Yoichiro Hayashi

Light and scanning electron microscopic studies on wrinkles in aged persons' skin

Wrinkles in six aged persons (67–82 years of age) have been investigated by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). There are two types of wrinkles. One is a deep wrinkle which develops on the sun‐exposed skin and does not disappear on stretching (permanent wrinkle). The LM and SEM showed less elastotic change in the upper dermis in the area of wrinkle than in that of the surroundings. The other type is a shallow wrinkle which develops on sun‐protected skin and disappears on stretching (temporary wrinkle). The LM and SEM showed the decrease or loss of the elastic fibres in the papillary dermis as seen in ageing skin.

PROGRESSIVE SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS ASSOCIATED WITH CUTANEOUS AMYLOIDOSIS

A 43‐year‐old woman presented with a 3‐year history of Raynauds phenomenon and a six‐month history of numbness in both arms. Sclerosis was noted on the entire body surface. The skin of the face was smooth and the lips were constricted (Fig. 1). The fingers and hands were atrophic and sclerotic, and full extension of the fingers and metacarpal joints was impossible (Fig. 2). There was pigmentation on the dorsal aspect of the hands. From the nape to the upper back, pruritic wavy, rippled or reticular pigmented macules in addition to sclerosis were noted (Fig. 3). Other parts of her skin did not show such a wavy pigmentation. Physical examination revealed no specific findings in the lung, heart, and abdomen. Neurologic examination was unremarkable. Motor function including muscle tonus was normal.