As a person ages it is normal to see the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.  Elderly people can also develop skin disorders that can lead to serious medical problems.  Older people need to give their skin more care than when they were younger.  This is important because older skin is less oily, less elastic and thinner.  It will bruise easier and take longer to heal when cut.

To protect against most kinds of skin cancer at any age use a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.  Also consider wearing long sleeves and a shady hat to give protection from the sun.

If you experience any of the following symptoms call a health care professional or go to the emergency room:

• Sudden, severe generalized itching, which can be a sign of liver or kidney disease, thyroid disorder or allergy


• Blisters or rash on forehead or temple with inflammation or pain in the eye.  This could be indication of shingles involving the eye, which is an emergency that must be treated immediately.

Call a health care professional during office hours if you experience any of the following problems:

• Severe itching on underarms, abdomen, hands, wrists and groin, which can be a sign of scabies or mites and is easily treated.  Sometimes scabies and mites can be picked up during a hospital stay


• If a mole grows in size, larger than one-quarter inch, are discolored (pearly blue, black or red and irregular shape) or if moles bleed


• A skin problem that starts or becomes worse just after starting a new medicine, increasing dose, or finishing the course of a medicine


• If a skin ulcer stays longer than two weeks without healing or grows in size

Dry and itchy skin may be more of a problem in winter when there is less humidity.  Consider the following as suggestions to prevent or treat dry, itchy skin:

• After shower or bath, gently pat skin with a towel, but leave the skin moist.  Apply a lotion, body oil or moisturizer that is high in petroleum such as AquaphorTM or EucerinTM.  Avoid moisturizers with perfume or alcohol; these will dry and irritate the skin


• Use warm, not hot water for your bath or shower and keep them short.  Do not scrub the skin roughly.  Use a soft cloth or sponge.  Use glycerin soap or moisturizing cream such as ToneTM or DoveTM and rinse off well.


• If you experience problem dry spots, try applying petroleum jelly to the troubled areas after bath or shower.  If you use petroleum jelly be sure to wear pajamas and/or sock to protect bedding and clothing.


• Change bed sheets and clothing often.  Wash clothes and sheets in detergents free of perfumes and fabric softeners that could irritate the skin.  Be sure to rinse clothes and bedding thoroughly.  An older person should wear cotton.  Synthetics and other fabrics can be irritating to the skin.


• Drink plenty of water.  Decrease us of caffeine and alcohol.

Source:  Foundation for Health in Aging

Disclaimer:  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional

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