Ecchymosis during prolonged steroid therapy is most likely due to the fragmentation of elastic staining fibers, the elastotic degeneration of the collagen fibers, and their absence in the pericapillary spaces as a result of corticosteroids.
WINER LH, KLING DH, LEVIN GH. Ecchymosis in Arthritis Patients on Prolonged Corticosteroids: A Histologic Study. Arch Dermatol. 1962;86(5):654–662. doi:10.1001/archderm.1962.01590110090012
© 2022
Coronavirus Resource Center
Customize your JAMA Network experience by selecting one or more topics from the list below.