Dermis and Desensitization: Difference between pages

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The '''skin''', covering most of the human body, is typically the primary focus for adornment in [[Body modification|body modification]]. As the skin is the body's first defense against the remarkably hostile outside world, it is very tough and the body is extremely good at healing it.  Furthermore, healthy skin has a tensile strength on the order of 15 lb/in², making [[Category:Suspensions|suspension]] and [[Pulling|pulling]] possible.
It has been suggested that some piercings can result in '''desensitization'''. That is, over time, if you get a genital piercing, you could experience less physical sensation, rather than more. This is ''largely'' [[Urban legend|urban myth]] but it can happen due to three main reasons:


== Contents ==
;1. It's not happening
# [[#Structure|Structure]]
: because sensation is usually greatly increased, at least temporarily during the healing period, some people may feel they are experiencing desensitization as their body normalizes and adapts, because they've become acclimated to the enhanced sensations of the fresh piercing.
#* [[#Epidermis|Epidermis]]
#* [[#Dermis|Dermis]]
#* [[#Hypodermis|Hypodermis]]
# [[#Notes|Notes]]


== Structure ==
;2. Nerve damage
On a basic anatomical level, skin is divided up into the ''epidermis'' (the skin that is constantly replacing itself and sloughing off) and the ''dermis'' (essentially permanent). Below that is the ''subcutaneous layer'' (fat cells) or ''hypodermis''.
: in ''very rare cases'' (such as with male penile [[Shaft piercing|shaft piercings]]) it is possible to damage the nerves which transmit all those good feelings to your brain. If this happens, the piercing should be removed, but it is very rare even in extreme piercings. It could happen in other genital piercings, but, even in clitoral piercings, it's almost unheard of.


[[File:Skin-1.jpg|thumb|center]]
;3. Callousing
: the clitoris and the glans of the uncircumcised male have extremely thin skin. Coupled with the nerve density, this makes them extremely sensitive! However, abuse of this skin will cause it to thicken and callous (just like the glans of a circumcised man is far more callous, thick-skinned, and less sensitive). Some people have suggested that body piercings rubbing on the clitoris could do this, but incidents of people actually reporting it are '''exceptionally rare''', and in any case, simple removal of the piercing if it happened should correct the problem.


=== Epidermis ===
All in all, desensitization is not a major risk for any procedures (although some would argue that [[Oversensitization|oversensitization]] is in some cases).
In the diagram above, layers '''A''' and '''B''' make up the epidermis, with '''A''' being the dead skins that line the surface, and '''B''' being living cells that move toward the surface, die, and fall off. Anything that ends up in this layer (such as tattoo ink, shallow piercings, and so on) will eventually be pushed out.


=== Dermis ===
== Entries related to this risk ==
Layer '''C''' is the dermis and is separated from the epidermis by a thin layer of connective tissue called a basement membrane. Stem cells at the top of the dermis seed cells into the epidermis above, but other than that this layer is static and does not exfoliate like the epidermis—thus when [[Tattoo ink|tattoo ink]] is placed in this layer with a [[Tattoo machine|tattoo machine]], it stays for good.  Piercings can migrate up or down given the right pressure, however, and contaminants can be carried away by the immune system.
* [[Clitoral Piercing|Clitoral Piercing]]
 
* [[Hood Piercing|Hood Piercing]]
The dermis is structurally divided into two areas: a superficial area adjacent to the epidermis, called the ''papillary region'', and a deep thicker area known as the ''reticular region''. The papillary region is composed of loose (areolar) connective tissue. It is named for its fingerlike projections called ''papillae'', that extend toward the epidermis. The papillae provide the dermis with a "bumpy" surface that interdigitates with the epidermis, strengthening the connection between the two layers of skin. In the palms, fingers, soles, and toes, the influence of the papillae projecting into the epidermis forms contours in the skin's surface. These are called friction ridges, because they help the hand or foot to grasp by increasing friction. Friction ridges occur in patterns that are genetically determined and are therefore unique to the individual, making it possible to use fingerprints or footprints as a means of identification.
* [[Shaft Piercing|Shaft Piercing]]
 
* [[Hood Splitting|Hood Splitting]]
The reticular region lies deep in the papillary region and is usually much thicker. It is composed of dense irregular connective tissue, and receives its name from the dense concentration of collagenous, elastic, and reticular fibers that weave throughout it. These protein fibers give the dermis its properties of strength, extensibility, and elasticity. Located within the reticular region are also the roots of the hair, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, receptors, nails, and blood vessels.
* [[Circumcision|Circumcision]]
 
=== Hypodermis ===
Below the dermis is the hypodermis ('''D''') made up of loose connective tissue and fat cells.  Deep wounds, such as those caused by a [[Torn Suspension Hook|torn suspension hook]], can expose this layer.
 
== Notes ==
Like the rest of the world, skin contains massive amounts of [[Bacteria|bacteria]], both inside and out. When a person washes their hands, they actually end up with more bacteria on the surface of the hands than before you washed. This is because by sloughing off the outer dead cells, normal flora naturally present in the skin are exposed.  These organisms are largely harmless to the host, but not necessarily to others.

Latest revision as of 02:30, 17 September 2023

It has been suggested that some piercings can result in desensitization. That is, over time, if you get a genital piercing, you could experience less physical sensation, rather than more. This is largely urban myth but it can happen due to three main reasons:

1. It's not happening
because sensation is usually greatly increased, at least temporarily during the healing period, some people may feel they are experiencing desensitization as their body normalizes and adapts, because they've become acclimated to the enhanced sensations of the fresh piercing.
2. Nerve damage
in very rare cases (such as with male penile shaft piercings) it is possible to damage the nerves which transmit all those good feelings to your brain. If this happens, the piercing should be removed, but it is very rare even in extreme piercings. It could happen in other genital piercings, but, even in clitoral piercings, it's almost unheard of.
3. Callousing
the clitoris and the glans of the uncircumcised male have extremely thin skin. Coupled with the nerve density, this makes them extremely sensitive! However, abuse of this skin will cause it to thicken and callous (just like the glans of a circumcised man is far more callous, thick-skinned, and less sensitive). Some people have suggested that body piercings rubbing on the clitoris could do this, but incidents of people actually reporting it are exceptionally rare, and in any case, simple removal of the piercing if it happened should correct the problem.

All in all, desensitization is not a major risk for any procedures (although some would argue that oversensitization is in some cases).

Entries related to this risk

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