Aging Changes in the Skin

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Changes in face with age

Aging skin repairs itself more slowly than younger skin. Wound healing may be up to 4 times slower. This contributes to pressure ulcers and infections. Diabetes, blood vessel changes, lowered immunity, and similar factors also affect healing.

COMMON PROBLEMS

Skin disorders are so common among older people that it is often difficult to tell normal changes from those related to a disorder. More than 90% of all older people have some type of skin disorder.

Skin disorders can be caused by many diseases including diabetes, liver disease, heart disease and blood vessel diseases such as arteriosclerosis. Stress, reactions to medications, obesity and nutritional deficiencies can be other causes.

Climate, exposures to industrial and household chemicals, indoor heating, clothing, allergies to plants and other allergies and many other common exposures can also cause skin changes.

Sunlight can cause elastosis (loss of elasticity), keratoacanthomas (noncancerous skin growths), thickening of the skin, pigment changes such as liver spots, and other conditions.

Sun exposure has also been directly linked to skin cancers, including basal cell epithelioma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

PREVENTION

Because most skin changes are related to sun exposure, prevention is a lifelong process.

• Prevent sunburn if at all possible.
• Use a good quality sunscreen when outdoors, even in the winter.
• Wear protective clothing and hats as necessary.

Good nutrition and adequate fluids are also helpful. Dehydration increases the risk of skin injury. Sometimes minor nutritional deficiencies can cause rashes, skin lesions, and other skin changes even if no other symptoms are present.

Keep skin moist with lotions and do not use soaps that are heavily perfumed. Bath oils are not recommended because they can cause you to slip and fall.

Moist skin is more comfortable and may heal better.

RELATED TOPICS

• Aging changes in body shape
• Aging changes in hair and nails
• Aging changes in hormone production
• Aging changes in organs, tissues, and cells
• Aging changes in the bones, muscles, and joints
• Aging changes in the breast
• Aging changes in the face
• Aging changes in the senses
• Skin cancer
• Melanoma

Review Date: 08/22/2006
Reviewed By: Sandra W. Cohen, M.D. Private Practice specializing in geriatrics, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.