US Medical Term · anatomy
Dermis
Dermis
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Dermis |
| Spanish (Español) | Dermis |
| Chinese (中文) | 真皮 |
| Korean (한국어) | 진피 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Trung bì |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Dermis |
| Portuguese (Português) | Derme |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ชั้นหนังแท้ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 真皮 |
What it means
The dermis is the middle layer of your skin, located directly below the epidermis (outer layer) and above the deeper subcutaneous tissue. It is the thickest skin layer and contains collagen and elastin fibers that give skin its strength, firmness, and ability to stretch and bounce back. The dermis also houses hair follicles, sweat glands, oil glands, nerve endings that sense touch and pain, and blood vessels that nourish the skin. Conditions that affect the dermis include eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Burns that reach the dermis are classified as second-degree burns and may cause blistering and scarring if not treated properly.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My skin condition affects the deeper dermis layer, not just the surface.
Mi condición de la piel afecta la capa profunda de la dermis, no solo la superficie.
The doctor said the burn reached the dermis and may leave a scar.
El médico dijo que la quemadura llegó hasta la dermis y puede dejar una cicatriz.
I have a skin biopsy scheduled to check what is happening in the dermis.
Tengo una biopsia de piel programada para ver qué está pasando en la dermis.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026