Abstract

MANAGEMENT OF COMMON SKIN DISORDERS IN GERIATRICS

Julie Raju*, Rani Manju, Pheba Susan Thomas and Santhosh M. Mathews

ABSTRACT

Ageing causes a decline in the function of human skin, while factors such as medical conditions, drugs and environmental irritants add to the compromised skin and predispose it to certain conditions. Reduced functional capacity and increased susceptibility of the skin with development of dermatoses such as dry skin, itching, ulcers, dyspigmentation, wrinkles, fungal infections, as well as benign and malignant tumors are the most common skin conditions in aged populations worldwide. Environmental (e.g., pollution) and lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, sun bed use) negatively affect skin health. In turn altered appearance, dry skin, chronic wounds, and other conditions decrease general health and reduce the likelihood for healthy and active aging. Preventive skin care includes primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions. Continuous sun protection from early childhood onward is most important, to avoid extrinsic skin damage and skin cancer. Exposure to irritants, allergens, or other molecules damaging the skin must be avoided or reduced to a minimum. Public health approaches are needed to implement preventive and basic skin care worldwide to reach high numbers of dermatological patients and care receivers. Management of the cutaneous diseases in elderly population requires particular attention to their inherent physical and physiological weaknesses and associated complicated problems.

Keywords: Dermatology, Elderly, Management, Aging.