Regular checks, gentle products recommended for aging skin
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Key takeaways:
- Patients aged older than 65 often deal with xerosis, which leads to a host of skin changes.
- Using ceramide-containing cleansers and moisturizers and having regular body checks are recommended.
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Xerosis can be a significant issue for patients as they age and dermatology practitioners should both be aware and remain vigilant with whole body checks in older patients according to a poster presentation here.
“Skin xerosis affects about half the population aged 65 and older. It is associated with reduced skin barrier function, making the skin susceptible to inflammation and pruritus,” Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, FAAD, of Weill Cornell Medicine, and colleagues wrote in a poster presented at the South Beach Symposium.
Xerosis-related skin changes can include epidermis thinning, less tolerance to cold, slower keratinocyte turnover, delayed wound healing, pruritus and more.
Using face-to-face discussions and online follow-up, researchers used a modified Delphi process to develop five statements on addressing xerosis and pruritis in aging populations.
The authors suggest more frequent body checks and xerosis assessments, as well as gentle cleansers and moisturizers that contain ceramide.
Citing a study of 100 patients with mature xerosis, the authors discussed how ceramide-containing cleansers and moisturizers showed an 82% decrease in roughness, 93% decrease in desquamation and a 97% decrease in fissures.
“Awareness of mature skin’s vulnerabilities and needs remains low among health care providers,” the authors wrote. “Research and clinician education are needed to raise awareness of challenges and needs associated with mature xerosis while considering patient perspectives on skin care and treatment priorities.”
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Alexis AF, et al. Global perspective on patients with mature xerosis using skincare for promoting a healthy barrier. Presented at: South Beach Symposium; Feb. 8-11, 2024; Miami Beach, Florida.
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