What causes flaky skin in elderly?
What causes flaky skin in elderly?
Dry Skin in Seniors Dry, flaky skin (xerosis) is the most common skin problem among the elderly. According to the Mayo Clinic, more than half of adults over age 40 have dry skin. The age-related reduction in oil and sweat gland function (which helps to keep the skin soft and hydrated) is the main cause of dry skin.
Why does your skin get drier as you age?
What Makes Skin Dry as We Age? Dermatologist Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, says fewer natural oils, sun damage, and decreased cell renewal can all lead to dry, rougher skin as we get older. Loss of hormones can also lead to drier skin.
What causes dry and itchy skin in older adults?
The lines may be horizontal on the forehead, vertical above the nose, or curved on the temples, upper cheeks, and around the mouth and eyes. Dry and itching skin is a common problem among adults, especially with age. The loss of oil glands (which help to keep the skin soft) is the main cause of dry skin.
What are some of the symptoms of itchy skin?
You may have itchy skin over certain small areas, such as on an arm or leg, or over your whole body. Itchy skin can occur without any other noticeable changes on the skin. Or it may be associated with: Redness. Bumps, spots or blisters. Dry, cracked skin. Leathery or scaly skin.
What causes dry skin patches in the summer?
Dry air Sometimes, dry, cool air can strip your skin of moisture and cause you to develop dry skin patches. In the summer, higher humidity levels can help stop your skin from drying out. But too much sun exposure can also leave you with dry skin. 6. Dehydration
What causes scaly skin on older people’s legs?
Genetic inheritance, e.g. ichythyosis vulgaris, characterised by persistently dry, thickened, rough skin Excessively dry skin is often scaly or cracked. This is frequently seen on the legs in older people, where skin may have the appearance of cracked porcelain, referred to as eczema craquelé (Figure 1).
The lines may be horizontal on the forehead, vertical above the nose, or curved on the temples, upper cheeks, and around the mouth and eyes. Dry and itching skin is a common problem among adults, especially with age. The loss of oil glands (which help to keep the skin soft) is the main cause of dry skin.
You may have itchy skin over certain small areas, such as on an arm or leg, or over your whole body. Itchy skin can occur without any other noticeable changes on the skin. Or it may be associated with: Redness. Bumps, spots or blisters. Dry, cracked skin. Leathery or scaly skin.
Dry air Sometimes, dry, cool air can strip your skin of moisture and cause you to develop dry skin patches. In the summer, higher humidity levels can help stop your skin from drying out. But too much sun exposure can also leave you with dry skin. 6. Dehydration
What to do about dry skin in older people?
Dry skin is often itchy and prone to dermatitis. Repeated scratching can lead to chronic wounds and infections, particularly on the lower legs and especially if treatment is delayed. Older patients should be asked regularly about skin symptoms and periodically examined for signs of poor skin health.