Connective tissue weakness manifests itself in various, visually more or less visible impairments of a normal and attractive skin appearance. Connective tissue weakness can occur at a young age or only at an advanced age.
What is connective tissue weakness?
Schematic diagram showing the anatomy and structure of the skin with and without cellulite. Click to enlarge. The connective tissue, which, as the name indicates, is affected by connective tissue weakness, is located on various organs of the body. Not only the outer skin envelope, but also many internal organs are characterized by a connective tissue layer. Like all tissue layers of the skin, connective tissue can be affected by increasing sagging and loss of elasticity. The connective tissue cells, which can be damaged in the course of life and by impairments that can hardly be influenced, die, harden and lose their ability to function. A connective tissue weakness is defined by the decreasing supporting and stabilizing effect, which the connective tissue actually has to fulfill. In addition, in the case of connective tissue weakness, the actual sliding and displacement function can no longer be provided to a sufficient extent.
Causes
Within the scope of medical diagnostics, divergent causes are given for connective tissue weakness. First of all, physical changes come into question, which include in particular a strong overweight, a stretching of the skin due to pregnancy and a too low food and fluid intake. Frequently, the skin can no longer compensate for alternating stretches due to the associated constant slackening of connective tissue, resulting in connective tissue weakness. Too little physical exercise as well as normal progressive aging of the skin are also the causes of connective tissue weakness. The strength and stability of connective tissue is determined by the amount of collagen fibers a person has formed in the connective tissue. This characteristic may be genetic and may promote connective tissue weakness. Connective tissue weakness affects both female and male patients and overweight children.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Connective tissue weakness is a condition particularly feared by women and is associated with a number of symptoms that are considered cosmesis. For example, if the surface tissue is no longer properly supported by the conjunctiva, the dreaded orange peel skin (cellulite) develops. In this case, clearly visible dents form in the skin, which are particularly pronounced on the buttocks and thighs. In some women, cellulite is also noticeable on the abdomen or upper arms. In addition to orange peel skin, stretch marks are also a sign of weak connective tissue. The stripes, which are usually bluish at first and fade over time until only a light stripe is visible, are tissue lesions due to overstretching of the skin. The stripes form mainly on the abdomen, hips, thighs and breasts. Neither orange peel skin nor stretch marks, which are usually the result of pregnancy or severe weight fluctuations, are dangerous or painful. However, many patients suffer emotionally and feel disfigured. In these cases, a serious psychological disorder, especially depression, may develop. Severe physical disorders usually only occur when the connective tissue is so weakened that it can no longer hold the internal organs. In these cases, for example, it is possible for a hernia to develop. In a hernia, the abdominal wall can no longer support the gastrointestinal tract, so it eventually leaks out of the abdominal cavity.
Diagnosis and course
An existing connective tissue weakness develops slowly and only shows itself in unsightly changes of the skin in the advanced stage. In addition to the appearance of cellulite, the so-called orange peel skin, connective tissue weakness manifests itself in whitish, bluish or light pink stripes on the skin. These are colloquially known as stretch marks or striae (stretch marks). The skin looks as if it has been torn. If the connective tissue is weak, some sufferers will experience bruising even from minor mechanical causes. Varicose veins also become more or less visible.Since connective tissue weakness affects not only the outer skin envelope, but likewise the embedding of many internal organs, very specific symptoms occur. If connective tissue weakness affects the lungs, eyes, heart and blood vessels, as well as the musculoskeletal system, then organ-related symptoms that severely impair health are typical. It is called Marfan syndrome, which occurs due to a hereditary weakness of connective tissue. Scarring can occur on the internal organs, as a result of which they can no longer ensure their natural physiology in the case of a genetic connective tissue weakness. Congenital connective tissue weakness rarely occurs.
Complications
Cellulite is the best-known symptom of connective tissue weakness. The unsightly dimples occur predominantly in women. Stretch marks are a predominantly visual symptom of connective tissue weakness and occur equally in both women and men. Overstretching of the connective tissue causes irreparable tears in the subcutaneous tissue. These initially have a reddish-blue coloration, which can later fade. Visible, light-colored scars remain. Spider veins and varicose veins affect both women and men. They occur primarily on the legs. They are not only unsightly, but also cause health complications such as itching, heaviness, calf cramps and skin changes. In women, connective tissue weakness combined with weakened pelvic floor muscles can cause sagging of the uterus or vagina after childbirth. Cellulite can be treated superficially with peels and creams. These measures do not bring fundamental relief of connective tissue weakness. Stretch marks can be counteracted with massages during pregnancy. This can reduce the extent, but not completely prevent the stripes. White scars can be reduced with the help of cold therapy or laser application. Varicose veins are treated by surgery depending on the severity. In this procedure, the varicose veins are removed. Recurrence is possible because the connective tissue remains weakened.
When should you see a doctor?
