3 common skin conditions in older adults
If your skin is feeling itchy, dry, or painful, one of these issues could be to blame. Here’s what to watch for.
Asteatotic eczema can develop from dry skin in adults. “It’s dry, itchy, red, crackled-appearing skin,” explains Hadley King, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It is most commonly found on the lower legs, trunk of the body, back, and sometimes the upper extremities.”
DURATION
“Sometimes it can last a lifetime with flares and remissions,” says Nava Greenfield, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. But a properly handled flare will probably last about two weeks, she says.
PREVENTION
Cold climates and winter weather can cause eczema to worsen. Add as much moisture to the skin as possible, says Dr. King.
TREATMENT
Use a humidifier, limit bath and shower time, and use gentle cleansers. But most of all, moisturize. Look for products that contain humectants, emollients, and occlusives.
Shingles is most common in people over 50. The rash can take on many different forms, but it usually develops as a line of painful blisters on one side of your body.
DURATION
It usually lasts three to five weeks. Shingles is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster, which also causes chicken pox. After you’ve had chicken pox, the virus remains dormant in your body. It can reactivate as shingles.
PREVENTION
“Getting the shingles vaccine is the best way to prevent the infection,” says Dr. Greenfield. She also recommends getting a healthy amount of sleep, minimizing physical and mental stress, and keeping the immune system healthy and strong.
TREATMENT
A prescription antiviral medication usually gets the job done.
Seborrheic dermatitis, also called dandruff, can affect people of all ages but is more common with age. “It often affects the scalp and hairline. But it can also occur in the eyebrows, in smile lines, and even on the eyelids,” says Dr. King. “It causes red patches of dry skin that flake.”
DURATION Dandruff doesn’t have a clearcut lifespan. For some it goes away on its own, while others deal with it long term.
PREVENTION Some people are more prone to it. Talk to your doctor about the best approach for you.
TREATMENT “There is no cure, but it can be managed,” says Dr. King. “Wash your hair and face regularly, moisturize, use a pyrithione zinc or selenium sulfide anti-dandruff shampoo, and let the lather run down the face.”
Is it dry skin or a rash?
If it’s dry skin, moisturizing alone may do the trick. But many conditions are misleading. If dryness or discomfort persists, talk to your doctor. See if it’s more than just dry skin. “Eczema and itchy, dry skin can look similar,” Dr. Greenfield says,“ so you may need to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.”
