The geriatric population has a host of health issues that come with aging and some issues are attributed to skin problems. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) article defines geriatric as the aging population with no exact age range. Twenty percent or 2.5 billion people over the age of 65 will make up the earth's population by the year 2050. Skin problems may arise because of years of exposure to UV radiation, infections from hospital or nursing home stays, from prior health conditions or diseases, or from the general aging process.
Thinning Skin
Thinning skin is a problem with the geriatric population, according to the CDC. The skin is our largest body organ and is the first defense in warding off infection. Thinning skin occurs in the elderly due to weak lining in blood vessels and capillaries.
Erysipelas
Erysipelas is a bacterial infection of the dermis, an inner layer of skin, and requires treatment with antibiotics. Erysipelas occurs in geriatric patients who have suppressed immune systems or as a secondary infection.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and is common in the elderly, according to an article in the Dermatology Online Journal. Cellulitis infections give the dimpled appearance similar to that of an orange peel and are caused by gram-positive organisms, requiring antibiotics for treatment.
Impetigo
Impetigo, a pus-filled blistered skin infection, is caused by staphylococcus aureus and β-hemolytic streptococci organisms, according to Dermatology Online Journal. Impetigo is contagious and looks like red blisters when it first develops and later has crust or scab appearance. It normally clears up within a few days, but may require antibiotics if the infection worsens.
Wrinkles
Elastin and collagen weaken as we age, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), and wrinkles are a common problem in the geriatric population. Skin loses fat and becomes thin, causing it to sag and wrinkle.
Growths and Spots
Skin growths and spots are common skin problems in elderly people. The AAD states that these growths and spots range in being anything from harmless age spots or warts to dangerous skin cancers.
Cherry Angiomas
Cherry angiomas are small, raised bumps caused by dilated blood vessels, according to the AAD. The AAD further states that these harmless bumps occur in more than 85 percent of middle-aged to elderly people.
Shingles
Shingles or herpes zoster is a nerve infection caused by the chicken pox virus, notes the AAD. Shingles is common in the geriatric population and early symptoms include pain, fatigue and headache. This infection causes painful blisters on one side of the body and is treated with antiviral medication.
