Page 45 - VI DERM BOOK COM (002)_FINAL

ANATOMICAL & PHYSIOLOGICAL
differences

Our skin contains the same structure regardless of
location with the key functions of protecting our bodies
from external factors, regulating our body temperature,
and providing sensory information. Initially, we must first
determine the type of skin we will be treating on the body.
Two types of skin structure exist on the human body: thick
skin and thin skin. Anatomic differences exist in these two
types of skin and are delineated in the graphic below. Most
body peeling will be done on thin skin except for the feet
and heels, which fall into the thick skin category.

From epidermal thickness to overall healing time,
understanding the anatomical differences will aid in
providing safe and effective body peels for patients.

FEATURE THIN SKIN THICK SKIN

1. Distribution All parts of the body except Palms, palmar surface of digits,
palms, palmar digits, soles soles

2. Epidermal thickness 0.10-0.15 mm 0.6-4.5 mm

3. Epidermal strata Lack stratum lucidum, thinner s. Thick s. lucidum, spinosum,
spinosum and s. corneum corneum

4. Epidermal ridges Lacking due to poorly developed Present due to well-developed or
or fewer dermal papillae numerous dermal papillae

5. Hair follicles Present Absent

6. Sebaceous glands Present Absent

7. Sudoriferous gland Fewer More numerous

8. Sensory receptors Sparser Denser

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