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 conditions, including:

• Blood vessel diseases such as arteriosclerosis
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Liver disease
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Obesity
• Reactions to medications
• Stress

Other causes of skin changes:

• Allergies to plants and other substances
• Climate
• Clothing
• Exposures to industrial and household chemicals
• Indoor heating

Sunlight can cause:

• Loss of elasticity (elastosis)
• Noncancerous skin growths (keratoacanthomas)
• Pigment changes such as liver spots
• Thickening of the skin

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 you have no other symptoms.

Keep skin moist with lotions and other moisturizers. 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 will heal more quickly.

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

Images

Components of skin

Changes in face with age

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Aging changes in skin Prevention

Review Date: 08/15/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)