elastosis

Elastosis is a histopathological term used to describe abnormal accumulation or degeneration of elastic fibers (elastin) within connective tissue. It is not a disease itself but a feature of various conditions, often related to aging, sun exposure, inflammation, or certain genetic disorders.

The most common form in humans is solar elastosis, also called actinic elastosis, a sun-induced degeneration of dermal connective tissue. Chronic ultraviolet exposure leads to degradation of collagen and deposition of coarse, intertwined, basophilic elastic fibers in the dermis, producing thickened, yellowish, wrinkled skin on sun-exposed sites. Histologically, elastin fibers appear thickened and fragmented, with changes in the collagen matrix.

Elastosis can also occur in other tissues or as part of specific disorders, such as elastosis perforans serpiginosa, in which abnormal elastic fibers are transepidermally eliminated. In some tumors and scar tissue, focal elastosis may be observed. Diagnosis relies on histological examination with special stains for elastic fibers (e.g., Verhoeff-Van Gieson). Management of solar elastosis centers on sun protection; cosmetic improvements may be achieved with retinoids or laser therapies. The term encompasses a range of conditions rather than a single disease.