What Disease Causes Thin Skin

Helping The Skin And Bones

Dog parents of Cushings pets often notice subtle signs of these ailments. When it comes to alleviating these symptoms of Cushings, a holistic approach may be the gentlest relief for your pooch. Dietary changes and additions can also prove helpful. If the thin skin results in wounds, some salves and essential oil blends are also available to ease your pups discomfort and promote healing.

A Holistic ApproachTreating the skin thickness problem is trickier. However, an overall treatment for Cushings symptoms may help relieve this problem. Traditional chemo drugs like Trilostane have been found to increase the skins vitality after Cushings however, these drugs may also bring a range of negative side-effects. Using a supplement like CushAway may also yield healthier skin by providing relief from plant-based and natural-occurring compounds that impact Cushings at the root cause.

Omega 3 and Calcium for bone healthThe fatty acid Omega 3 is found in supplements, but also in fish. Kibble additions like sardines or anchovies can be a beneficial treat for your dog. Calcium has long been touted as a bone-super food. Surprisingly, many vegetables can be sources of calcium. Then theres yogurt. A double punch of gut health and calcium, topping your dogs food with a dollop may be the healthy treat that packs a big restorative punch.

Professional Treatment Options For Thin Skin

During your consultation at TheDerm, our skin experts can discuss the treatment options available for improving thinning skin. These are the skin improving treatments offered by our skin experts:

• Microneedling: Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that encourages collagen and elastin production. Our microneedling treatment uses gold-tipped needles to create small wounds in the skin. As your skin heals, it appears tighter and firmer.
• Injectables and dermal fillers:Dermal fillers can improve the appearance of thin skin by increasing moisture levels and plumping up the skin.
• Laser resurfacing treatments: You can also try a laser resurfacing treatment to stimulate collagen growth and reduce the visible signs of aging and sun damage. Laser resurfacing treatments use high-intensity beams of light to create micro-wounds on the skin, encouraging skin cell turnover and the formation of healthy skin cells.
• Intense pulsed light : Intense pulsed light is a versatile treatment that can be used on the face, chest, neck, and hands. During an IPL treatment, focused light energy is delivered to the skin. As the light reaches below the surface of the skin, collagen production is stimulated, and your skin appears more youthful.

Doc: When Is Thinning Skin Too Thin

Dear Dr. Roach: I am an active 72-year-old male, who is in pretty good physical condition. I do understand that as you age, your skin thins out and is prone to bruising and blood spots during normal activity. However, I am concerned that the skin on my arms is especially sensitive. My skin tears easily and has ripped off just from the adhesive from a bandage. Is this normal? I am not on any blood thinners. Is there any underlying condition? Is there a way to promote the growth of my skin? It is very embarrassing. It is not the end of the world, but any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.

Anon.

Dear Anon: It is normal to have some thinning of the skin as you age. It comes from a variety of reasons, including sun damage and loss of fat from underneath the skin. I have read that vitamin A-based skin creams, such as Retin-A, can reverse some of these changes, but I wouldnt recommend it for this purpose.

A drop of mineral oil or petrolatum on the bandage will help it be removed easily. You can also use plain gauze and self-adherent wrap .

Dear Dr. Roach: I recently visited my doctor to schedule my blood screenings early in the morning because I would be fasting. She said I dont need to be fasting, that it is a myth. Since when has this change occurred?

J.M.

The A1c level looks at the average sugar over the past two months or so, so fasting does not matter at all for that test.

Dear Dr. Roach: What happens with malabsorption? How is it treated?

M.M.

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Thin Skin: What Is Thin Skin

Skin is naturally thinner on some parts of the body. The skin on the eyelids is only 0.5 millimeters thick, while the skin on the heels can be up to 4 mm thick.

The skin is made up of three layers, each with a different role:

• The hypodermis is the innermost layer, made up of tissue, fat, and sweat glands.
• The dermis is the next layer, which contains the nerves and blood supply.
• The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin, which is a barrier against dirt and bacteria.

Thin skin means that the epidermis is not as thick as it should be. The hypodermis may also have less fat, which results in this layer being thinner, too.

The Best Cure For Thin Skin: Prevention

Once your skin is thin, theres not much you can do to reverse the effects. Prevention is key. UV light doesnt destroy your skin in one day. Its a cumulative effect. That means applying sunscreen to the face, neck, chest, hands, and arms every morning not just the days youll be at the pool.

If youre in your 20s-30s, prevention is critically important. You cant go back and change how well your parents protected you from the sun. But now, its in your control. The amount of damage you get during these decades dramatically affects how your skin turns out.

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How To Thicken Skin

If youre beyond the point of prevention, take heart. All is not lost. Although the process of reversing the changes can be frustrating and expensive, there are several interventions that can help your skin.

