Loose Skin (Cutis Laxa) Associated With Systemic Abnormalities

Abstract

CUTIS LAXA—dermatomegaly (large skin), dermatolysis (loosening of the skin), dermatocholosis (loose skin), chalazoderma (lumping skin), and other terms are applied to various disorders in which the skin is loose and has lost its elasticity. The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is often considered in relation to these conditions, but in this condition the skin is hyperelastic, and a pinched up fold quickly recoils when released. Loose skin can be localized, as for example to the face, or generalized. In both cases it may occur in infancy or may develop in adult life, and it may follow a skin eruption or arise without any apparent skin or general disorder. Generalized loose skin in the adult is a rare condition, and it is the purpose of this paper to describe a patient who has been observed over a period of 14 years and to demonstrate that apart from the skin there are systemic changes including