Skin conditions in the elderly

What is elderly pruritus?

Pruritus is defined as an unpleasant sensation of the skin that provokes the urge to scratch. When severe, it can interfere with work, sleep and daily activities of living. Pruritus is one of the most common skin complaints in the elderly .

What are some common skin disorders?

The 9 Most Common Skin Disorders, Diseases, & Conditions Acne . Fifty-million Americans are affected by acne annually, making it the most common skin condition in the U.S. Acne often appears on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back. Cold Sores. Hives . Rosacea . Eczema . Psoriasis . Keratosis Pilaris . Melanoma.

What causes skin discoloration in the elderly?

Aging skin becomes more avascular and thus more marked by pallor. Long-term sun exposure produces a number of pigmentary changes, including idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (which manifests as angular or circular, usually well-circumscribed, white or gray macules) and lentigines (commonly referred to as “liver spots”).

What are the integumentary disorders abnormal conditions common with aging?

Age Related Dysfunctions to the Integumentary System Acrochordon. Acrochordon is a condition which affects older women. Decubitus Ulcers. Herpes Zoster. Lentigo. Seborrheic Keratosis. Senile Angiomas. Senile Keratosis. Senile Purpura.

What stage of liver disease is itching?

Just about as common as fatigue in PBC, itching (pruritus) of the skin affects a majority of individuals at some time during the disease . The itching tends to occur early in the course of the disease , when individuals still have good liver function. As a matter of fact, itching can even be the initial symptom of PBC.

What medication is used for pruritus?

Your doctor may also prescribe medication to treat pruritus, including: Antihistamines . Topical steroids or oral steroids. Topical non-steroid creams , such as cooling gels, anti-itching medicines, or capsaicin . Antidepressant medications. Immunosuppressant medications, such as cyclosporine A.

What does a bacterial infection of the skin look like?

Bacterial skin infections Bacterial skin infections often begin as small, red bumps that slowly increase in size. Some bacterial infections are mild and easily treated with topical antibiotics, but other infections require an oral antibiotic.

What does a viral rash look like?

The characteristics of viral rashes can vary greatly. However, most look like splotchy red spots. These spots might come on suddenly or appear gradually over several days. They can also appear in a small section or cover multiple areas.

What is the rarest skin disease?

Ichthyosis is a general term for a family of rare genetic skin diseases characterized by dry, thickened, scaling skin.

What is the best lotion for elderly skin?

The 4 Best Body Lotions for Seniors CeraVe Moisturizing Cream . Price: $14¹ Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream. Price: $19³ Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion. Price: $6.83⁴ Nurture My Body Organic Vitamin C Cream. Price: $37.95⁶ 5 Liquid Foundations for Flawless Coverage. About Careers Contact Us Privacy Help Terms.

How do elderly take care of their skin?

How to care for your skin in your 60s and 70s Stop using bar soap. Use warm (not hot) water. Use a soft cloth to wash your skin . Keep your bath or shower short. Pat water gently from your skin after bathing, but leave a bit of water on your skin . Apply a creamy, fragrance-free moisturizer formulated for dry skin within 3 minutes of bathing and throughout the day.

What causes purple spots on elderly skin?

Purpura occurs when small blood vessels burst, causing blood to pool under the skin . This can create purple spots on the skin that range in size from small dots to large patches . Purpura spots are generally benign, but may indicate a more serious medical condition, such as a blood clotting disorder.

What are the three effects of aging on the skin?

Growths such as skin tags, warts, rough patches (keratoses), and other blemishes are more common in older people. As you age , you are at increased risk for skin injury. Your skin is thinner, more fragile, and you lose the protective fat layer.

Why are the elderly more prone to skin infections?

Why? As the body ages, it becomes more susceptible to infection . Age-related risk factors can include immune dysfunctions related to comorbidities, thinning of the skin , and other influences that weaken the body’s defenses.

At what age does skin start to thin?

From around the age of 25 the first signs of aging start to become apparent on the surface of the skin . Fine lines appear first and wrinkles, a loss of volume and a loss of elasticity become noticeable over time.