Improvement in Cutaneous Conditions Can Benefit Some Health Conditions in the Elderly

Abstract

As we are aging, a number of cutaneous and extracutaneous disorders will be developed. Although the pathogenesis of these aging-associated disorders is not clear yet, abnormalities in the skin are linked to some aging-associated disorders at least to some extent. Inflammatory dermatoses such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis predispose to the development of cardiovascular diseases, obesity and type 2 diabetes. In addition, both chronologically aged skin and individuals with some aging-associated systemic conditions display altered epidermal function, such as reduced stratum corneum hydration levels, which can provoke cutaneous inflammation. Because aged skin exhibits higher expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, which play a pathogenic role in a variety of aging-associated health condition, the association of the skin with some aging-associated disorders is likely mediated by inflammation. This postulation is supported by the evidence that improvement in either epidermal function or inflammatory dermatoses can mitigate some aging-associated disorders such as mild cognitive impairment and insulin sensitivity. This perspective discusses the association of the skin with aging-associated disorders and highlights the potential of improvement in cutaneous conditions in the management of some health conditions in the elderly.

The Psychology of Atopic Dermatitis

“…Individuals aged over 65 years may display chronic, low-grade, generalised inflammation, commonly referred to as ‘inflammaging’, even without a specific inflammatory disorder [ 21 , 92 , 93 ]. The cause of ‘inflammaging’ likely involves immune system dysregulation and various other age-related physiological changes [ 94 ].…”

“…The cause of ‘inflammaging’ likely involves immune system dysregulation and various other age-related physiological changes [ 94 ]. This has been linked to the development of many aging-associated systemic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and certain neurodegenerative disorders [ 21 ]. Age is also associated with epidermal dysfunction.…”

“…There are reports of an increased risk of ASD and ADHD in infants with AD, suggesting that an immune dysregulation may influence neurodevelopment [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Additionally, evidence suggest that a higher expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in ageing skin may be associated with ageing-related CI [ 21 ]. This review explores the associations between AD, mental health, cognitive function, and possible causation pathways between chronic cutaneous inflammation, itch, and psychological wellbeing.…”