First, visit your dermatologist for a consultation on the areas where you see thin skin. Treatments need to be tailored to the area of concern. Creams can help some trouble spots. For the face, Retin-A has been shown to reverse and prevent skin thinning and sun-related changes that come with age. Other areas may require a laser treatment to see results. Fractional Resurfacing Lasers work to stimulate new dermal and collagen growth and improvement.

If youre battling thin skin, you need someone to be honest about what will work. There are plenty of products that claim to rejuvenate thin skin, but few over-the-counter products and supplements for thin skin get results. After seeing the condition of your skin, your dermatologist can help you find something that will make a difference.

No matter where you are in the process, never underestimate the value of preventing further damage. Go ahead and slather on that sunscreen daily to preserve your skin from now on.

The Skinny On Thinning Skin: The Causes And Treatments For Skin Volume Loss

What Causes Thin Skin?How Can I Prevent Thin Skin? Avoid:

• A heart-healthy diet with lots of colorful fruits and vegetables
• Gentle skin cleansing

Are There Treatments for Thin Skin?Alpha-Hydroxy Acid Retinols What Cosmetic Procedures Treat Thinning Skin? MicroneedlingLaser Skin Resurfacing

Proud Partner of the West Dermatology Family of Clinics

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Thin Skin Prevention In Aging Seniors: Best Treatments

Thin skin becomes more prevalent as a person ages, as a result natural aging, sun damage, medication, or lifestyle factors. It is not usually reversible, but there are some ways to protect skin and prevent complications.

Thin skin on the hands is relatively common. However, as a person ages, they may also develop thin, papery skin on their arms and legs. Thin skin bruises more easily.

How To Prevent Skin From Becoming Thinner

Whether youre protecting your skin or trying to prevent further damage, here are the primary ways you can slow down age-related skin symptoms, preserve your youthful glow, and promote healthy skin:

• Wear Sunscreen Avoid this toxic friendship with UV rays by slathering on a nice tinted sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher4, reapplying around every two hours. Avoid prolonged exposure and reapply even more often if youre swimming or sweating.

• Cover Up Whether youre chic or casual, covering up is always in stylesport long pants, long sleeves, and a wide-brimmed hat for good measure. Wear gloves when driving and double up your layers when working outside.

• Enjoy the Shade Try to coordinate your schedule so youre spending the hottest hours of the day indoors or in the shade.

• Implement a Daily Skin Regimen No matter what your age is, moisturizing and daily skincare is key. Give each part of your body the care it deserves by using specialty products for each type of skin texture you have, like in your face, body, and neck and chest areas. If you use face masks, make sure that they are gentle on your skin and dont give you face mask acne.

• Eat Healthy A nutrient-dense diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals can do wonders for your skin thickness and elasticityplus, the rest of your body wont mind either.

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How Can I Naturally Thicken My Thin Skin

Include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. Vitamin E, found in foods such as almonds and avocados, can also support skin health. The fats in these foods may help to keep the skin supple. Drinking enough water helps to keep the skin hydrated.

My Skin Is Getting Thinner As I Get Older: Should I Worry?

How To Thicken Your Skin: Causes & Treatments For Thin Skin

March 14, 2017 by Christopher K. Fuller, MD

Have you ever wished you had a little thicker skin? Not the ability to roll with the punches, rebound quickly, and not let things get to you, but actual thick skin. Skin that doesnt show each bump and bruise, or tear easily, resulting in cuts from even the slightest abrasions.

Thin skin is a common effect of sun exposure and aging, but we can always work toward preventing further damage. Heres your guide to understanding your skins thickness and doing whats necessary to keep it from thinning over time.

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Symptoms Of Thin Skin

If a person has thin skin, it can look more transparent and they might be able to see veins, bones, or tendons more clearly.

Thin skin can be easily damaged. A person may notice that their skin bruises or tears after minor injuries.

A loss of fat from the hypodermis causes the skin to look less plump or full, which can make the skin appear thinner.

Causes of thinning of the skin include:

• Aging is the most common cause of thin skin. Thin skin is a natural part of getting older, alongside furrows and wrinkles, less skin elasticity, and skin that is dry or easily damaged.
• Sunlight plays a significant role in thinning the skin over time. UVA and UVB rays can kill or damage skin cells.
• Smoking and drinking alcohol both speed up skin aging and can contribute to thinning of the skin over time.
• Steroid creams can make the cells in the epidermis smaller. The medication may also affect the tissue connecting skin cells. This can leave the skin looking wrinkled or loose.
• Other medications may cause thinning of the skin as a side effect. This may happen with topical steroids, which people apply directly to their skin. This medication is usually in the form of a cream or ointment and is used to treat skin conditions, such as eczema.

Topical steroids are only likely to cause thinning if a person uses them for an extended period. It is essential to follow instructions on how to use the medication.

