Types of Atrophy

Fat atrophy is the loss of fatty tissue in a localized area of the body. Also known as lipoatrophy or lipodystropohy, it can cause pitting, scarring, and bumps. A number of things can cause fat atrophy, and there are treatments available for cases where it becomes an aesthetic problem. Doctors also monitor patients for signs of fatty tissue loss, as they can indicate adverse reactions to medications or an increase in the severity of an underlying medical condition.

Atrophy in old age is especially noticeable in the skin, characteristically flat, glossy or satiny, and wrinkled. The atrophy is caused by aging changes in the fibres of the true skin, or dermis, and in the cells and sweat glands of the outer skin.

The main reason for muscle wasting is a lack of physical activity. This can happen when a disease or injury makes it difficult or impossible for you to move an arm or leg. A symptom of atrophied muscles... Read More. Muscle atrophy is when muscles waste away. The main reason for muscle wasting is a lack of physical activity.

Skin atrophy is a thinning of the upper layers of skin, causing them to be more fragile and prone to tears and ulcerations. Underlying structures like blood vessels, bone, and fat can also become more pronounced and visible.

Chemical-induced atrophy. Cases of atrophy resulting from chemical injury are not common. In chronic arsenic poisoning, however, degenerative changes occur in peripheral nerves, resulting in weakness and atrophy in the tissues (usually legs or arms) to which the nerves are distributed.

Whole body atrophy Atrophy in general is related to changes in nutrition and metabolic activity of cells and tissues. A widespread or generalized atrophy of body tissues occurs under conditions of starvation, whether because food is unavailable or because it cannot be taken and absorbed because of the presence of disease.