Age-Associated Skin Conditions and Diseases: Current Perspectives and Future Options

Abstract

The International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), a global, not-for-profit organization representing 157 dermatological societies worldwide, has identified the consequences of skin aging as one of the most important grand challenges in global skin health. Reduced functional capacity and increased susceptibility of the skin with development of dermatoses such as dry skin, itching, ulcers, dyspigmentation, wrinkles, fungal infections, as well as benign and malignant tumors are the most common skin conditions in aged populations worldwide. Environmental (e.g., pollution) and lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, sunbed use) negatively affect skin health. In turn altered appearance, dry skin, chronic wounds, and other conditions decrease general health and reduce the likelihood for healthy and active aging. Preventive skin care includes primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions. Continuous sun protection from early childhood onward is most important, to avoid extrinsic skin damage and skin cancer. Exposure to irritants, allergens, or other molecules damaging the skin must be avoided or reduced to a minimum. Public health approaches are needed to implement preventive and basic skin care worldwide to reach high numbers of dermatological patients and care receivers. Education of primary caregivers and implementation of community dermatology are successful strategies in resource-poor countries. Besides specialist physicians, nurses and other health care professionals play important roles in preventing and managing age-related skin conditions in developing as well as in developed countries. Healthy skin across the life course leads to better mental and emotional health, positive impact on social engagement, and healthier, more active, and productive lives.

Aged human skin accumulates mast cells with altered functionality that localize to macrophages and vasoactive intestinal peptide‐positive nerve fibres

“…Skin punch biopsies (6 mm) were taken from photoprotected buttock skin under local anaesthetic (lidocaine 2%; Antigen Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Dublin, Ireland) for immunostaining and RNA extraction as previously described . Photoprotected buttock skin was sampled so as to mitigate any other skin pathology induced by the skin's interaction with the environment, for example chronic exposure to sunlight (photoageing) …”

Gender and age significantly determine patient needs and treatment goals in psoriasis – a lesson for practice

“…Overall, it is known that healthy skin during life course leads to better mental and emotional health, positive impact on social engagement, and healthier, more active and productive lives. 21…”

Self‐reported skin concerns: An epidemiological study of community‐dwelling older people

“…The increasing financial pressure on health and social care means that services are restricted to those with the highest needs; it is therefore imperative that there is a system for low‐level support and advice to help older people remain independent and in their own homes for as long as possible (Wrosch, Rueggeberg, & Hopppmann, ). One element that is conspicuously absent from the healthy ageing agenda is consideration of maintenance and promotion of healthy skin; indeed, healthy skin ageing has been identified as a “grand challenge” (Blume‐Peytavi et al., ). The skin is an important but often forgotten organ which acts as a protective barrier between the internal organs and the external environment and has sensory, thermoregulatory and vitamin D synthesis functions (Kottner, ).…”