HCP – Skin & Wound Infections

Aging skin is more susceptible to skin infections and skin diseases due to the changes that take place as aging occurs. The epidermis (outermost layer of the skin) thins and the number of melanocytes (pigment-containing cells) decreases, resulting in thinner, more translucent skin. There is also a decrease in oil production by the sebaceous glands and skin often becomes dryer (especially for older women). (1) This renders the skin more susceptible to injury and delays healing. As a result, older adults are prone to skin problems ranging from pruritus (itching), scaling and mild dryness to more urgent skin conditions such as infections and ulcerations. A severe skin infection or non-healing wound in older individuals is serious and requires immediate attention.