title: Skin problems in the aged.
abstract: Based on experiences in homes for the aged in Singapore, the following may be useful guidelines when dealing with dermatological cases in old people: Diagnosis can be difficult: common diseases come first. The clinical picture is often altered by the patient's self-medication: search for the primary disease. Expect considerable interference of your therapy by other medication. Keep therapy as simple as possible. Refrain from oral medication. Scabies is more common than usually thought and often difficult to recognize when the general standard of hygiene is high. Creams and ointments are not helpful in stasis eczema and leg ulcers. Diuretics often do not work in ankle oedema and its skin complications. Compressive bandages or elastic stockings are cheaper and safer. Antihistaminics rarely work to relieve itch, but cause considerable drowsiness. Use them only for urticaria. Many elderly have a dry skin: soap can cause itch and dermatitis.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004485:Eczema / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D012846:Singapore; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology