Geriatric Skin Conditions
Ageing results in decline of normal functioning in all organ systems including skin. Two types of skin ageing exist. These are intrinsic ageing, which includes those changes that are due to normal maturity and occur in all individuals and extrinsic ageing, produced by extrinsic factors such as ultraviolet light exposure, smoking, and environmental pollutants. Ageing also causes changes at cellular level. There is a decline in collagen and elastin which causes, wrinkles and loose skin. There is decrease in sweat and oil glands activity also.
Roughened or dry skin:
Due to loss of moisture, skin becomes extremely dry and cracked leading to xerotic eczema.
Treatment
Treatment includes oral and topical medications and use of moisturizers.
Benign growths such as seborrheic keratosis, cherry angiomas, skin tags etc.
These harmless growths are associated with ageing.
Treatment
Treatment includes removal of these by cauterization.
Age spots
These are small brown spots on sun exposed areas.
Treatment
These can be substantially reduced with topical creams.
Loose facial skin, especially around the eyes, cheeks, and jowls (jawline)
Due to reduction in collagen and elastin, there is loss of elasticity giving rise to above changes.
Treatment Includes:
Anti-ageing creams, High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy (HIFU), Dermal Fillers, Botulinum (BTX) Toxin Injections
Transparent or thinned skin leading to easy bruising:
Due to decreased elastin skin gets bruised easily.
Treatment Includes:
These settle down on their own. No specific treatment is necessary.
Increased susceptibility to infections (due to low immunity)
Fungal and bacterial infections are commonly seen. Also bedsores are common in bedridden patients.
Treatment Includes:
Treatment includes oral and topical medications. Regular dressings and cleaning of the wounds.
Skin cancer:
certain types of skin cancer are seen with ageing.
Treatment Includes:
A timely diagnosis can be very critical to the treatment which may include various therapies.
This Conditions Contains…
