Dermatology >>>> Skin atrophy - causes, signs and treatment

Skin atrophy - causes, signs and treatment.

Skin atrophy is an irreversible process of changes (degeneration) of connective tissue, complete or partial destruction of elastin and collagen fibers.

The skin consists of several layers of cells, each of which performs specific functions: connective, protective or trophic. Violation of the cellular structures of any of the layers leads to pathological changes in the appearance of the skin. Age-related changes, many skin diseases of various etiologies initiate the onset of atrophic changes. Treatment of skin diseases aggravates the processes of skin atrophy, and ignoring the rules of good nutrition, not adhering to the regimen of fluid intake adds to the existing problems also the early wilting of the skin.

Inappropriate use of topical glucocorticosteroid preparations causes great damage to the skin. These drugs block the natural processes of regeneration and restoration of elastin and collagen fibers, relieving inflammation, at the same time thinning the epidermis, and affecting the vitality of connective tissue. Often skin atrophy is associated not only with thinning, but also with thickening of the skin. This occurs due to excessive proliferation of connective tissue cells (idiopathic skin atrophy).

What does skin atrophy look like? Unlike diseases of other organs, skin atrophy is visible to the naked eye, even to a non-professional. Nutritional dysfunction, destruction of subcutaneous fat, degenerative changes in the quantitative and qualitative composition of connective tissue fibers (elastin and collagen) lead to typical signs of skin atrophy:

thinning of the skin,
the acquisition of a translucent appearance by the skin, through which protruding blood vessels are clearly distinguishable,
reducing the elasticity and firmness of the skin (wrinkles and sagging),
increased reaction to mechanical and chemical irritants (inflammation, peeling),
a change in the color of the skin.

There is no definite treatment for skin atrophy, except for the abolition of those drugs that inhibit and block the natural processes of skin cell regeneration, as well as adherence to a balanced diet and drinking regimen.