What effect can long-term corticosteroid use have on the skin?

Long-term corticosteroid use can lead to fragile skin due to the medication's effects on the dermis and epidermis of the skin. Corticosteroids work by suppressing inflammation, but they also inhibit the synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycans, which are critical components that maintain skin structure and integrity. With prolonged use, the skin can become thinner and more susceptible to injuries, bruising, and tearing, which manifests as fragility. This condition, often referred to as steroid atrophy, reduces the skin's ability to withstand mechanical stress and repairs, making it more fragile.

While the other options present potential outcomes associated with skin health, they do not accurately reflect the consequences of long-term corticosteroid use. Increased elasticity and improved healing potential are generally not associated with corticosteroid use, as these medications typically compromise the healing process and the structural properties of the skin. Increased melanin production could occur in various conditions but is not a direct consequence of prolonged corticosteroid use. Thus, fragile skin is the most accurate representation of the dermatological effects of long-term corticosteroid treatment.