Anti-Aging Skin Care And Tips For Dry, Itchy Skin

As a person ages it is normal to see the appearance of wrinkles
and age spots. Elderly people can also develop skin disorders
that can lead to serious medical problems. Older people need to
give their skin more care than when they were younger. This is
important because older skin is less oily, less elastic and
thinner. It will bruise easier and take longer to heal when cut.


To protect against most kinds of skin cancer at any age use a
sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Also consider
wearing long sleeves and a shady hat to give protection from the
sun.

If you experience any of the following symptoms call a health
care professional or go to the emergency room:

• Sudden, severe generalized itching, which can be a sign of
liver or kidney disease, thyroid disorder or allergy

• Blisters or rash on forehead or temple with inflammation or
pain in the eye. This could be indication of shingles involving
the eye, which is an emergency that must be treated immediately.


Call a health care professional during office hours if you
experience any of the following problems:

• Severe itching on underarms, abdomen, hands, wrists and groin,
which can be a sign of scabies or mites and is easily treated.
Sometimes scabies and mites can be picked up during a hospital
stay

• If a mole grows in size, larger than one-quarter inch, are
discolored (pearly blue, black or red and irregular shape) or if
moles bleed

• A skin problem that starts or becomes worse just after
starting a new medicine, increasing dose, or finishing the
course of a medicine

• If a skin ulcer stays longer than two weeks without healing or
grows in size

Dry and itchy skin may be more of a problem in winter when there
is less humidity. Consider the following as suggestions to
prevent or treat dry, itchy skin:

• After shower or bath, gently pat skin with a towel, but leave
the skin moist. Apply a lotion, body oil or moisturizer that is
high in petroleum such as AquaphorTM or EucerinTM. Avoid
moisturizers with perfume or alcohol; these will dry and
irritate the skin

• Use warm, not hot water for your bath or shower and keep them
short. Do not scrub the skin roughly. Use a soft cloth or
sponge. Use glycerin soap or moisturizing cream such as ToneTM
or DoveTM and rinse off well.

• If you experience problem dry spots, try applying petroleum
jelly to the troubled areas after bath or shower. If you use
petroleum jelly be sure to wear pajamas and/or sock to protect
bedding and clothing.

• Change bed sheets and clothing often. Wash clothes and sheets
in detergents free of perfumes and fabric softeners that could
irritate the skin. Be sure to rinse clothes and bedding
thoroughly. An older person should wear cotton. Synthetics and
other fabrics can be irritating to the skin.

• Drink plenty of water. Decrease us of caffeine and alcohol.

Source: Foundation for Health in Aging

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food
and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All
health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care
professional