this that the tissues under our skin can move smoothly. Otherwise, the skin would rub directly on the muscles.
• Energy storage: This hypodermis layer contains fat cells, called adipocytes. These cells store the energy our body needs as fat. When we don't have enough food, the body uses this stored energy.

What does this Hypodermis layer contain?

This layer is not just a lump of fat. It contains many things that are essential for our body. Let's see what they are.

Is the thickness of the hypodermis the same everywhere?

No. The thickness of this layer varies in different parts of our body. It is determined by our genes and hormone levels.

• In bodies with high levels of testosterone (usually in men), this layer tends to be thicker in the abdomen, arms, lower back, and shoulders.
• In bodies with high levels of the hormone estrogen (most often in women), this layer thickens in the buttocks, hips, and thighs.

Also, in places like the eyelids and genitals, this layer is very thin, less than a millimeter. But in places like the stomach and buttocks, it can be more than 3 centimeters thick.

What conditions affect the hypodermis?

There are several diseases and problems that also affect this deeper layer.

• Bedsores: Wounds that occur when patients stay in the same position for a long time due to reduced blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues.
• Hypothermia: A dangerous drop in body temperature. This condition can occur when the hypodermis is unable to maintain body heat.
• Panniculitis: This is an inflammation of the fatty layer of the hypodermis. This can cause painful lumps under the skin.
• Third-degree burns: Severe burns that damage all three layers of skin.
• Tumors: Cancerous or normal growths that form in this layer.
• Sarcoidosis: A condition caused by the accumulation of inflammatory cells (granulomas) in various organs of the body. It can also affect the skin.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

If there is a problem with your Hypodermis, you may experience symptoms like these. You should be aware of these.

• Dark spots or bumps that change the shape or color of the skin.
• Decreased blood flow to a part of the skin (the area becomes cold, blue).
• Wounds that are so deep that the underlying tissue is visible, and do not heal.
• Decreased sweating.
• Painless, white or burnt black skin.

If you see something like this, see your doctor immediately.

What can we do to keep this deck healthy?

There are a few simple things we can follow to protect this important layer of our skin.

1. Clean the wound thoroughly: Even if it's a small wound, wash it thoroughly with soap and clean water. Then apply something like petroleum jelly (Vaseline™) and cover it with a clean bandage. This will prevent germs from entering.

2. Protect your skin from the sun: The harsh sun in our country is very harmful to the skin. When going out, use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. If possible, wear long-sleeved clothing and hats.

3. Avoid burns: Keep your water heater temperature below 48-50 Celsius (120 Fahrenheit). Use the back burner when cooking as much as possible. Keep chemicals and matches out of reach of children.

4. Keep your body warm: Wear warm clothes when in cold weather or in heavily air-conditioned places. If you feel cold, do something like moving your body or doing some light exercise.