Is Skin Thinning a Natural Consequence of Aging or a Result of Sarcopenia? A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: It is widely accepted that skin thickness decreases and fragility increases with aging. However, the relationship between skin thickness and sarcopenia, a common condition in the elderly associated with an increased risk of fragility, remains unknown. Objective: We aimed to investigate the presence of skin thinning in sarcopenia patients and explore the relationship between age, sarcopenia, and skin thickness. Methods: This case-control study included a total of 66 individuals (33 individuals with sarcopenia, 33 healthy controls) aged 40 to 80 years. In all patients, total skin (epidermal + dermal) thickness was measured using ultrasound (US) at the leg, hand, forearm, and upper arm. Results: Skin thickness in all regions was significantly lower in patients with sarcopenia compared to controls (all p < 0.05). Controlling for potential confounders, including age, sex, and body mass index, revealed a significant relationship between sarcopenia and skin thickness. Conclusion: Sarcopenia was found to be associated with skin thinning in all regions and BMI is positively correlated only with leg skin thickness. However, age and gender were not found to be associated with skin thickness.