Thin skin causes the surface of the skin to be fragile. When a person has thin skin, she is more likely to experience tears and bruises when she bumps up against something. Thin skin is typically not a sign of a serious medical condition, according to the Mayo Clinic, but you should speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are steroid medications that are typically used to treat inflammation and are administered orally and topically. When used in excessive amounts, the drugs may cause the blood vessels to become constricted and weaken the skin. Once symptoms improve, you are typically advised to stop usage of corticosteroids to prevent skin thinning from occurring. Overuse of corticosteroids is linked to causing Cushing's syndrome, a disease that includes thin skin as one of its symptoms. Other signs of Cushing's syndrome are fatigue, weak muscles, increased thirst and mood changes.
Aging
As you age, it is normal for the skin to thin and weaken. The outer protective layer of fat is lost as you age and makes your blood vessels more vulnerable for injury. Hereditary has an effect on how likely you are to experience thinning skin as you age.
Sun Damage
Over time, exposure to the sun is responsible for breaking down collagen and elastin in the skin. The loss of these fibers thins out the skin and makes the area more prone to injury. To prevent this from occurring, sun block and protective clothing pieces should be worn while outdoors.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a rare disease that is caused by a group of genetic mutations that affect collagen in the body. Collagen is responsible for the strength and maintaining the structure of the skin. Besides thin and weak skin, other symptoms of this disease include double jointedness, easy bruising, joint pain and joint dislocation.
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