Thin skin is a problem that can lead to complications, such as bruising and bleeding. Most of the time it's not a sign of anything serious, according to the Mayo Clinic. But it can be a symptom of a condition that needs medical attention. If you have thinning skin, speak to your doctor. He can diagnose any serious cause. And if the thinning skin is caused by no more than aging, he might have some advice for the bruising.
Aging
Aging causes the skin to become thinner, according to the website for the Milton S. Hershey College of Medicine at Pennsylvania State University. The body slowly loses its protective layer of fat beneath the skin. People who are genetically predisposed may experience thinning skin faster than others.
Drug Side Effects
Prolonged exposure to certain medications can cause thinning of the skin. Both oral and topical corticosteroids are not recommended for long-term use because they can trigger Cushing's syndrome, which can weaken the skin and underlying blood vessels. Blood thinners can cause the skin to thin, as well.
Medical Disorders
Medical disorders in addition to Cushing's syndrome can cause thinning of the the skin. Amyloidosis, a disease in which proteins are abnormally deposited in organs and tissues, can cause thinning skin and bruising, as well as additional symptoms. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, an inherited connective-tissue disorder, can result in fragile skin, as well as slow wound healing and easy bruising.
Sun Damage
People who do not protect themselves from the sun's harmful rays will experience more dramatic skin damage than those who do, according to Penn State's Milton S. Hershey College of Medicine. The sun breaks down the elastin and collagen in the skin. Over time, this loss results in the skin being less elastic, more fragile and thinner.
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