Dermatology Tips for Seniors

As we age, our skin becomes more susceptible to conditions like dryness, infections, and skin cancer. At Mobile Dermatology Solutions, with over 20 years of experience in senior care, we’re dedicated to helping Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living residents maintain healthy skin. Below are expert tips to protect your skin, prevent issues, and know when to seek care—all delivered right where you are.

​

Why Skin Care Matters for Seniors

​

Seniors face unique skin health challenges due to thinning skin, reduced oil production, and a higher risk of conditions like skin cancer, rashes, and infections such as scabies. Preventive care and early detection are critical to avoiding complications, improving comfort, and maintaining quality of life. Regular skin checks and proper care can catch issues early, ensuring timely treatment without leaving your facility.

​

Top Dermatology Tips for Seniors

​

• Moisturize Daily: Aging skin loses moisture, leading to dryness, itching, and cracking. Use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer (e.g., Cetaphil or CeraVe) twice daily, especially after bathing, to lock in hydration and prevent skin tears.

• Protect Against Sun Damage: Seniors are at higher risk for skin cancer due to years of sun exposure. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to exposed areas, even indoors near windows, and wear protective clothing like long sleeves or hats when outside.

• Keep Skin Clean and Dry: Gently cleanse with mild, non-irritating soap to avoid stripping natural oils. Pat skin dry, especially in skin folds, to prevent fungal infections or irritation, which are common in humid environments.

• Inspect Skin Regularly: Check your skin monthly for new or changing spots, moles, or rashes. Use a mirror or ask a caregiver to examine hard-to-see areas like your back. Report any changes to your facility staff or our providers.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water (8–10 cups daily, unless medically restricted) to support skin elasticity and overall health. Dehydration can worsen dryness and increase infection risk.

• Avoid Scratching: Itchy skin is common in seniors, often due to dryness or conditions like eczema. Resist scratching to prevent infections or skin tears. Use cool compresses or ask for a topical treatment recommendation.

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E (e.g., fruits, vegetables, nuts) to support skin repair and immunity. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish or flaxseed) can reduce inflammation and dryness.

• Manage Chronic Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or poor circulation can worsen skin issues. Work with your healthcare team to control these conditions and monitor skin for sores or slow-healing wounds.

The Importance of Prevention

​

Preventing skin issues is far easier than treating them, especially for seniors. Regular skin care and early intervention can:

• Reduce Skin Cancer Risk: Annual skin checks by our dermatologists can detect pre-cancerous or cancerous growths (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma) early, when they’re most treatable.

• Prevent Infections: Proper hygiene and timely treatment of rashes or scabies can stop outbreaks, protecting residents and staff in close-knit facility settings.

• Avoid Complications: Addressing dryness or minor irritations early prevents skin tears, infections, or chronic conditions like eczema, which can impact mobility and comfort.

• Enhance Quality of Life: Healthy skin boosts confidence and reduces discomfort, allowing seniors to engage fully in their community.

Our team at Mobile Dermatology Solutions partners with your facility to provide preventive care, including staff training on skin health and infection control, ensuring a proactive approach to resident well-being.

When Should You Schedule an Appointment?

​

Schedule an appointment with our on-site dermatology providers if you or a loved one notices any of the following:

• A new, changing, or asymmetrical mole or growth (check for ABCDE: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6mm, Evolving).

• Persistent itching, redness, or a rash that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatments within a week.

• Skin that feels warm, swollen, or painful, which may indicate an infection like scabies or cellulitis.

• A sore or wound that doesn’t heal within two weeks, especially for those with diabetes or poor circulation.

• Scaly, crusty, or bleeding spots that could be pre-cancerous (e.g., actinic keratosis).

• Any sudden or unexplained skin changes, such as bruising, discoloration, or lumps.

No referral is needed, and our providers visit your facility regularly, making it easy to address concerns promptly. We perform skin checks, biopsies, cryosurgery, and treatments like incision and drainage on-site, with all notes entered into Point Click Care (PCC) for seamless coordination with your care team.

​