title: The role of skin assessment in older people.
abstract: Understanding what to look for, what is normal and what needs to be referred to a specialist, gives community nurses confidence in assessing older skin. Skin health checks should become a normal part of health surveillance in primary care. This article reviews some of the most common changes that occur as skin ages, drawing attention to features that indicate possible malignancy as well as briefly indicating some common changes due to dry skin and disease processes. The principles of sun protection, including some helpful products, and skin treatment to aid hydration and maintain health are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Bristol Dermatology Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. tracey.wheeler@uhbristol.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Tracey
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wheeler
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004643:Emollients / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D004643:Emollients; D013473:Sunscreening Agents