Our skin changes as we age. It becomes thinner. It loses some of its elastic quality. It is less able to protect itself from damage, and it heals more slowly from cuts or burns. The older you get, then, the more important it is to take care of your skin.

Many of the problems in skin appearance are caused by sun damage. It is never too late to start wearing sunscreen. Wear at least a 30 SPF sunscreen every time you're going to be in the sun. It may not reverse damage but it can help prevent further damage. It can also help prevent skin cancer. It is important to pay attention to new spots or changes in freckles or moles. See your health care provider if you are concerned about a skin lesion. Many skin cancers are easily removed in your doctor's office. Wear sunglasses to avoid eye damage.

Dry skin is a common problem in older adults. To avoid dry skin:

• shower or bathe with warm water,
• apply a skin lotion over your whole body, while you are still damp
• always shower and apply lotion immediately after swimming in a chlorinated pool or sitting in a spa,
• avoid saunas,
• apply lotion all over your body at bedtime,
• use only soaps designed for dry skin, and
• think about using a humidifier on cold, dry winter days.

It helps to be slightly damp when you apply lotion to help lock in moisture. But don't leave yourself too damp, or you can develop fungal infections. Women should dry under the breasts, and both men and women should dry their genital areas well after showering or bathing.

Stasis dermatitis is a skin condition caused by water retention in the lower leg. It is common in people over the age of 50. Women are more likely to get this than men. People with this tend to scratch and cause bruises, ulcers, and more damage to the leg. Leg elevation, elastic bandage wraps, and, sometimes, treatment with diuretics to cause water loss can help. In some cases, antibiotics may be needed.

Exfoliative dermatitis is a scaling of the skin. About 75 percent of people with this are over age 40. Women are twice as likely as men to develop this. You may feel like your skin is tight or you may lose hair in the area. It can be caused by an underlying disease or by medications. Treatment with cortisone may help. Be sure to talk with your doctor if home care does not take care of a skin problem.

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