Dermatological Issues in Old Age

Skin-the largest organ of the body is largely fascinating. With its renewal and healing powers it is more of a miracle organ than any other. However, when old age embarks, the renewal process slows down causing more dead cells than new ones. Not only this, it also comes with a lot of issues. The skin becomes thinner and easier to penetrate by bacteria and thus more likely to develop adverse infections and reactions to drugs-some of the common ones include- itchy skin, rashes and blisters. It is important that such reactions be recognised for what they are and changes in drug protocol or irritant be identified immediately to cause relief.

 In this article we will explore what are some of the common skin issues that the elderly are encountering and how some Haitian Doctors serving Broward are treating them. Skin issues can be broadly categorised into seven issues, which are:

• Appearance and Texture Changes

These kinds of diseases occur because of the skin getting thinner and drier. Thin skin causes Senile Purpura because the blood vessels become easily ruptured. Commonly seen in the forearms, ruptured blood vessels heal slowly following the injury leaving a purplish appearance. Dry skin may lead to eczema as oil in the skin decreases. Irregular in pattern the eczema could appear on the dry areas as scaly, round and red patches.

• Skin Infections

These could be caused due to bacteria or fungus. Bacterial infections cause cracks in the skin. In extreme infections, sometimes crusting and scaling can occur in the entire body. Ringworm infections in the nail and feet are common in the elderly. Nails become thick and discoloured. In the feet, some scaling and red blisters may occur due to the fungal infection.

• Pigmentary Changes

Senile freckles that look like the ugly cousin of freckles are caused due to sunlight induced skin damage. In extreme cases the freckles could become larger or thicker or develop a crust. In case the freckles grow larger, thicker or develop a crust, it is time for Haitian Doctors serving Broward to step in. These doctors, part of the network of MultiMed USA, provide great service at a fraction of cost to you compared to their regular costs if you opt for a medical discount plan with them.

• Blistering Disorders

Perhaps the most painful of the lot blisters are a nuisance to begin with. Some eruptions like the herpes zoster are the reappearing of chicken pox from a young age. Another cause of blisters could be a weakened immune system. Such blisters are known as Bullous Pemphigoid and could occur as large red blisters on any or several parts of the body.

• Non-Cancerous Skin Growth

Benign skin growth is common in the elderly. Some disorders are seborrheic keratoses which appear as brownish black spots; cherry angiomas that appear as smooth reddish bumps and sebaceous hyperplasia which are yellow bumps consisting of oil glands.

• Cancerous Skin Growth

Non-healing sores on the skin are red flags of cancerous growth. A doctor should see them immediately. Some cancerous growth such as basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinoma begin with small bumps and then ulcerate-some of the most common skin cancers of the elderly. Basal cell carcinoma more common of the two appears as a small shiny growth with a central ulcer or depression.

• Adverse Drug Reactions

Adverse drug reactions are fairly common as there are a lot of drugs that the seniors consume. Most common symptoms are red, itchy rashes or blisters. Poor blood circulation in the legs could cause a condition known as status dermatitis which might lead to skin ulcers if left untreated.