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Important Considerations in the Older Adult. Presented by: Mary E. Barna DPM, PA-C. Important Considerations in the Older Adult. Now to Early Intervention of Pressure Ulcers. Core Principles. Changes In The Skin That Occur With Normal Aging.
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Important Considerations in the Older Adult Presented by: Mary E. Barna DPM, PA-C
Important Considerations in the Older Adult Now to Early Intervention of Pressure Ulcers
Changes In The Skin That Occur With Normal Aging • Structural changes – Skin dryness, roughness, wrinkling, and laxity increase; skin elasticity decreases. • Functional Changes - Skin barrier function, mechanical protection, sensory perception, wound healing, immunologic responsiveness, thermoregulation, and vitamin D production decline.
Skin Diseases That Cause Itchiness in Older Adults Cutaneous Disease Examples Treatments Inflammatory *Contact Dermatitis *Discontinue Psoriasis Causative agent *Topical steroids Neurodermatitis *Lichen simplex *Many Treatments, chronicus including addressing underlying psychological factors Papulonodular *Lichen planus *Topical steroids *Other treatments Vesiculobullous *Bullous pemphigoid *Topical steroids *Other treatments
Skin Diseases That Cause Itchiness in Older Adults (Continued) Cutaneous Disease Examples Treatments Infection/Infestation *Candida *Topical therapies may *Folliculitis be adequate *Scabies Drug reactions *Discontinue causative agent Urticaria *Discontinue causative agent Other *Diabetic *Treat underlying dermopathy condition
Changes that contribute to Xerosis in Older Adults Epidermal *Stratum corneum intercellular lipids *Slower turnover of cells *Natural moisturizing factor in stratum corneum cells
Changes that contribute to Xerosis in Older Adults Dermal *Number and function of sebaceous glands *Number and function of sweat glands *Number of blood vessels *Water movement from dermis to epidermis
Keys for Treating Dry Skin in the Older Adult • Humidifier with relative humidity setting of 45% - 60% • Room temperature should be as low as is comfortable • Bathe with warm (not hot) water for 10 minutes daily • No bath oils (risk of slipping in the tub) • Avoid harsh soaps and drying agents (such as powders) • Use moisturizers twice a day (once after the bath while the skin is still damp and again before bed.