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| Fig. 59.2 A, Severe solar elastosis. The pale, light blue-gray material in the superficial dermis has largely replaced the normal highly eosinophilic collagen bundles. Also note the loss of the normal rete pegs in the epidermis (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E]). B, Cutis rhomboidalis nuchae. Severe solar elastosis and wrinkling of the posterior neck secondary to sun exposure that clearly demarcates from more–normal-appearing skin that is less sun-damaged. |
Microscopically, the epidermis in aged skin demonstrates flattening of the dermoepidermal junction with loss of the normal rete ridge pattern (see Fig. 59-2A) with fewer melanocytes and Langerhans cells. The dermis demonstrates atrophy with fewer fibroblasts, mast cells, and blood vessels associated with depigmentation of hair, loss of hair follicles, and fewer sweat glands. The amount of collagen, elastin, and ground substance also decreases.
![A, Severe solar elastosis. The pale, light blue-gray material in the superficial dermis has largely replaced the normal highly eosinophilic collagen bundles. Also note the loss of the normal rete pegs in the epidermis (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E]). B, Cutis rhomboidalis nuchae. Severe solar elastosis and wrinkling of the posterior neck secondary to sun exposure that clearly demarcates from more–normal-appearing skin that is less sun-damaged.](images/dermatology_secrets/f59.2_large.jpg)
