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Hyperelastic skin - Overview

Alternative Names

India rubber skin

Definition of Hyperelastic skin:

Hyperelastic skin is skin that can be stretched beyond what is considered normal, and then returns to normal.

Considerations:

Hyperelasticity occurs when there is a problem with the production of collagen fibers. Collagen is a type of protein that makes up much of the body's tissue.

Common Causes:

Hyperelastic skin is most often seen in the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. People with this disorder are sometimes referred to as rubber men or women because of the increased elasticity of their skin and joints that can be bent more than is normally possible.

Other diseases that may cause easily stretchable skin include:

  • Marfan syndrome
  • Osteogenesis imperfecta
  • Pseudoxanthoma elasticum
  • Subcutaneous T-cell lymphoma
  • Sun-related changes of older skin
  • Reviewed last on: 10/28/2008
  • Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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