Common skin problems in the elderly

This article is based on a presentation given by Dr Sarita Singh, Consultant Dermatologist and Research Lead for Dermatology, Chelsea and Westminster hospital, at the GM Conference Ageing and Healthcare Today, held in Edinburgh.

By Dr Sarita Singh On 9 Jan 2018 Last updated 11 Aug 2023

Introduction Pruritus Eczematous dermatoses Infections Malignancy Conclusion References Introduction The World Health Organization predicts that the global population of people aged over 60 years will reach two billion in 2050. There will be an inevitable associated increase in the burden of dermatological disease. Ageing is associated with structural and functional changes in the skin. It can cause thinning of the epidermis and dermis, fragmentation of collagen and elastic fibres and decreased cell healing and DNA repair. There is also a decrease in melanocytes and reduced function of sebaceous glands as well as a decrease in skin lipids, vascularity and supporting

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