Your Skin Through the Ages

Older people are also more susceptible to certain skin diseases, such as shingles (herpes zoster), varicose veins, leg ulcers and seborrheic dermatitis, a skin rash. Another common skin problem includes itching. Medications-prednisone and other steroids, as well as blood thinners-and sun damage can cause the thin, fragile skin many older women struggle to protect. Their skin is easily cut or bruised, often without the woman remembering how or when she was injured. Sun protection and emollients, especially those that contain lactic acid, and even physical protection, can help safeguard older women's skin, suggests Dr. Kassouf. "I have some patients who wear shin guards because the risk of minor trauma is so great."