Steroid atrophy presents as thinning of the skin and results from exposure to corticosteroids. Generalized thinning can occur as the result of long-term oral or inhaled steroid use. Localized thinning occurs following the direct application of topical agents to the skin. Steroid atrophy can be seen as early as 1 week after starting superpotent topical steroids under occlusion and as soon as 2 weeks with less potent agents. Atrophied skin may also be found over areas where intralesional steroids have been injected. Rapidly growing adolescents are at high risk for developing these skin changes. Weight lifters commonly develop these lesions. Striae can also occur in thinned skin.

This condition is also observed with increased endogenous production of glucocorticoids, such as in Cushing disease.