5 Common Skin Problems Seniors Experience

From diaper rash and acne to wrinkles and age spots, your skin evolves and changes throughout your life as do the problems that can occur with it. While everyone’s skin loses fat, elasticity, and moisture over time, how you live your life also impacts your skin’s appearance and health. Factors like smoking, sun exposure, and diet, as well as gravity, daily facial movements and even weight gain/loss all play a part in the look and overall health of your skin. Most common skin problems are a natural part of aging, but others may be indicators that bigger issues are at work in the body.

Here's a look at five common skin problems in seniors, what to do about it and what those might signal.

1. Bruising

As we age, the fat layer that used to exist below the surface disappears leaving us with thin unbuffered skin. As a result, normally daily bumps, and bangs that we once shrugged off can now lead to serious bruising. This is especially true for people who take blood thinners or even over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen. As frightening as bruising may appear, in most cases, it’s nothing to be concerned about. However, if you experience large bruises with no logical explanation, you should reach out to your doctor to explore what’s behind the issue.

Most bruises tend to go away on their own over the course of a week or more, depending on the size. If they’re causing you discomfort, you can apply ice for 20 minutes at a time.

2. Dry Skin

More than 50% of adults regularly deal with dry skin. Commonly the result of reduced production of natural skin oils, dry skin can also be an indication that you’re not drinking enough liquids. Severely dry skin can become itchy or even crack. Excessive scratching can lead to open wounds that, like cracks, can easily become infected.

In some cases, chronic itchy skin may be a sign of a serious medical condition including kidney, thyroid, or liver disease.

If you have dry skin, avoid taking hot baths or showers and always use moisturizing bar or liquid soap. Apply moisturizers at least twice a day, avoiding those with a perfume content. Increase your liquid uptake—preferably water—throughout the day and use a humidifier, especially during the colder, dryer winter months.

If your itching doesn’t subside, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss what’s causing it.

3. Age spots

Sometimes referred to as liver spots, age spots are flat, tan, or dark brown spots that commonly appear on the back of hands, arms, and face—any place that received a lot of sun exposure. True age spots are harmless but can be reduced using treatments including bleaching creams, dermabrasion, chemical peels, and light therapy. To prevent additional spots from appearing, always wear a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and wear sun-protective gear including hats, gloves, and SPF clothing.

If an age spot appears raised, changes shape, or is different in any way from surrounding spots, see a dermatologist to make sure you’re not dealing with something more serious.

4. Shingles

If you had chickenpox as a child, you are at risk of developing shingles as an adult. Caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox ‘awakening’ in your body, shingles can be an extremely painful skin condition. 

The first signs of shingles are a burning, itching, tingling or extreme sensitivity in one area of the skin. This is followed by the development of a rash that blisters. Some shingles sufferers also experience a fever and/or headache. Skin infections and long-term nerve pain are possible complications.

Fortunately, a vaccine for shingles, Shingrix, is readily available. Note: the vaccine requires two doses that must be taken over the course of two to six months to be effective.

For an active case of shingles, cool compresses, pain medications, and warm (not hot) baths may provide some relief.

5. Skin cancer

Most cases of skin cancer are found in people older than 65 years of age. The result of more years of skin damage and the aging body’s decreased ability to repair pre-cancerous cells,  skin cancer—particularly melanoma—can be fatal.

While you can’t undo years of sun damage, you can regularly check yourself for signs of skin cancer. If you see something suspicious, contact your doctor or dermatologist for a follow up.

If you have questions or concerns about your skin, be sure to discuss them with your doctor at your annual visit or sooner you’re experiencing discomfort or a spot or growth is changing shape or size.

Lixia Ellis, MD, PhD is a dermatologist at SVMC Dermatology.