Elastotic degeneration. A light and electron microscopic study.

The formation of elastotic material in the dermis of the exposed skin of elderly persons, and of two younger patients with manifestations of precocious degeneration, was studied by light and by electron microscopy. Initially fine filaments or apparently granular material, or both, appeared around collagen fibres, which were mildly altered. On the exposed sites there was gradual loss of matrix and striation of the collagen forming an amorphous substance in which scattered, optically dense material appeared. Several appearances were common to all subjects.