Recognising and managing age-related dermatoporosis and skin tears

Abstract

Dermatoporosis is a chronic skin fragility syndrome, caused by age and environmental factors. People with dermatoporosis have skin whose protective mechanical function is reduced and which has a decreased tolerance for friction and shearing forces. Skin tears are another clinical consequence of age-associated skin vulnerability and people with dermatoporosis are at increased risk of skin tears. Dermatoporosis may also delay the healing of skin tears, making it vital that healthcare professionals are aware of this condition. Skin tears have profound effects on the health and well-being of older people, and these kinds of injuries are being seen more frequently in clinical practice as the average age of the population increases. The treatment of skin tears in three older people with dermatoporosis is discussed and the clinical decisions made in each case.

Relationship between Vitamin C Deficiency and Cognitive Impairment in Older Hospitalised Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Furthermore, according to this study, the symptoms, which were compatible with the diagnosis of scurvy, were not significantly different among patients with or without vitamin C deficiency. Scurvy is characterised by prominent skin manifestations, including perifollicular hyperkeratosis, cork-screw hairs, gingival bleeding, petechiae and ecchymosis [17,42] Bruising and bleeding, which characterise scurvy, can be seen in older hospitalised patients because of a number of reasons such as falls [43], senile purpura (which occurs because of increased skin fragility associated with ageing) [44] and the adverse effects of commonly administered medications such as antiplatelet agents, anti-coagulants and glucocorticoids [45]. Moreover, perifollicular hyperkeratosis, which is regarded as a hallmark of scurvy, may be difficult to differentiate from leukocytoclastic vasculitis [46].…”

A Recent Advance in the Closure of Skin Wounds on Fragile Skin

“…The fragility of the damaged skin in the aged results from physiologic changes and disease processes that are specific to these patients and other patients with certain underlying diseases and prior tissue-damaging therapy. As individuals age, the dermal layer of skin loses collagen and elastin, which then results in the thinning of the dermis and reduced protective mechanical function [4]. This is compounded by UV 3 Case Reports in Emergency Medicine exposure, genetics, lifestyle, and the use of certain medications [5].…”

Dermatoporosis en estadio IV: a propósito de un caso

“…Los profesionales de enfermería, en la atención a los ancianos, han de ser sensibles ante un problema como la dermatoporosis, la cual es un factor predisponente para el desarrollo de desgarros cutáneos y para el retraso en la cicatrización de la lesión 3 .…”