‘Dermatoporosis’ is a term proposed 15 years ago to describe an extreme cutaneous insufficiency/fragility syndrome beyond cosmetic aspects. Individuals suffering from this condition are usually elderly, with a history of chronic sun exposure and/or chronic topical or systemic corticosteroid use. The preliminary clinical aspect is skin atrophy, which may be complicated by skin tears and deep dissecting haematoma, a severe complication of dermatoporosis that requires immediate medical attention. We reviewed the literature on dermatoporosis in the PubMed and CINAHL databases from 2006 to 2022 and present here the current knowledge about this emerging skin condition with potential molecular mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets.

Background

Dermatoporosis is a particular form of skin atrophy/ fragility proposed for the first time in 2007. It has a clear link not only to skin tears, but also to deep dissecting haematomas and pressure ulcers in older adults.

Aim

To review the literature published on the subject since its first description.

Method

A literature search between 2006 and May 2022 using the keyword ‘dermatoporosis’ was performed on PubMed and CINAHL databases.

Findings

A total of 46 papers were identified in the initial search. They describe different aspects of dermatoporosis. From an epidemiological perspective, some papers report its prevalence to be around 30% among elderly hospitalised subjects. Beyond the usual clinical features of dermatoporosis (purpura, pseudoscars, skin tears and deep dissecting haematomas), some papers statistically link dermatoporosis to osteoporosis and pressure ulcers. Other studies describe the histological aspects and molecular mechanisms of dermatoporosis.

Implications for clinical practice

These observations should help clinicians to identify patients at risk of developing dermatoporosis and al low them to benefit from global prevention. For those patients already showing the clinical complications of dermatoporosis, an understanding of the underlying process should lead to a better patient care.