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Our skin offers visual proof that we’re getting older. Wrinkles are a sign of a longevity. But there are other skin issues that can pop up over time. No matter what you notice, rest assured you’re not alone; AARP says that more than three in four adults over the age of 70 have at least one skin condition that requires treatment, and almost 40% of seniors and the elderly have at least three skin conditions occurring at the same time.1
Some of the skin changes you notice as you get older are of no medical concern – they might look and feel bothersome, but they aren’t actually a health issue that needs immediate attention. Others, however, can be a sign of something more serious. How can you tell which is which?
This guide can help. Let’s dive into the 7 most common skin issues seniors might encounter.
1. Bruises for No Apparent Reason
For seniors and elderly adults, bruising becomes much more common. That’s because your skin gets thinner as you age, there’s less fat to cushion your body, and blood vessels become weaker, so they break more easily.
Bruises are the result of the smallest vessels – the capillaries – opening up and spilling small amounts of blood under the skin. When that happens, you get a bruise.
You might bruise more easily if you are on certain medications, including blood thinners or NSAIDs. What might feel like a very minor bump against the dining room table, for instance, can lead to a dark bruise that looks like you suffered a serious injury.
As long as these bruises are occurring on your extremities and you have some idea of where they came from, you’re fine. But if they begin to occur more often, show up on your torso, or are very large and spreading bruises that look like something terrible happened, it’s time to see the doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions.
If you notice that you are bumping into things more often, it’s time to protect yourself with an emergency alert system for safety and peace of mind.
2. Dry Skin that Itches Like Crazy
According to WebMD, a whopping 85% of the elderly develop itchy skin as they age. Often this happens in winter, when the air is very dry and our skin doesn’t get the moisture it needs.2
But besides that, as we get older, the sweat and oil glands in our skin begin to fail. Seniors might not notice when they are thirsty, which can lead to dehydration. And some chronic conditions, such as diabetes, can lead to dry skin. The medications used to treat those conditions can also have the side effect of dry or itchy skin.
And you might even find that the lotion or moisturizer that used to work like a charm doesn’t seem to do anything for the problem anymore. That’s why it’s so important for seniors to look into strong moisturizers or ointments that are specifically formulated for the most stubborn dry skin problems.
If you’ve tried everything but nothing eases the itching, talk to your doctor. Persistent itching could be a sign of problems with your kidneys, liver, or thyroid.
3. Dark-Colored Spots on Your Skin
Age spots are flat, dark spots that might seem to show up overnight. They might be as small as a freckle or as large as a nickel. They tend to show up on the skin that has had the most sun exposure, which is why you will often see them on the hands and arms first. They can also show up on the face and the legs.
The Mayo Clinic points out that these are most common among those over the age of 50. Also known as “liver spots,” they are usually tan to dark brown in color. They can often appear together in a small area, such as the back of the hand, giving a mottled appearance.3
The good news about these spots is that they are utterly harmless. But it’s important to see a dermatologist to make sure that the spots are exactly what you think they are and not some underlying condition.
Skin spots should be entirely flat, with no raised areas or ridges. If the area of the age spots feels different than the rest of your skin, that could be a sign of something more serious.
4. Skin Tags
Skin tags are flesh-colored growths of tissue that seemingly appear out of nowhere. They are usually found on the neck, thighs, eyelids, and anywhere else where skin might fold or rub together, such as under the arms, under the chest, or in the groin area.
Skin tags are much more common among those who are overweight, elderly, or have diabetes. They are also much more common for women than they are for men.
Some skin tags are small and barely noticeable, while others are large enough to snag on clothing or jewelry. Sometimes they can become irritated and turn red or even bleed. However, they are harmless in terms of senior whole health – they are usually more of an annoyance than anything else!
They can be very easily removed in your doctor’s office, so don’t hesitate to point out a skin tag that is bothering you and get it taken care of before you get even more frustrated with it.
5. Melanomas
Did you know that the rates of melanoma increase dramatically among the elderly? Other types of skin cancers, such as basal cell and squamous cell, grow very slowly but are still more prevalent among those who are older.
When you notice a strange mole or other raised area on the skin, look to the ABCDE test to help you determine just how serious it might be. According to the National Institute on Aging, you should look for the following when evaluating moles and other spots:4
· Asymmetry: Is the growth uniform and round, or asymmetrical? Does half of it look raised while the other half doesn’t?
· Borders: Is the mole or growth an irregular shape?
· Colors: Is there more than one color in the growth? (Keep in mind that skin spots are usually all one color.)
· Diameter: Is the spot larger than the size of a pencil eraser?
· Evolving: Is the spot changing over time? This might include changes in shape, borders, color, and size. It might also include new symptoms like itching or bleeding.
You should look over your skin very well at least once a month to find new moles or other spots. If you are worried at all, see your doctor or dermatologist.
6. Pressure Sores
Though painful sores on the skin are more common among those in wheelchairs or those who are bedridden, they can happen to anyone. Pressure ulcers, sometimes known as bed sores, develop on areas where your skin is subject to pressure. That might include the tailbone, shoulder blades, buttocks, and the like.
Thinner skin and less fat padding contribute to this, but so do chronic conditions that cause poor circulation, such as diabetes. Those with poor nutrition are also at higher risk.
It’s very important to keep your skin clean and dry. You should also move around. Change your position every 15 minutes or so, especially if you are in a wheelchair. Someone who is bedridden will need to change their position every two hours. Look out for redness, which is the first sign of an ulcer forming.
Skin damage can also occur in areas where there is no pressure but there are other factors at play. A good example is torn skin underneath a bandage or wound dressing. Remember that the skin gets more fragile as we age, so make sure to invest in wound care products that cater to very fine skin.
It’s also a good idea to treat yourself to a button alarm to help you in the event of any type of emergency.
Medical alert systems for seniors summon any help that is needed right away.
7. Shingles
No list of dermatological concerns for seniors and the elderly would be complete without mention of shingles.
Any adult who had chickenpox as a child still has some of the virus inside them. That virus can turn into shingles, which is a very painful skin condition. It starts with burning, itching, or tingling. Then it evolves into a painful rash that eventually blisters. Because shingles moves along the nerve endings, it can be excruciating.
If any part of your body suddenly feels extremely sensitive and you develop a rash, talk to your doctor right away. Prompt treatment for shingles can help alleviate the worst of the symptoms and might make the duration a little shorter. Over-the-counter treatments, like calamine lotion or pain medications, can help reduce the severity. And of course, to prevent shingles, it’s a good idea to get the Shingrix vaccine.
Shingles can feel truly terrible. A fall alert at your fingertips can help you deal with the worst of it. If you are suffering from nerve pain that makes it difficult to walk, your fall risk is greater than usual. Using a personal emergency response system can ensure that if you suffer a fall, you can get the help you need, right when you need it, no matter where you are.
