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Arrugas - Overview

Definición:

Son pliegues en la piel.

Consideraciones generales:

La mayoría de las arrugas están asociadas con los cambios en la piel por el envejecimiento. El envejecimiento de la piel y de sus estructuras (cabello y uñas) es un proceso natural y nada puede hacerse para reducirlo, pero sí existen muchos factores ambientales que lo aceleran.

La exposición frecuente a los rayos solares provoca la aparición de arrugas prematuras en la piel, aumenta su pigmentación (manchas por la edad) e incrementa igualmente las posibilidades de desarrollar cáncer en la piel. La exposición al humo de cigarrillo también es otro de los factores ambientales que incrementa la aparición de arrugas en la piel.

Además de las arrugas, otra de las alteraciones que sufre la piel son las manchas por la edad (áreas pigmentadas). Con el proceso de envejecimiento, también se presentan cambios en el cabello y en las uñas, incluyendo el encanecimiento, la pérdida de cabello y la fragilidad de estas últimas.

Causas comunes:

Las causas comunes de las arrugas abarcan:

  • Influencias genéticas (familia)
  • Cambios normales en la piel por el envejecimiento
  • Tabaquismo
  • Exposición al sol
  • Reviewed last on: 10/28/2010
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Referencias

Habif TM. Light-related diseases and disorders of pigmentation. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 19.

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