Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders, Boils, Burns, Ulcers and More
We think about the surface of our skin, but few people give any thought to the deep layers of their skin. This is until something goes wrong. To get a better understanding we look into the deeper layers of our skin, subcutaneous tissue disorders, symptoms, and how to treat them.
What is Subcutaneous Tissue?
Subcutaneous skin is the deep tissue that lays underneath surface of our skin. It is also known as the hypodermis or superficial fascia.
This tissue is incredibly important as it supports the blood vessels, nerves, and glands in the body. And it connects to the middle layers of the skin as well as the muscles and bones. In effect this protective padding acts as the glue that holds much of our body together.
Treating Deep Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
Just like the top layers of our skin the deep tissue is prone to issues. Due to the subcutaneous tissue being deep it may be difficult to detect and treat such skin disorders.
To gain a better understanding below is a brief overview of the makeup of the skins layers..
3 Layers of Skin
The subcutaneous tissue is part of three major layers of the skin, which are:
- Epidermis: it is the outer layer of the skin
- Dermis: the middle layer of the skin
- Subcutaneous Tissue: is deepest layer of the skin
Importance of Subcutaneous Tissue
The subcutaneous tissue is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Its functionality plays a key role in the overall smoothness of our body’s appearance. The subcutaneous tissue stores fat cell, facilitates the attachment of muscles and bone, helps regulate our bodies temperature and acts as a natural defense for the body.
Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
There are certain medical conditions that interfere with the protective layer of skin. These conditions can range from skin burns to inflammatory disorders and abscesses, tumors, and ulcers.
Skin Burns
Most burns skin burn are superficial and affect the top layers of the skin. But when a burn reaches the subcutaneous layer it is referred to as a third-degree burn. This type of burn not only affects the pain, but it can severely damage the veins and blood vessels.
Dependinging on the degree of burn it can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Third-degree burns are a medical emergency and require prompt medical attention.
Inflammatory Disorders
One example of an inflammatory disorder is Hidradenitis Suppurativa. This is when an area gets inflamed or in some case it may turn into boils in the subcutaneous tissue. When an area such as a boils becomes infected they often require immediate medical care, including draining the area.
Skin Abscess
A skin abscess is described as a pus filled lump beneath the skin. They maybe a result of some kind of bacterial infection or infection after a traumatic injury. In most cases an abscess s medical professional treats an abscess by making an incision and draining the infected area.
Tumor – Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
Some subcutaneous tissue growths are benign, while others may cancerous. In many cases tumors are surgically removed and treated with medication or creams.
Age-Related Skin Conditions
Facial aging is in part caused by the loss of subcutaneous fat in your skin. The loss of subcutaneous fat leads to sagging skin.This is apparent around the chin and neck. And as we age lose saggy skin occurs all over the body, such as under the arms thighs, belly, buttocks and more.
Panniculitis
This disorder covers a group of conditions that cause inflammation in subcutaneous fat. Panniculitis is a variety of painful bumps in a range of sizes under the skin. The condition may result in infection, inflammation diseases, and some other types of connective tissue disorders such as lupus.
Pressure Ulcer and Ulcers in Subcutaneous (Deep Layers Under the Skin)
Another common and painful issue related to the skin is ulcers. And if left untreated ulcers may get infected and lead to serious health conditions. Ulcers can be close to the surface and they can become a problematic subcutaneous tissue disorder.
Obesity and Skin Problems
Anyone can suffer with skin problems, both superficial and deep. However people living with obesity are prone to suffer with a lot of conditions such as ulcers and other skin wounds. Due to extra fat and skinfold moisture causing problems. This can make diagnosis and treatment of skin problems a challenge especially when it is in the subcutaneous tissue.
A few examples of adipose disease may include: Dercum disease, lipedema, familial multiple lipomatosis, and Madelung disease.
In addition there may be conditions that may include cellulite (a structural skin disease), Leprosy, Mastocytosis, and Lipomas.
Common Treatments of Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Include:
Excision of Lesions
In many cases lipoma or other subcutaneous tumor growths is treated with Lesion excision.
Surgical Debridement
This is a treatment often used in the case of third-degree burns and ulcers that affect the subcutaneous tissue layer.
Draining
Deep subcutaneous abscesses can occur when hair follicles become infected. And while some subcutaneous skin conditions can resolve themself other will require specific treatment. Cysts, ulcers and and other issues may by draining them, antibiotics or alternative interventions.
Concluding Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
Anyone can suffer with subcutaneous tissue disorders. This may include ulcers, cysts or other issues under the skin. Though it is impossible to avoid all conditions, there are some measures that may help. If you have a wound treat it immediately. Keep skin clean and remove sweat and watch for ingrown hairs. Ingrown hair may seem innocent enough but they can turn septic and be very painful.
Obesity and Skin Care to Avoid Deep Skin Problems
If you live with obesity it is important to clean under skin folds. In addition perform regular self check ups between visits to a health care specialist. Begin a daily health routine and eat a whole food diet, and take supplements that good skin health.
All of the above will help prevent all types of health issues.