Geriatric skin Conditions Flashcards
What happens to lipid content of the skin with aging? What are the effects of this? (2)
Decreased:
- Drier and rougher
- Decreased barrier function
With aging, the interdigitations of the dermis/epidermis flatten. What are the 4 major results of this?
- Reduced contact between epidermis and dermis
- Decreased nutrient transfer
- Increased skin fragility
- Easy bruising
What accounts for the slower wound healing of old people?
Slower turnover of epidermal cells
What is the effect of reduced numbers of langerhans cells with aging?
Decreased immune surveillance
What causes the wrinkling with aging (2)?
- Loss of elastin
- Decrease in ground substance (collagen, elastin etc)
What causes the decreased hair density with aging?
Shortened duration of anagen, and increased duration of telogen (resting phase)
What are the two UV rays that cause the most damage?
UVA and UVB
What are the signs of photodamaged skin?
- Mottling
- Hyperpigmentation
- Telangiectasias
What are the drugs that are proved to reduce wrinkling?
Retinoids–topical tretinoin at high concentration for long periods
What are the three main effects of topical retinoids on the skin?
- Increases thickness of superficial skin
- Reduces pigment changes
- Increases collagen synthesis
What is the concept behind derm surgeries?
damage epidermis to allow for dermis to heal again in a better fashion
What is seborrheic dermatitis? Where on the body is it usually found? s/sx?
Erythematous, greasy, peely dandruffy type of condition that often occurs in the hairline or nasolabial folds. Sometimes pruritic.
What disease is seborrheic dermatitis more common in?
PD
True or false: seborrheic dermatitis is only an acute condition
False–chronic, incurable condition, but can easily be controlled
What is the treatment for seborrheic dermatitis?
Mild topical corticosteroids for acute phase, then medicated shampoos that act against yeast
What is rosacea? What part of the body is it usually found on?
Diffuse erythema and erythematous papules on the face, forehead, and chin
What happens to the nose with Rosacea?
Rhinophyma
What ages are affected with rosacea?
all ages
What is the common symptom of rosacea?
Recurrent facial flushing
What is the cause of rosacea?
Idippathic
What is the treatment for rosacea?
- Avoid irritants
- oral Abx for flares
- topical abx for mild cases
What is the treatment for refractory rosacea?
oral isotretinoin
What is the treatment for the erythema and telangiectasias seen with rosacea?
Lasers!!
What is xerosis?
Dryness of the skin
What is eczema craquele?
Dry, erythematous fissured skin that is itchy
What condition do you get on your hands every year? What causes it?
Eczema craquele
You’re way too dry
What is the treatment for eczema craquele?
Wet it and avoid hot showers
What is an emollient?
Moisturizing agent
What is neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus)?
Chronic itching of the skin causes it to thicken, and become more pruritic. Vicious cycle
What is the treatment for neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus)? (3)
- Potent topical corticosteroids
- Emollients
- Behavioral modification
What is intertrigo? What usually causes it?
Irritative condition of the skin between intertriginous areas
Usually caused by candida
What are the signs of intertrigo?
Moist erythema, maceration, and superficial erosion
Why is intertrigo more common in older adults?
More folds
What is the treatment for intertrigo?
Keep area dry
use typical antifungals PRN
What are the skin findings of bullous pemphigoid?
Large, tense blisters NOT on an erythematous base