title: Cutaneous aging: effect of intrinsic changes on surgical considerations.
abstract: Intrinsic age-related structural and functional changes in the skin, independent of sun-induced damage, directly affect wound healing in the elderly. These alterations, as well as concomitant medical illness, pharmaceutical intake, and dietary changes, result in delayed wound healing, decreased ultimate tensile strength, and increased rates of wound dehiscence, ecchymosis, tape-strip injuries, infection, and persistent contact dermatitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa.
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Lober
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Fenske
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003094:Collagen / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D003094:Collagen