Your skin is the largest of all the body's organs, and, like every other part of the body, it begins to exhibit signs of wear and tear as you age. Skin wrinkling, dryness, discoloration and growths are all common symptoms of aging. Older skin also requires a more prolonged healing time following an injury.
Wrinkles
Wrinkles are an unavoidable part of aging, and are the result of several factors. Years of exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays and environmental stressors cause your skin to lose its elasticity. Gravity also plays a role in causing older people's skin to sag. Habits such as smoking, squinting, frowning and even smiling contribute to facial wrinkling.
Dryness
Rough and scaly dry skin, particularly on the lower legs, lower arms and elbows, commonly afflicts older people. Dryness can cause itching, and since skin becomes thinner with age, it is more vulnerable to damage from scratching. Dehydration, sun exposure, dry air, smoking and bathing in hot water can all worsen dry skin.
Age Spots and Skin Tags
Age spots, sometimes called liver spots, frequently develop on the skin of older people. These flat brownish patches appearing on the hands, arms, face, shoulders and back reveal the effects of years of sun damage. Older people also commonly develop skin tags, which are small, flesh-colored growths appearing on the eyelids, neck, arm pit and groin. Although harmless, skin tags can become irritated and may require removal, according to the National Institute of Aging.
Growths
Older people commonly develop seborrheic keratoses, which look like brown or black raised spots on the skin. More than 85 percent of the middle-aged and elderly develop cherry angiomas, which are small, red, raised bumps appearing on the trunk, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Both of these skin conditions are completely harmless but can be removed by a dermatologist if desired.
Cancer
Older people are more likely to develop scaly spots called actinic keratoses. These skin lesions can potentially develop into cancer, so they are best removed at an early stage. Most kinds of skin cancer are caused by sun exposure, and they become increasingly common with age. Basal cell carcinoma, which often looks like a small shiny bump which may bleed and crust over, is the most common form of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma may develop on the face, lip, rim of the ear or back of the hand. Both basal and squamous cell skin cancer are highly treatable if caught early. Melanoma, a skin cancer that looks like an irregular brown or black mole, is more serious and demands immediate treatment.
Other Problems
Varicose veins, which are veins in the leg that appear blue and swollen, frequently appear on the skin of older people. Although not usually dangerous, varicose veins are unsightly and may cause discomfort. Older people may also notice that they bruise more easily as a result of the loss of fat and connective tissue in the skin.
Member Comments