What Vitamin Are You Lacking When You Bruise Easily

If youre particularly concerned with rapid bruising on your skin, especially if it takes longer to heal, fear notyour culprit might just be a vitamin deficiency.

Vitamin C has shown to affect collagen production, and a lack thereof could cause easy bruising with longer healing times. Taking a Vitamin C supplement may help keep your body from bruising. A topical serum with arnica and active peptides can also aid in helping bruises heal.

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How Can You Tell If Your Skin Is Thinning

Thin skin on the hands and other parts of the body looks paper-thin and almost transparent. You may be able to see tendons, bones, or veins clearly.

You can easily damage thin skin. So, if your skin bruises or tears after minor injuries, there are chances that you have thin skin.

You will not wake up one day and suddenly realize your skin is thinner. Its a gradual process. If you bruised or got sunburnt earlier, there are higher chances of your skin becoming thin in the future. Scratches and bruises take longer to heal and, at times, bleed more than usual.

Another sign you may have thin skin is if you easily get infections. Your immune response slows down, which causes infections to spread quickly and heal at a slower pace.

SkinKraft Tip

Those with thin skin should keep an eye out for bruises, scrapes, or cuts as they can become infected quickly. Its important to regularly clean and change the dressing to keep the area germ-free.

If aging causes thin skin, theres probably no need to visit a doctor. But if you find many bruises on your skin or anything out of the ordinary, you should get it checked to rule out anything serious.

Wrapping Up

Your skin is at the mercy of many forces as you age – unhealthy habits, harsh weather conditions, and the sun’s UV rays. While it’s not in your hands to control how your skin ages, you can take the right measures to keep it looking youthful and supple.

What Is Thin Skin

Does your skin tear or bruise easily, even with the slightest bump or scratch? Can you see your veins, or even your bonds and tendons, right through your sensitive skin?

Then you most likely have thin skin. But thats ok! Fortunately, there are various ways you can strengthen and protect your skin, even as you age.

A Note on Crepey Skin

Thin skin is slightly different from crepey skin, which is wrinkly and hangs loose in bunches around the face and knees. For more information on what causes this condition and how to treat it, check out our blog post on crepey skin.

Okay, now onto the good stuff.

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Intense Pulsed Light And Photodynamic Therapy

Intense pulsed light is a light-based skin rejuvenation treatment. It focuses a specific wavelength of light onto the skin. IPL is sometimes referred to as a photofacial.

is a more intense light-based treatment. The skin is first covered with a topical photosensitive product.

Both treatments require multiple sessions to see results. Both treatments stimulate the production of collagen, and may help to reduce the visible effects of sun damage. Both IPL and PDT are safe for use on the face, neck, chest, and hands.

Treatments that can be done at home include applying prescription retinoids to your skin and taking supplements.

Injectable Skin And Dermal Fillers

A variety of skin and dermal fillers are available that can fill out the loss of volume in the skin, giving it a plumper and more youthful appearance. While most are used only for the face, some are also used for hand rejuvenation.

Some fillers provide immediate results, which may last up to two years. Other fillers require multiple treatments to produce results that are visible in a few months time. Your doctor will suggest the best fillers for your skins needs.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Scleroderma

In addition to the thickening of skin, the following other symptoms may occur in a person with scleroderma:

• Swelling of the hands and feet
• Red spots on the skin
• Excessive calcium deposition in the skin
• Joint contractures

In addition to these symptoms, 2 other conditionsâRaynaud’s phenomenon and Sjögren’s syndromeâalso affect patients with scleroderma. Approximately 85% to 95% of scleroderma patients experience Raynaud’s phenomenon. However, primary Raynaud’s phenomenon is common and often occurs by itself without any underlying connective tissue disorder. Only 10% of patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon will develop scleroderma.

Sjögren’s syndrome is manifested by dry eyes and mouth. This dryness is due to lack of secretion of tears and saliva as a result of immune damage and destruction of the moisture-producing glands of the body. This condition is named after the Swedish eye doctor, Henrik Sjögren, who first described it. It is seen in approximately 20% of patients with scleroderma.

Systemic Sclerosis And Pregnancy

Women with systemic sclerosis may find it harder to get pregnant and could have a slightly higher risk of miscarriage and giving birth prematurely.

However, if the pregnancy is planned in consultation with a doctor during a period when the condition is stable, there’s no reason why a woman with systemic sclerosis cannot have a successful pregnancy.

Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK has more information about systemic sclerosis and pregnancy.

Page last reviewed: 22 August 2018 Next review due: 22 August 2021

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Eat Foods That Help Collagen Production

Its been shown repeatedly that omega-3 fatty acids are essential for increasing collagen production, and therefore, making our skin stronger and improving the barrier function of our skin. Vitamin C also plays a major role in collagen, and youll find it in foods like broccoli, leafy greens and citrus fruits.

A variety of foods can help your body boost collagen production including: