Wrinkles due to idiopathic loss of mid-dermal elastic tissue

Widespread areas of fine wrinkling of the skin had been noted for 2 years by a 42-year-old healthy white woman. Histological study disclosed a selective absence of elastic tissue strictly limited to the mid-dermis of the involved areas. It was postulated that an antecedent urticarial process may have led to such a specific zonal destruction of elastic tissue. The elastolytic process did not change or extend, and no urticarial lesions were seen during a year of observation.