Sun elastosis

Last Updated: 2019-08-27

Author(s): Anzengruber, Navarini

  • Actinic keratosis (AK)

  • Degeneration of collagen fibres, resulting in increased wrinkling and irregular pigmentation.

  • Only occurs on lighter skin types.
  • Elderly people.

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

  • Wrinkling (age lines) and pigmentation (Lentigo Solaris) occur in the area of UV-exposed areas. 

Medical history

  • Clinic
  • Atrophic epidermis.
  • Missing subepidermal elastic fibers.

  • Degenerated, basophilic, cloddy connective tissue fibres which colour like elastic material.

Light protection.

Topical retinoids, such as Airol 0.05% Lotio or Adapalen Gel can be tried.

  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.