Physiological Changes in the Elderly Skin
Changes in the skin are the most visible signs of aging. Changes in the appearance of the skin are related to environmental factors, nutrition, and genetic composition, among other factors. The natural skin pigments protect against skin damage. Fair-skinned individuals show more aging skin changes than people with dark and heavily pigmented skin (Farage et al., 2014).
When a person ages, the epidermis remains unchanged, and melanocytes reduce in number. Aging skin looks thinner and clear and large pigmented parts of the skin may appear in the sun-exposed parts. The variations in the connective tissue due to aging reduce the elasticity and strength of the skin. When an individual grows older, the blood vessels of the dermis become more fragile, leading to bruising and bleeding under the skin.
Sebaceous glands secrete less oil as a person ages though women experience more decrease than men after attaining the age of eighty. The production of less oil makes it difficult to keep the moist skin leading to itchiness and dryness (Harris & Korolchuk, 2019). Also, the subcutaneous fat layer becomes thin, reducing its ability to insulate the body and minimizes the ability to maintain body temperature. The minimal natural insulation leads to hypothermia during cold weather.
Care to the Elderly Experiencing Skin Changes
The aging process involves degenerative changes in the body, including changes in the skin. The changes have psychosocial and physical effects such as increased exposure to skin damage. As an APRN, the care work that I will provide to male and female patients include skin hygiene and using appropriate interventions to promote healthy skin (Williams, 2019). Skin hygiene promotes the wellbeing of the patients by helping in maintaining a balance between cleanliness and over washing. Also, I will use appropriate washing products to help in maintaining the health of the skin. Also, I will encourage my patients to practise self-care by imparting the necessary skills, confidence and knowledge.
References
Farage, M., Miller, K., Woods, N., & Maibach, H. (2014). Skin, Mucosa and Menopause: Management of Clinical Issues. Springer.
Harris, R., & Korolchuk, V. (2019). Biochemistry and Cell Biology of Ageing: Part II Clinical Science. Springer.
Williams, P. (2019). Basic Geriatric Nursing – E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.