Skin problems are common among the elderly. Some are considered a normal part of aging, while others may indicate an underlying health problem.
The ADAM Encyclopedia says the following medical conditions could spur changes in an elderly person's skin:
- Having arteriosclerosis or another disease of the blood vessels.
- Being diabetic.
- Having heart disease or liver disease.
- Being malnourished.
- Being obese.
- Having a reaction to medication.
- Being under stress.
Health Tip: What Causes Bed Sores?
Pressure ulcers, commonly called bed sores, are wounds that develop on the skin from staying in one position without shifting your weight.
People who have just had surgery and aren't able to get out of bed, for example, may acquire a pressure ulcer because the constant weight on the affected area decreases blood supply, killing affected tissue.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine says the following conditions may foster pressure ulcers.:
- Being unable to get out of bed, or being confined to a wheelchair.
- Developing skin wounds easily, or having a chronic condition that affects blood circulation.
- Being unable to move parts of the body without assistance due to injury or illness.
- Being malnourished.
- Being mentally impaired or having dementia.
- Being older or incontinent.
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