Grow healthy
As we get older, skin undergoes a number of changes. With age, the cell renewal process slows down, due to which, the layer of the dead cell remains longer on the surface of the skin, making the skin look dull. Dr. Ajay Rana, renowned Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician points out a few major skin issues with old age and the treatments to cure them.
Bedsores: It is a skin ulcer that develops from pressure when people lie in bed or sit in a chair for long periods of time. Bedsores can develop anywhere especially in the bony parts of the elbows, knees, heels, tailbone, and ankles. Elderly people with diabetes are more prone to bedsores because of their poor circulation and decreased feeling in their skin.
Treatment: Frequent rotation or re-positioning can help to prevent bedsores. Use topical creams like antibacterial creams that can help combat an infection, while barrier creams can protect damaged or vulnerable skin. Gently wash minor sores with water and a mild soap. Clean open sores with a saline solution during the change of dressing. If somebody has severe ulcers then he/she can consult a dermatologist.
Blistering Eruptions: A common blistering disorder is herpes zoster which is a reactivation of the chickenpox. This appears as a band of blisters on one side of the head or body or along one limb, and can be annoying, uncomfortable, and extremely painful. Blisters can be caused by friction, infection, or, in rare cases, a skin condition such as cold sore, impetigo, burns, or contact dermatitis.
Treatment: Generally most blisters require no treatment. If you leave them alone, they will go away in some time, and the top skin layers will prevent infection. You can also treat that by covering it with bandages to keep it protected. Due to this the fluids will seep back into the tissue, and the blisters will disappear. The blisters caused by infections are also temporary, but they may require treatment.
Asteatotic Eczema: It is the result of excess water loss from
the epidermis and a reduction in free fatty acids in the stratum corneum. Shrinkage of cell volume leads to reduction of skin elasticity and the formation of asteatotic Eczema. As a result of this, dry skin becomes itchy and has a rough, flaking or scaly surface. It mostly appears in the upper back and the limbs, in poorly demarcated, scaly, round red patches.
Treatment: Asteatotic Eczema can be healed with treatment and rarely needs advanced treatment. Use a moisturising soap when bathing. It can dry out the skin. Use a moisturiser which contains an emollient that will help to seal and lock in that moisture. Ointments can also help create an additional layer of moisture which can help to improve the overall condition of the skin. You can also use Emuaid. The ingredients in Emuaid can help to soothe itching, irritating skin while improving blood flow.
Ringworm Infections: The elderly people often have ringworm infections of nails and skin or on feet. The infection initially appears as red patches on the affected areas of the skin and later may spread to other parts of the body as well. Ringworm infection of the nails appears as discoloured and thickened nails. Ringworm infection of the feet can cause redness and blisters in addition to scaling.
The supporting structure of the skin and elasticity decreases with age leading to skin issues
Treatment: It can be treated with topical medications, such as antifungal creams, ointments, gels, or sprays. Ringworm of the scalp or nails may require special prescription or oral medications such as griseofulvin (Gris-PEG) or terbinafine. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications and antifungal skin creams can also be very good to treat ringworm infections.