Thin skin: What causes it?

My mother is 85 years old. Her skin is so thin that if she bumps against something, her skin tears open. What causes this? Is there anything we can do counteract this effect.

- Carol / Illinois

Answer

Fragile or thin skin that tears easily is a fairly common problem, especially in older adults. Several factors may contribute to thin skin:

• Aging. With increasing age your skin becomes thinner and loses some of the protective fatty layer that helps cushions your blood vessels against injury.
• Sun exposure. Excessive sun exposure breaks down collagen and elastin fibers in the deep layer of your skin (dermis). Over time, your skin loses elasticity and becomes more fragile.
• Genetics. Genetics may play a role in making skin more fragile as well as more susceptible to sun damage.
• Side effect of medication. Certain medications, such as long-term use of oral or topical corticosteroids, can weaken skin and the blood vessels in skin.
• Certain medical conditions — such as amyloidosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or bleeding disorders — can affect skin.

Thin skin isn't necessarily a sign of a serious underlying medical condition but should be evaluated by a doctor to determine its cause. To protect thin skin and prevent tears and cuts:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
• If you must be outside in the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
• Keep skin well moisturized and protected by using a quality moisturizing cream, such as Vanicream, Cetaphil or Eucerin.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

• Easy bruising: Common as you age
• Aging: What to expect as you get older