Stretch marks on the skin as well as cellulite can occur at any age and are the most common consequences of connective tissue weakness. These disorders are not dangerous and, from a purely medical point of view, do not need to be treated. The causes are often a genetic disposition, too little exercise, overweight or overstretching of the skin during pregnancy. Although connective tissue weakness is not accompanied by pain, many of those affected suffer mentally from the aesthetic impairment. Women in particular often feel unattractive or even disfigured and develop inhibitions about showing their bodies unclothed. Sometimes even in front of their partner, which can lead to relationship crises. If the weakness of the connective tissue is accompanied by an impairment of the quality of life, those affected should definitely seek advice from a specialist. In many cases, cellulite can already be improved by targeted gymnastics. Stretch marks can be removed or at least reduced by cosmetic surgery. People who suffer emotionally from the aesthetic impairment should not only consult a doctor, but also a psychotherapist. After pregnancy and childbirth, connective tissue weakness can also lead to more serious physical impairments. In particular, in conjunction with overstretched pelvic floor muscles, lowering of the uterus or vagina is possible. In this case, affected women should consult their gynecologist.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment methods for connective tissue weakness are quite limited and can be supported quite significantly by specific individual measures. Basically, connective tissue weakness is a skin disease that requires special medical treatment in case of genetic causes. In the case of an existing Marfan syndrome, a specific therapy can be carried out in such a way that only the symptoms can be treated to a small extent. If only externally visible changes of the skin appearance occur, these can be treated by suitable cosmetic medical and cosmetic interventions. In this context, both skin-tightening surgical or non-surgical procedures and various creams and ointments promise to improve the appearance of the skin.In addition, regular physical exercise and strengthening of the muscles contribute to a reduction of connective tissue weakness. These results are based on an increasing tightening of the connective tissue.
Outlook and prognosis
Many people suffer from a mild form of connective tissue weakness. In women, this is cellulite. Especially the area of the thighs and buttocks are affected. The affected person can counteract this cellulite conditionally through sport, but the connective tissue weakness remains for a lifetime. Varicose veins may form, which should be treated by a doctor. These varicose veins can be treated, but they are not curable. The connective tissue weakness, which affects the whole body, is a disease and is called Marfan syndrome. It is a genetic disease that is not curable. However, progression of the disease can be prevented by specific therapy. This therapy is determined by a physician. In order to avoid late effects caused by Marfan syndrome, the affected person can contribute something himself in addition to the therapy. The affected person should refrain from weight training and other sports or activities that can quickly lead to injuries should also not be performed by the affected person. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is also a disease due to a genetic defect, in which connective tissue weakness occurs. It cannot be treated, the affected person must live with this condition and take similar precautions as the patients suffering from Marfan syndrome.
Prevention
To prevent connective tissue weakness, exercising appropriate muscle groups and procedures that promote blood circulation are useful. In addition, effective skin care, especially during pregnancy, and avoiding obesity can prevent the formation of connective tissue weakness. An adequate intake of fluids can reduce the formation of orange peel skin as a result of connective tissue weakness. Unfortunately, nothing can be done prophylactically against an individual predisposition to connective tissue weakness.
Aftercare
With connective tissue weakness, it depends on the degree, location and extent. Many weaknesses in connective tissue are congenital. They require neither special treatment nor aftercare. However, it is different if the connective tissue weakness is genetically caused and severe. Aftercare measures are useful if severe connective tissue weakness is present together with scoliosis, changes in the heart or impairment of the eye. In this case, the attending physician would have to conclude the so-called Marfan syndrome. In addition, an Ehlers-Danlos syndrome could be present. This is characterized by a striking hyperelasticity of the skin. In other cases, the diagnosis is extended in the direction of homocystinuria. After acute therapies or surgical interventions, follow-up measures focus on the underlying disease. Depending on the results of the examinations, the underlying disease can often be successfully treated, but not the associated connective tissue weakness. Often the possible operations are not promising. The weak connective tissue prevents the feasible surgical success. However, there is an exception: cosmetic breast surgery can be performed even in case of more serious connective tissue weakness. On the whole, the follow-up of diseases with a pronounced connective tissue weakness is rather difficult. The therapy cannot achieve satisfactory results. The cause remains unchangeable. Therefore, the consequences of the connective tissue weakness can also not or not completely be remedied. Only the mild forms of connective tissue weakness cause little need for follow-up care.
What you can do yourself
Connective tissue weakness can be countered in many ways. The earlier you start strengthening the tissue – internally and externally – the greater the chances of success. The body prefers to store waste products of the metabolism in weak connective tissue, which becomes visible as cellulite. In order to minimize this burden, a balanced diet is essential. Acid-forming foods should be avoided and replaced by alkaline-forming foods (fresh fruits and vegetables). An adequate fluid intake of at least two liters – alkaline still mineral water – also improves the structure of the connective tissue.As a supportive measure, a dietary supplement known as alkaline powder can also be taken for a limited period of time. This consists of highly concentrated minerals that are easily utilized by the organism, such as magnesium, calcium and zinc. The body can also be supported homeopathically: with the Schüssler salts number 1 (calcium fluoratum) and number 11 (silicea). They should be taken orally over a longer period of time. Likewise, Schüssler ointments can be applied – especially for stretch marks, cellulite or varicose veins. Oats and millet are also rich in silicon. Naturopathy also recommends products made from horse chestnut for vein problems and wild garlic and horsetail to strengthen connective tissue. Regular exercise reduces excess weight and promotes blood flow to the tissues. To further stimulate blood circulation, alternating warm showers or Kneipp watering and brush massages are also recommended.
