As you age, your skin goes through several changes. The skin becomes more sensitive, loses elasticity and also develops wrinkles which can change the appearance and tone of the skin. Medline Plus states that around 90 percent of older people have some type of skin disorder. Taking care of your skin throughout your life will help prevent some skin conditions or keep the ones you have from becoming worse.
Types
Some common conditions include liver spots, cherry angiomas, elastosis, keratoacanthomas, increased skin dryness, skin tears, loss of subcutaneous fat and reduction in sweat glands. If you have diabetes or skin cancer or a blood vessel disease, it may be harder for the skin to heal.
Sunlight Dangers
Older people should always wear sunblock even if they are outdoors for only a few minutes. Exposure to sunlight can cause elastosis or a loss of elasticity in older skin. Keratoacanthomas or benign skin growths are also common. Older adults should also avoid using oil to moisturize their skin. This can increase their risk of falling, especially in the shower or bathtub.
Considerations
Keep in mind that aging skin also takes more time to heal and repair itself. Older adults may see a longer time frame when it comes to wounds or sores healing anywhere on the body. Older people are also more prone to bed sores and pressure ulcers. Avoiding sitting or lying in one spot, wearing supportive socks and keeping the skin clean will help reduce the risk of skin-related injuries.
Prevention
Prevent problems with your aging skin by drinking plenty of water every day. Dehydration can increase your risk of injury to your skin. Make sure you eat healthy and exercise every week. Use non-greasy lotions to keep skin moisturized and replenished; this will avoid skin tears and help prevent many skin wounds.
Regular Checkups
Visit your doctor regularly to have routine skin exams to rule out disease and skin disorders. If you experience sudden changes, be sure to have a skin exam as soon as possible. Understand the signs of melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. Any type of freckle or skin discoloration that has irregular borders and colors could be an indication of melanoma or other kinds of skin cancer.
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