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Dermatological disorder - Coggle Diagram
Dermatological disorder
1. Why Aging Skin Changes
Intrinsic Factors (Natural Aging): Cell division slows down, cell repair decreases, and waste products (free radicals) build up and damage cells.
Extrinsic Factors (External Damage): Sunlight (UVA) damages skin cell DNA. Smoking, alcohol, and poor nutrition break down elastin fibers, causing premature aging.
2. Common Skin Problems in Older Adults
Age Spots (Senile Lentigo): Small (under 5 mm), brown, flat spots on sun-exposed areas caused by an abnormal buildup of pigment cells.
Dry Skin & Eczema (Xeroderma): Sweat and oil glands shrink, making skin dry and itchy. If untreated, it turns into red, peeling eczema.
Thinning & Wrinkles: Loss of collagen and elastin makes skin sag, wrinkle, and tear easily.
Allergic Rashes (Dermatitis): Red, raised, itchy rashes triggered by dust, chemicals, or medications, especially in those with asthma or allergies.
Senile Purpura: Fragile blood vessels break easily, causing purple bruises, especially in patients taking blood thinners.
Stasis Dermatitis: Thick, dark skin and dry spots around the ankles caused by poor circulation from varicose veins.
Skin Cancer: Raised moles or non-healing sores on sun-exposed areas (like the face and scalp) caused by UV radiation.
Infections & Cellulitis: Reduced immunity increases fungal and bacterial infections. Cellulitis is a serious, painful bacterial skin infection (usually on the leg) causing redness, swelling, warmth, and fever.
Other Changes: Reduced skin sensation (higher injury risk) and thicker, darker, but brittle nails.
3. Daily Skin Care Guidelines
Use gentle, fragrance-free, moisturizing products.
Avoid hot showers and harsh scrubbing.
Pat skin dry and apply moisturizer immediately.
Use a humidifier when the air is dry.
Wear long sleeves, hats, and SPF 30+ sunscreen; avoid peak sun hours (10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.).
Eat a nutritious diet and avoid smoking/alcohol.
4. Bed Sore (Pressure Ulcer) Prevention
Repositioning: Turn bedridden patients every 2 hours (or more if sores exist).
Mattresses: Use air mattresses or specialized pads. Avoid donut-shaped cushions, as they cut off blood flow and worsen sores.
Nutrition: Eat a diet rich in protein and vitamins (like eggs and meat) to aid healing.
Skin Protectants:
Cavilon™ Barrier Cream/Film: Protects skin from irritation caused by urine or stool. Do not use on infected wounds.
Zinc Paste: Apply directly onto existing pressure sores.