As the skin ages and the individual gets older, there are certain unavoidable changes that occur. The skin of an older adult can become drier, spots may appear and wrinkles begin to develop. As a result, a skin disorder can arise. Besides these skin changes, there are certain skin conditions that are more common in the elderly than in others.
Xerosis
The Merck Manual of Geriatrics reports that xerosis is common in the elderly. This condition is characterized by dry, itchy, scaly skin. This especially happens in the lower legs, forearms and hands. Xerosis may occur due to changes seen in the lipid component of skin in the elderly. Individuals are advised not to use strong soaps or place the skin in contact with materials that can cause irritation, such as wool. Xerosis is treatable; using white petroleum jelly right after a shower, when water is still on the skin, is recommended. A topical corticosteroid ointment to treat dry skin that may be inflamed can also be used.
Pruritus
Pruritus, another skin condition common in the elderly, is characterized by itching, which makes the individual want to scratch or rub the area. This condition is usually caused by xerosis, but may also be caused by diseases such as liver disease, HIV infection, leukemia and diabetes. Patients with pruiritus should be treated for xerosis, because mild dryness can trigger pruritis. Due to the weakened immune system in the elderly, other suitable treatments for pruritus seen in other populations, such as antihistamines, cannot be used.
Actinic Keratoses
Actinic keratoses, which consists of red and brown skin pigmentation spots, is a frequent sighting in the elderly population, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It can serve as a precursor for skin cancer and so should not be ignored. Treatment can be administered by using a chemotherapy cream, by using liquid nitrogen or by resurfacing the skin.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin disorder with an unknown cause that has an onset time between ages 40 and 60. In this condition, pustules tend to form on the face, especially in the central part. There may also be soreness and burning in the eye. Individuals with rosacea are advised to use sun protection. Mild forms of the disease can be treated with skin forms of antibiotics such as metronidazole or ketaconazole. More serious forms of rosacea should be treated with oral antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline.
Venous Ulcer
A venous skin ulcer, a superficial bruise seen on the legs, usually occurs when there is insufficient blood flow from the leg veins back towards the heart The main purpose of treatment is reduce the edema, which is accumulated fluid in the legs. Patients should keep the legs elevated. Pressure bandages or compression stockings can also be used to help reduce fluid in the legs.
Bullous Diseases
Blisters are the main symptom of bullous disorders. These diseases are autoimmune diseases, in which the body's immune system breaks down and attacks the body's own tissues. An advised treatment combination is administering the antibiotics tetracycline and nicotinamide. Merck Manual states that approximately 50 percent of patients have complete remission after a few months of treatment.
Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster is a skin infection that is common in all ages but is more commonly seen in older adults, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. This condition is caused by the varicella zoster virus. It is characterized by a painful blistering skin rash. It is caused by the reactivation of a latent chicken pox infection that has been dormant in the nerve cells. Herpes zoster is thought to occur because of the poor immune system in the elderly, which allows conditions such as trauma or cancer treatment to trigger the reactivation. Suggested treatment includes corticosteroid and antibiotics like acyclovir, as well as acetaminophen to provide pain relief.
Onychomycosis
Nail fungal infection, or onychomycosis, is a fungal skin infection. It can be seen in finger nails or toe nails, resulting in a color change in appearance to yellow and a removal of the nail plate from the nail bed. This infection is reported to be a trigger for another fungal infection, tinea pedis. While not all patients require treatment, patients with pain, diabetes mellitus or peripheral vascular disease are generally treated with prescription medications.
