Thin, fragile skin is a common condition in the elderly, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. The condition can lead to a number of problems, from tearing to sensitivity that leads to easy bruising. Thin skin problems do not necessarily reflect any serious medical conditions, and problems can be minimized with protective clothing and moisturizer.
Reduced Sensitivity
One purpose of the skin is to protect the body from environmental damage like hot plates and sharp objects, report researchers at the University of Florida. When the layers of fat are reduced and the skin loses its high level of nerve function, seniors become vulnerable to damage from outside sources they may not feel in time enough to remove themselves from danger. Burning from heating pads or hot water can cause damage if not felt in time.
Increased Sensitivity
Thin skin reduces the protection provided by healthy skin and leaves seniors with a greater sensitivity to cold and drafts. Sweat glands are reduced in people with thinner skin and results in a decrease of body temperature control. Seniors can become more uncomfortable in very hot climates since their skin does not produce the sweat needed to cool off the skin.
Tearing and Cutting
Thin skin is more susceptible to tearing and cutting. Coupled with the decreased sensations in the skin, elderly people with thin skin can easily tear their skin by a sharp object they don't feel until the damage is already done. Small cuts that go untreated leave the senior at risk for developing infections. Damage can continue to the cellular level, report doctors at AARP. The extreme changes and continued damage to the skin can cause DNA to become disrupted and begin to grow out of control, leading to a higher risk of skin cancer.
Dryness
Thin skin tends to be drier than healthier skin with a layer of protective fat underneath. The skin is more prone to wrinkling and scaling, leaving an uncomfortable dryness and itching. Dead skin cells don't slough off as regularly as the skin becomes dry and thin with age, report doctors at the American Academy of Dermatologists. Collagen and elastin production slows down, making skin drier and less pliable. In addition to the discomfort of extremely dry thin skin, many seniors become upset at the appearance of their skin.
