All pdf BH Issue 33 Eng

GERIATRIC SKIN CARE
Protect and prevent,
for a lifetime of healthy skin
Changes in the skin are possibly the most visible signs of aging. However,
age is not the only factor that impacts skin health, explains Dr. Nussra
Wongrattanapasson, dermatologist and aesthetics expert to .
Change of age, change of skin
Like any organ, skin changes with age. “Adolescent skin is rather oily,”
Dr. Nussra notes. “In middle-age, the skin’s elasticity and strength deteriorates,
resulting in bigger pores and wrinkles. In life’s later years, along with wrinkles,
the skin gets dry, saggy, and loose with deep nasolabial folds and tear-trough
deformity.”
Dr. Nussra points out that skin changes differ for each person depending
on concomitant factors such as genetics and lifestyle. But the greatest threat
to healthy skin, she notes, is regular and prolonged
sun exposure without sunscreen protection.
Skin problems in the elderly
Certain well-established beauty treatments and
avoiding sun exposure can slow a range of cosmetic
skin problems as we age. But there are also more
serious skin diseases and conditions that commonly
afflict elderly people.
Melanoma and other skin cancers: Warning signs
include unusual spots, lumps, chronic wounds, and
moles that change in size and color, accompanied
by pain and bleeding. If you exhibit any of these
symptoms, have a doctor examine your skin
immediately.
Dry skin and allergic rashes: Deterioration of
Dr. Nussra Wongrattanapasson
Dermatologist
sweat glands and sebaceous glands can cause flaking and highly sensitive
skin. Severe cases can warrant the doctor prescribing topical drugs. To
maintain the improved skin condition after this treatment, the doctor
might also recommend specially formulated lotions.
Hair loss and irritated scalp: Usually caused by dry scalp and hair dyeing.
Seborrheic Keratosis, ephelides, and brown spots: Laser treatment effectively
removes these growths.
“Less common symptoms such as red spots, for example, might indicate
liver disease,” Dr. Nussra says. “Elderly people and their caregivers should
recognize and not ignore any skin symptoms because they could be signs of
possible serious underlying diseases.”
Skin care can start right now!
It’s never too late to start taking care of your skin:
Avoid taking extremely hot showers Use a sunscreen that suits your
People with particularly dry skin daily activities to protect skin
should try not to use soap, not scrub, from ultraviolet (UV) rays
and maybe shower once a day only Get good nutrition and regular
Use skin care products that have exercise
4.5 – 5.5 pH
Get adequate sleep and avoid
Don’t drink alcohol or smoke
stress that could cause insomnia.
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