How to treat dermatitis, skin cancer, and other common skin ailments for seniors

Social media influencers portray skin care as a way to pamper themselves with luxurious cosmetic products. While skin care can be that, the reality is that it’s main purpose is to maintain the skin’s health. Furthermore, a study in 2017 showed that fifty-two percent of Americans engage in some form of skin care every day. Furthermore, older adults are more susceptible to skin conditions such as dermatitis, skin cancer, and senile purpura than other age groups (except infants). This article shares the causes of those skin conditions, and also provides some treatments.

Dermatitis

Skin is on the outside of the body, but indicates what is occurring inside of the body. Dermatitis, or skin inflammation, can reveal what diseases older adults are dealing with, including things like severe kidney complications. Dermatitis can also expose the emotions that older adults are experiencing. It can be exacerbated by excess stress. Comorbidity is common for older adults with dermatitis.

Dermatitis still inflicts older adults with its own set of symptoms. The first effect is the formation of a rash. After some time, the rash’s surface area may expand. Alternatively, other rashes may appear. Typical locations are older adults’ elbows, lower arms, and lower legs. The rashes in these regions may be red, rough, and itchy. If the rashes are bothered, they may become bumpy, blistered, or scaly. Older adults’ dermatitis incites discomfort.

There are an array of remedies to help older adults relieve rashes and defeat dermatitis. It is recommended to rub rashes with moisturizing products, such as petroleum jelly. Just verify that the moisturizing products are fragrance-free to avoid allergic reactions. Do the same thing with hand soaps, bar soaps, and shower gels. Older adults with dermatitis should handle their skin with sensitivity.

Skin Cancer

Sunny days are starting to return. Older adults will have unlimited opportunities to unwind outdoors. Unfortunately, older adults will also have a larger likelihood of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer spawns when the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds damage DNA. Skin cancer that is carcinomic may be mild and spread slowly. Conversely, skin cancer that is melanotic may be severe and spread speedily. Older adults should be cautious of skin cancer.

The precautions that prevent skin cancer are simple to perform. Older adults that enjoy being in their backyards should take shelter in the shade. Additionally, they should have sunglasses that shield their eyes and a hat that hides their face from sunlight. Lastly, they should rub or spray sunscreen on their skin every two hours. Older adults can spend time in scenery without sacrificing their skin.

Senile Purpura

Most older adults are accustomed to their arms and legs bruising unexpectedly. This condition that doctors call “senile purpura” arises when older adults’ skin begins to thin. As a result, older adults’ blood vessels become closer to their skin’s surface and more vulnerable to breakage. Senile purpura may emerge with old age, be a side-effect of medication, or be a symptom of illness. Regardless of the source, senile purpura makes older adults’ skin feel sore.

Older adults with senile purpura can try these techniques to treat their bruises. The first technique includes ice application and elevation. These actions shrink bruise size by slowing the flow of blood from broken veins. The second technique consists of cleaning clutter and covering sharp edges. These safety measures minimize bruises by stopping older adults from slipping. Small changes in an older adults’ surroundings can save their skin from senile purpura.

Skin conditions that are common for older adults can be solved with skincare. Older adults with dermatitis can manage their dry rashes with fragrance-free moisturizers. They can stay clear of skin cancer by cooling down in the shade, covering their eyes and face, and consistently reapplying sunscreen. They can also be bruise-free by removing falling hazards from their homes. Older adults can feel great in the skin they are in if they take care of it.

— Madison Kemp