Sun-elastic

Last Updated: 2023-07-07

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: EJ20.0

  • Solar elastosis
  • Elastosis solaris
  • Elastosis senilis
  • Senile elastosis
  • Actinic elastosis

  • Degeneration of the collagen fibres with consequently increased wrinkle formation and irregular pigmentation.

  • occurs exclusively in lighter skin types.
  • Older people.

  • UVA/ UVB/IR radiation all seem to have a causative effect. There is a release of oxygen radicals (singlet oxygen, superoxide anion/ hydroxyl radical) and indirectly increased synthesis of metalloproteinases, which lead to destruction of structural proteins, disturbances of connective tissue metabolism and destruction of existing collagen.

  • Wrinkling (age wrinkles) and pigmentation (lentigo solaris) occur in the area of UV-exposed areas.

Anamnesis

  • Clinic

  • Atrophic epidermis
  • Missing subepidermal elastica
  • Degenerated, basophilic, bulbous connective tissue fibres which stain like elastic material

Light protection.

  1. Heras JA et al. Bullous solar elastosis. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2007 May;32(3):272-4.
  2. Pui JC, Arroyo M, Heintz P. Linear focal elastosis: histopathologic diagnosis of an uncommon dermal elastosis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2003 Jan;2(1):79-83.
  3. Sellheyer K. Pathogenesis of solar elastosis: synthesis or degradation? J Cutan Pathol. 2003 Feb;30(2):123-7.