Solar Elastosis
Pronunciation: /ˌsəʊlər ˌɛlæˈstəʊsɪs/
A histological change in chronically sun-damaged skin characterised by the accumulation of degraded, basophilic elastic fibres in the upper dermis.
Full Definition
Solar elastosis is the hallmark histopathological finding of photoaged skin, in which UV-induced degradation of collagen and elastic fibres leads to an accumulation of amorphous, basophilic elastotic material in the papillary and reticular dermis. Clinically it manifests as yellowish, thickened, deeply wrinkled skin, particularly on the nape of the neck (cutis rhomboidalis nuchae) and facial areas. It is also a key histological feature used to support the diagnosis of actinic keratosis and lentigo maligna. Editors should note that 'elastosis' refers to the material change in elastic tissue, not to elasticity; these concepts must not be conflated in clinical writing.
Usage
Usage note: 'Elastosis' should not be used to describe loss of skin elasticity (a clinical observation) — it specifically denotes the histological accumulation of degraded elastic tissue.
In Context
- "Haematoxylin and eosin staining revealed marked solar elastosis in the dermis underlying the actinic keratosis." — Histopathology report
- "The term 'elastosis' was used correctly in the submitted manuscript to describe accumulated elastotic material, not reduced skin elasticity." — Peer review editorial note