An elderly person’s skin thins with time, becoming less elastic, more fragile, and possibly leading to an increase in bruising. There is a deceased production of natural oils causing skin to be a bit drier and more wrinkled. An older individual may perspire less, making it harder to stay cool in high temperatures. Hair may gray and thin. The nails grow at about half the pace as when younger, age spots can occur, and skin tags are common. Sun exposure over the years is a significant factor in how fast the skin ages, smoking adds to skin damage, and both of these factors can increase an individual’s chances of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States with evidence that 40 to 50% of individuals after the age of 60 years will have skin cancer.
| Physiological Changes to the Integumentary System: · Loss of subcutaneous fat and thus loss of dermal and epidermal thickness (less padding-prominent in the areas around the eyes) · Dermal blood vessels closer to the surface of the skin · Atrophy of sweat glands· Decreased oil production of the skin · Slower skin repair and wound healing · Increased incidence of skin tags · Increased incidence of skin cancer |
(Kane, Ouslander, Abrass, & Resnick, 2009)
HEALTH PROMOTION: Tips to keep skin healthy include:
- Avoid sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Use sunscreen
- Wear protective clothing
- Avoid artificial tanning
- Check skin often for discolorations and any new moles as well as changes in existing moles
- Use lotions to moisturize skin
