Wound Healing Among Seniors

Posted on

Mar 16, 2018

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Seniors are prone to skin complications ranging from itching, scaling and mild dryness to grave skin conditions such as infection and ulcerations. As we age, our skin injures more easily and heals more slowly. A severe skin infection or non-healing wound in the elderly can be very serious, even fatal.
Common skin conditions of the elderly
Senile Purpura purplish spots that appear most often on the arms and legs due to thinness of the skin and frailty of capillaries and blood vessels below the surface.
Stasis Dermatitis more common in elderly women than men; characterized by dry, itchy skin.
Exfoliative Dermatitis more severe than stasis dermatitis, characterized by excessive peeling and shedding of skin. The associated severe itching can lead to infections.
Skin Infections / Infestations bacterial infections and parasitic infestation such as scabies or ringworm are common in the elderly.
Cancerous and noncancerous skin growths
Viral skin disorders such as shingles and herpes zoster.

The elderly have special skin care needs because aging skin is so thin and dry. Dry skin is prone to cracking and dermatitis, which allows bacteria to penetrate that can result in infection which hinders wound healing. Cognitive impairment can make it difficult for seniors to understand and comply with their treatment plan. Difficulty seeing may make it hard for a senior to inspect a wound for infection or change the wound dressing properly.

In cases of chronic wounds, patients should seek help from a wound care clinic that specializes in treating non-healing wounds. A clinician may determine that a senior needs a wound dressing that allows for very easy changing. Alginates, for instance, can be simply rinsed away with saline or another clinician-suggested solution.

No matter the method of healing, a good diet filled with vitamins and nutrients, regular exercise and management of other conditions, such as diabetes, can help ensure a wound heals as quickly and efficiently as possible. Seniors should talk to their clinicians about supplements that can aid in wound healing.
Fast Facts

Seniors should examine themselves regularly for "changing moles" and new growths
The best treatment for dry skin is to lubricate with the regular use of over-the-counter lotions and moisturizers.
Frequent bathing and showering actually can aggravate dry skin.

Editors Note: This article was submitted by Linda Meola, MBA.
Linda is the Program Director at the Stamford Health Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center
and may be reached at 203-276-2486 or by email at LMeola@Stamhealth.org

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