What Causes Thin Skin?

As we age, our skin thins. We lose the fatty layer that safeguards our blood vessels against injury. When our skin becomes thin, it also becomes fragile and can tear easily.

Sun

According to Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson of the Mayo Clinic, if you've had too much sun exposure over the years, this is going to cause your skin to become frail and exacerbate the loss of elasticity. The sun breaks down elastin fibers and collagen in the dermis, the deep layer of skin. Both elastin and collagen are what keep our skin taut when we are younger.

Medication

Be aware that medicines that you are taking can affect your skin. If you have been using topical corticosteroids or taking them orally for a long time, this weakens not only the skin but the blood vessels. Steroid use, whether taken orally or applied topically, can result in a bruising condition that typically occurs on the forearms and backs of the hands.

Disorders

If you are suffering from bleeding disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or amyloidosis, this can wreak havoc on your skin.

Purpura

Older people sometimes suffer from a condition called actinic purpura or Bateman's purpura or solar purpura, according to Aocd.org. The slightest bump can cause egregious bruising to the skin. The bruise can last for months. The blotches, which are flat, start out red and then turn purple and get even darker before they eventually fade. This happens to skin that is thin and flimsy and which may be the result of years of sun exposure or because the elderly person is taking an anti-coagulant (blood thinner), aspirin (which is a blood thinner) or drinking too much.

Hyperthyroidism

According to the Cleveland Clinic, hyperthyroidism can result in thin skin. Hyper (fast) thyroidism means that your thyroid is overactive and producing and releasing more hormones than you need.

Precautions

Dr. Gibson explains that an individual who has thin skin needs to take precautions to protect her skin, such as keeping her skin well moisturized at all times. If you're going to be out in the sun, wear a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 and cover up with long sleeves and long pants.

References

• Mayo Clinic
• Aocd.org