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Don’t fight Elastoderma alone.
Find your community on the free RareGuru App.Elastoderma is a rare condition that affects the skin. People affected by elastoderma generally have increased laxity of skin covering a specific area of the body. Decreased recoil of the skin has also been reported. Although any part of the body can be affected, the skin of the neck and extremities (arms and legs, especially at the elbows and/or knees) are most commonly involved. The exact underlying cause is currently unknown; however, it generally occurs sporadically in people with no family history of the condition. There is no standard therapy available for elastoderma. Some cases have been treated with surgical excision (removal of affected skin), but hyperlaxity of skin often returns following the surgery.
Source: GARD Last updated on 05-01-20
People affected by elastoderma generally have increased laxity of the skin that is localized to a specific area of the body. Skin is often described as lax when it hangs or sags in loose folds and is not stretchy. Affected areas of skin may appear wrinkled. Decreased recoil of the skin has also been reported.
Although any part of the body can be affected, the skin of the neck and extremities (arms and legs, especially at the elbows and/or knees) are most commonly involved.
Last updated on 05-01-20
The exact underlying cause of elastoderma is currently unknown. It is thought to occur when there is an over-production of elastin in a specific area of skin. Elastin is a protein that is a vital component of skin and other connective tissues throughout the body. It serves many roles. For example, elastin provides strength and flexibility to connective tissues; give structural support to organs and tissues such as the heart, skin, and lungs; and helps the skin return to its original position when it is poked or pinched (recoil). It is unclear what causes this increase in elastin synthesis in people affected by elastoderma.
Last updated on 05-01-20
A diagnosis of elastoderma is generally made in people with characteristic signs and symptoms once other conditions that cause similar features have been ruled out. A skin biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
Last updated on 05-01-20
Due to the rarity of the condition, there is no standard therapy available for elastoderma. In some reported cases, the affected skin has been partially excised (removed). However, hyperlaxity of skin often returns following the surgery.
Last updated on 05-01-20
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