The lifestyle we live, our regular diet, genetics, and other personal habits contribute to how well our skin ages; becoming less oily, elastic, and even thinner. This is often due to the loss of fatty tissue between your skin and muscle, stress, gravity, daily facial movement, and dramatic weight gain/loss.

Common Senior Skin Conditions

There are a large number of benign skin concerns that may be annoying or unattractive but may either be treated from home or a simple trip to the dermatologist. But, some skin health issues need the immediate attention of a dermatologist like some of the below:

Skin Abscesses

Also known as boils, abscesses in the skin are caused by a bacterial infection (most commonly staphylococcus). When the staph bacteria becomes trapped inside a hair follicle, pore, etc. A boil may start as a small area of irritation that is red, warm to the touch, or inflamed. These small bumps can grow rapidly as the body begins to fight off the staph bacteria. Popping boils is discouraged because the pressure will potentially push the infection into nearby areas, spreading the infection. Due to the severe risk of staph infection, it’s often safer to consult with a dermatologist before attempting some at-home treatment of a boil. 

Cysts

Cysts are a common skin condition that may occur for many reasons, and they can develop in any part of the body. These typically slow-growing and painless bumps can blend into the surrounding skin and may only be noticed when pressure is placed upon them. Cysts should also not be “popped” at home as there are many safer treatment options available from your dermatologist. This is because these bumps are encased in a sac that must be removed. If not, the cyst will simply fill up again.

Eczema, Psoriasis, and Rosacea

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. Described as dry, red, itchy, and inflamed skin, eczema or atopic dermatitis may flare up regularly in older individuals. Psoriasis, on the other hand, is a chronic skin condition that causes red, thickened skin cells when under stress. Another common skin condition known for red and inflamed skin is Rosacea. While most people handle their rosacea symptoms with ease, stress-induced increases in cortisol and adrenaline output can cause more serious flare-ups and irritation. Since the disease can also affect the eyes, it can have a negative effect on vision. 

Wrinkles and Age Spots

The most visible sign of aging skin, wrinkles, form when the skin loses its flexibility, especially after frequent sun exposure, facial movements (like smiling or excessive frowning), or general loss of elasticity. 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. Age spots, on the other hand, are brown patches that appear on sun-exposed parts of the body and may lead to more serious skin conditions if not monitored frequently.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a serious condition. Although slow-forming, the sooner treatment can begin, the better. In order to identify skin cancer in its earliest stages, it’s important to perform regular skin self-exams and visit a dermatologist for an annual exam. There are many different types of skin cancer that all have their own warning signs. The three most common are Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma. Melanoma is responsible for almost 80% of skin cancer-related deaths. Melanoma patients may find sores that don't heal, areas of darker pigmentation spreading out from a mole, or spots that are rapidly growing or changing.

Taking Care of Your Skin

Dermatological disorders are extremely common in older individuals, and a whole-body clinical skin examination may reveal hidden skin diseases and ensure timely treatment. For the less-threatening conditions, some treatments and preventative measures can be put in place. For example, wrinkles and dry skin can be helped through moisturizers and specialty creams. Preventative measures include: When you're outside, wear sunscreen, a hat, long sleeves, and trousers. Avoiding sunlamps or tanning booths are also great preventative measures. As well, regularly check for "changing moles" and new growths on a regular basis.

Although proper skincare can help, drugs, surgery, and health issues can all have an impact on your skin. A board-certified dermatologist is familiar with the impact that any of these can have on your skin and can tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs. A dermatologist may also assist you in treating skin changes such as age spots and wrinkles in a discreet manner.