Advanced aging skin and itch: addressing an unmet need

Abstract

Itch is the most common skin disorder in the elderly and frequently diminishes quality of life in this population. The high prevalence of pruritus in elderly patients is attributed in part to the decline in the normal physiology of the advanced aging skin, and reflects poor hydration, impaired skin barrier, and altered neural function, all ultimately contributing to inflammation and pruritus. As the elderly population continues to grow, practitioners need to be aware of how to evaluate and manage pruritus, recognizing the common conditions contributing to itch in elderly patients as well as the challenges of treatment in this group. Ultimately, management of pruritus will require an individually tailored approach that is guided by a patient's general health, severity of symptoms, and the potential adverse effects of itch therapies.

Diagnosis and treatment of xerosis cutis – a position paper

“…Xerosis cutis, in particular when associated with pruritus, leads to considerable impairment in patients’ quality of life . While all areas of the body may generally be affected, sites with fewer sebaceous glands, such as the lower legs, forearms, hands and feet, are usually more frequently affected.…”

Positionspapier: Diagnostik und Therapie der Xerosis cutis

“…Die Xerosis cutis, insbesondere wenn sie mit Pruritus vergesellschaftet ist, führt zu einer erheblichen Einschränkung der Lebensqualität der Patienten Alle Bereiche des Körpers können betroffen sein, oft sind jedoch Hautareale, an denen weniger Talgdrüsen vorhanden sind, wie z.B. Unterschenkel, Unterarme, Hände und Füße, häufiger betroffen.…”

The epidemiology of skin care provided by nurses at home: a multicentre prevalence study

“…, Garibyan et al . ). Irritant contact dermatitis, including incontinence‐associated dermatitis, superficial skin injuries and skin infections are other frequent skin conditions and diseases in aged and long‐term care (Polat et al .…”

“…This phenomenon is highly prevalent in older populations (Paul et al 2011, Guenther et al 2012 and people with diabetes (Behm et al 2012). It has a major impact on the quality of life and places affected people at increased risk for skin and tissue diseases (Bathe et al 2013, Garibyan et al 2013. Irritant contact dermatitis, including incontinenceassociated dermatitis, superficial skin injuries and skin infections are other frequent skin conditions and diseases in aged and long-term care (Polat et al 2009, Cowdell 2011, Jafferany et al 2012.…”