7 Most Common Skin Problems in the Elderly

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During your life, your skin will constantly change. It can regenerate itself almost every month. New cells form in your skin's bottom layer and gradually move to the top layer. With years, your body will start producing fewer new skin cells. The dead cells will remain longer on the topmost layer of your skin, causing it to look unsightly. Your skin will become dry and scaly. Loss of elasticity and aged supporting structures will contribute to the occurrence of wrinkles, age spots, and other skin problems. 

Keep reading to discover seven age-associated skin problems and how to treat them. 

1. Itchy skin 
Aging makes your skin drier, which only contributes to the itching. It's recommended to visit a specialist if itching is continuous or occurs in your whole body. It can indicate a more severe problem like kidney disease, iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, or liver failure. A specialist will thoroughly examine you to provide the proper diagnosis and treatment.

2. Varicose veins

Overfield, dilated, or enlarged blood vessels can contribute to the appearance of the varicose veins. They typically develop on your legs and feet. Varicose veins aren't linked to any severe diseases, but they can indicate vein inflammation that may potentially lead to superficial thrombophlebitis. In severe cases, varicose veins can become swollen, discolored, and painful. Varicose veins treatment options include lifestyle changes, compression socks or stockings, and surgery. 

3. Leg ulcers

Poor blood circulation makes the skin on your lower legs more vulnerable to an injury. Bacteria can get into the minor sores in your legs or feet, causing inflammation. If you suffer from diseases that affect wound healing like diabetes, you may end up experiencing open wounds, or ulcers. In such a case, a doctor can help keep the wound clean, prescribe antibiotics and compression bandages. 

4. Bruising

A bruise is a skin discoloration caused by a minor injury. With age, your skin becomes thinner and loses fat, making you more vulnerable to bruising. Bruises are typically harmless, but they can always indicate something more severe like blood disease or blood-clotting. Ways to treat bruises include cold compression therapy and medications like acetaminophen to reduce the soreness. Some anticoagulants that make your blood thinner can also lead to more or bigger bruises, so make sure to inform your doctor about any medications you take.

5. Wrinkles

Ridges, folds, and creases on your skin will occur gradually as you age. However, taking preventative measures like eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and exercise may help protect your skin from unwanted changes. Also, make sure to wear sun protection cream and avoid strong soaps that reduce your skin’s natural oils. Quit smoking as it can make wrinkles worse. Wrinkles don't cause any harm, except for making you look older than you actually are. To get rid of some, you can try chemical peeling, laser removal, or surgery. 

6. Skin Cancer

Your skin cells can become cancerous due to damage. The main culprits are years of exposure to the sun and the ultraviolet from tanning beds. However, skin cancer can also occur in areas that aren’t typically exposed to the sun like palms of the hands and soles of the feet. This means that your environment and immune system can contribute to the occurrence of skin cancer. A specialist may treat precancerous lesions with creams, injections, pills, surgery, laser treatment, or radiation therapy. Depending on the skin cancer type, you may also require chemotherapy.

7. Actinic Keratosis

Sun damage or ultraviolet from tanning beds can lead to the appearance of these rough, scaly growths. They are prevalent in adults over the age of 40. Most turn red, but some can be brown or pink. You should visit a doctor if you spot any sign of actinic keratosis growths as they can develop into cancerous cells if untreated. A specialist may suggest a cream or more effective treatments like cryosurgery to remove them.