Although in everyday life we usually give it little thought, our skin is extremely important. It helps to control our body's temperature; it is vital sense organ , a protection for the underlying tissues, a store for fats and makes vitamin D. It is also the part of us most visible to the outside world and it reflects our general state of health. It is not surprising therefore that the skin problems can have a major effect on the person suffering from them.
Age Related Changes
With aging the skin loses some of its elasticity so that there is wrinkling and sagging. These changes are completely normal. It also becomes drier. The temperature of the skin of the hands and feet is reduced and skin sweats less. There are also changes to the hair and nails; the hair loses its color and becomes thinner, nails grow less quickly and may thicken.
Care of the Skin in Later Life
Because of the age-related changes certain adaptations may need to be made to personal hygiene habits if the skin is not to become excessively dry and uncomfortable. A good idea is to rub-lanolin-based cream into the skin after washing and drying.
Skin Problems
Some of the skin problems older people develop-such as warts or ringworm are literally "skin deep". Others however may be indications of a more widespread disease- the sore dry skin patches seen in pellagra, for example, or the discharging lymph nodes, which may occur in tuberculosis.
Skin disorder can be very unsightly and from ancient times there have been prejudices attached to many of them for example the problems leprosy sufferers have due to other people's reaction to their appearance. Such prejudices can provoke feelings of guilt, unworthiness and rejection in older people and it is very important that effort are made to overcome prejudices by education and discussion, and that carers relate to sufferers with no distaste or disgust.
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