Long-term corticosteroid use can lead to subclinical elastosis, causing skin thinning and weakening. This damage begins deep in the skin, affecting elastic fibers and fibroblasts. High-resolution imaging tools can detect early elastin damage, and softer skin may indicate early signs of damage. Antioxidants and growth factors are potential treatments, with tretinoin and rapamycin showing promise in preventing steroid-induced thinning. Early detection and regular monitoring are essential to intervene before permanent damage occurs.

Source: Dermis