As you age, your skin changes. Your skin is constantly aging and adapting, whether it’s wrinkles, age spots, or dryness. But there are more serious skin diseases that seniors should be aware of. And it’s essential to recognize that seniors may be at an increased risk of developing skin conditions due to age-related changes in their skin. Some common skin problems for seniors include:
Actinic Keratosis (AK)
Actinic keratosis (AK) is a pre-cancerous condition caused by years of exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. It appears as scaly or crusty patches on the face, neck, arms, hands, and other body parts exposed to the sun over time. These patches can be red, pink, or brown and may feel rough or thickened in texture. Treatment options include topical creams such as Aldara or photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is another chronic inflammatory disorder where cells build up rapidly on the surface of your skin, forming raised patches called plaques which can be red with white scales overtop. Psoriasis usually affects areas like knees, elbows, or scalp but can appear anywhere on your body, including nails and feet.
Treatment plans vary depending on severity but typically involve topical medications such as steroids combined with light therapy using UVB rays from natural sunlight at home or specialized medical devices in a clinical setting for more severe cases.
Many seniors with psoriasis seek help from a home care agency because it can be challenging to manage independently, especially if they cannot travel for light therapy. Home assistance can be of great help in providing support to seniors and helping them manage their psoriasis.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes-the cells that produce pigment in your skin-and can spread quickly if not caught early enough. It often appears as a dark spot on the skin that is asymmetrical and has an irregular border with multiple colors. Knowing more about the various stages of melanoma can help you feel more informed and prepared as you work with your doctor to develop a plan of care that meets your needs.
Stage 0 Melanoma
The earliest stage of melanoma is known as Stage 0. At this point, the cancer is still localized to the top layer of skin, meaning it has not spread to other body parts. Depending on your circumstances and the size, location, and type of melanoma, your doctor may recommend additional treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy.
Stage I Melanoma
Stage I melanomas have penetrated deeper into the skin than Stage 0 but have not yet spread to other body parts. Treatment for Stage I typically begins with surgery to remove any trace of cancer from your body.
Stage II Melanoma
Stage II melanomas have spread deeper into your skin but are still localized and haven’t yet reached other organs or lymph nodes. Surgery is used to remove cancer, while radiation, chemotherapy, or both may also be recommended to help eliminate all cancer traces.
Stage III Melanoma
At Stage III, melanoma has started to spread to other parts of your body, such as lymph nodes or organs. Treatment for this stage often includes surgery and radiation or chemotherapy, with immunotherapy sometimes used.
Eczema
Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a long-term skin inflammation that can cause extreme dryness, irritation, and redness of the affected area(s). It typically presents itself on areas like the face, neck, and scalp but can appear anywhere on your body where there is thinning of the epidermis-the outermost layer of your skin-such as elbows and knees.
Eczema requires treatment from a dermatologist who will likely suggest topical medications such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation along with lifestyle changes like avoiding specific triggers that cause flare-ups, such as harsh detergents or fabric softeners.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer caused primarily by long-term sun exposure resulting in mutations to cells found in deeper layers of your epidermis. BCC initially appears as small bumps, usually pearly white, sometimes containing blood vessels throughout them, which then grow into large lesions if left untreated; however, they rarely spread beyond their original site unless neglected for many years without medical attention.
Knowing about these common conditions can help you recognize potential warning signs before they become serious health concerns. It’s important to regularly check your skin for any changes and contact your physician if something doesn’t look right. Early detection is critical to successful treatment, so don’t delay in seeking help if you see anything that causes concern.