Elastosis and Its Possible Treatments

There is another kind of skin disorder which is rare and is called elastosis perforans serpignosa (EPS).  This happens when an abnormal elastic tissue fiber oversteps from the inner layer of the skin (papillary dermis) to the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).  The person is said to have this skin disorder when the outer layer of the skin makes out the abnormal elastic tissue as a foreign object.  As it is inflammation happens.

EPS generally materializes in adults with ages ranging from 20 to 30 years of age.  Rarely seen in early childhood or late in life.  It attacks more males than females.  The cause of the elastic tissue defect is unknown but may also be caused by genetic abnormality or a spin-off of other medication. 

This certain form of skin disorder is characterized by a cluster of small reddish bumps and itchy skin.  The bumps measure up to 2-5 mm in diameter.  They are a grouping of linear, circular or snake-like patterns.  The center of the cluster may be scaly plug or crusty.  Elastosis perforans serpignosa is usually arranged in clusters on the sides of the nape, face or arms.  The skin disorder has not been established as contagious. 

There are three forms identified so far.  The idiopathic EPS, the origin is not known and ahs been said to be genetic.  Reactive EPS which is associated with other inherited disorders like the Down syndrome, Ehler’s Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome.  And EPS which is due to side effects of medications.  This affects 1% of people treated with D-penicillamine. 

Elastosis perforans serpignosa (EPS) is depicted as a form of granulomatous inflammation that shows a rare way for removing elastic tissue from the area of involvement.  The skin reacts to the risk by attacks from foreign substances such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, silica and misplaced inherent tissue elements such as hair.  With the inflammation the normal connective tissue is destroyed.  The ensuing process of destruction is carried away to the channels most specially the skin.

The repair process follows with the development of new blood vessels especially in tissues where circulation has been impaired by the trauma it got from the disease.  This may take sometime but it can be done.  Fibroid treatment is plausible once the root or the cause of the skin disorder has been diagnosed.

Treatment options would depend on the cause and gravity of the condition.  But no cure has been established.  Generally the skin disorder all of a sudden resolves without complications after a few years through neovascularization or fibrosis.  But generally treatment of Elastosis perforans serpignosa is difficult and most methods are reported to have limited success.   Successful treatments include cellophane tape stripping, electrodessication, and curettage, cryotherapy, glycolic acid, flashlamp pulsed dye, erbium and carbon dioxide laser. 

There is a wide assortment of treatments.  The choice would normally depend on what is applicable depending on the cause end severity of the condition.  To the question, if it can be treated, the answer is yes.