Factors relevant to the awareness regarding skin dryness in community-dwelling elderly

Abstract

This research aimed to clarify the factors relevant to the awareness regarding skin dryness in community-dwelling elderly. Method: A self-administered survey was conducted in May 2017 and the stratum corneum hydration was measured. The survey items comprised basic attributes, whether the subjects used moisturizing agents, nutritional status, and awareness regarding skin dryness. Forearms and lower legs were observed, and their stratum corneum hydration was measured. Results: The research was conducted on 58 subjects; 32 were women with an average age of 72.9 years. Factors that influenced the awareness regarding skin dryness were female sex, lower age, and alcohol consumption, and the awareness prompted the use of skin moisturizers. However, stratum corneum hydration was not associated with the awareness of skin dryness. Some of the elderly subjects did not use skin moisturizers. Discussion: The women's great concern for their skin could be the possible reason they are aware of skin dryness; the awareness of skin dryness in the younger elderly was thought to be the result of their maintenance of visual and tactile susceptibilities. Moreover, alcohol consumption was believed to be influenced by sex. Conclusion: The prevention of skin dryness should be greatly promoted to males and the late elderly.