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Skin conditions

Dry skin is one of the most common skin complaints in older adults. The main cause of dry skin is the loss of oil glands as we age. Bed sores are also common among older adults who are unable to move on their own. While some skin conditions are considered a normal part of aging, others can be indicative of an underlying health problem. Find out more below.

Diabetic foot care: Awareness and prevention are vital

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3 tips to prevent bed sores

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Fighting the fungus among us: Treatment options for toenail fungus

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Evidence Summary

Higher density foam mattresses and sheepskins reduce risk of pressure ulcers
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2015)
Evidence Summary

Oral antifungal medication for toenail onychomycosis.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2017)
Web Resource Rating

Treating pressure ulcers: New evidence, continued uncertainty
Evidently Cochrane

Gauze dressings should not be used to treat pressure ulcers (bed sores). Other options include alginate dressings, hydrogel dressings, and negative pressure wound therapy. More evidence is needed about which options are best to improve pain and reduce complications. Research should measure outcomes that matter to patients and carers as well as health professionals.
Web Resource Rating

What are the treatment options for rosacea?
Informed Health Online

Creams containing azelaic acid or the antibiotic metronidazole may help with your rosacea symptoms.
Web Resource Rating

Patient education: Hives (urticaria) (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information

Hives are raised, itchy bumps that are red in colour. Hives usually appear suddenly and last a few days to a week or two. Treatment can include antihistamines, oral steroids, and avoiding allergens or other triggers. See a doctor immediately if your hives appear with serious allergy symptoms such as trouble breathing, vomiting or passing out.
Web Resource Rating

Patient education: Psoriatic arthritis (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information

Psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain and stiffness in people with psoriasis, and often nail and eye problems. Treatment might include weight loss, exercise, heat and physical therapy. Medications can also help.
Web Resource Rating

What treatment options are there for warts?
Informed Health Online

Warts are almost always harmless and usually disappear on their own in time. Common treatments include salicyclic acid and cryotherapy (freezing the warts).
Evidence Summary

Interventions for female pattern hair loss.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
Evidence Summary

Interventions for rosacea.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
Evidence Summary

Follow-up consultations via telemedicine may be an effective alternative to face-to-face consultations for patients suffering from foot ulcerations
BioMed Central Health Services Research (2014)
Web Resource Rating

Topical treatments for psoriasis
Informed Health Online

There are different treatments for psoriasis. One option involves applying medication such as steroids right on the skin. Steroids have been shown to be effective and well tolerated.
Evidence Summary

In people with leg pain while walking, clopidogrel reduces cardiovascular outcomes more than aspirin, and exercise increases walking distance
AHRQ Comparative Effectiveness Reviews (2013)
Evidence Summary

In people with seborrheic dermatitis of the face or scalp, short-term use of topical steroids reduces symptoms
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2014)
Evidence Summary

Interventions for hand eczema.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2019)
Web Resource Rating

Skin exam
Canadian Cancer Society

Skins exams help detect signs of skin issues and cancer. They are usually done yearly or more often if you are at higher risk for skin cancer. Learn the ABCDE rule or the seven point checklist that doctors use to recognize the differences between normal moles and melanoma.
Web Resource Rating

Is it OK to get Botox treatments at a Botox party?
Mayo Clinic

Experts recommend that cosmetic procedures, including Botox injections take place in a doctor's office. Some side effects of Botox include pain, bruising and muscle weakness.
Web Resource Rating

Psoriasis
Informed Health Online

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that is not contagious. Symptoms include red patches, scaly skin and itchy skin. Creams, bathing, UV light therapy or medications can help.
Web Resource Rating

Common warts
Mayo Clinic

Warts are bumps with black dots that grow mostly on hands and fingers. They are caused by a virus and are contagious. Treatments include medications with salicylic acid or freezing.
Patient Decision Aid

Warts: Should I treat warts?
OHRI

This patient decision aid helps individuals with common warts or plantar warts decide on whether or not to treat warts by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options.
Web Resource Rating

Age spots (liver spots)
Mayo Clinic

Avoid strong and direct sunshine to help prevent age spots. See your doctor if the spot has abnormal shape, color or if it changes size. More tips for preventing, recognizing and treating age spots in this resource as well as questions to ask your doctor.
Web Resource Rating

Reducing your risk for melanoma skin cancer
Canadian Cancer Society

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. To reduce your risk use sunscreen, cover your skin, sit in the shade and wear sunglasses. Do not use indoor tanning beds.
Web Resource Rating

Finding skin cancer early
Canadian Cancer Society

Symptoms of skin cancer include but are not limited to: changes in moles or spots on the skin, sores that don't heal, and red patches on the skin that are scaly or rough. Consult with your doctor immediately after flagging changes to your skin so they can conduct a skin exam.
Web Resource Rating

Rosacea
Informed Health Online

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes red patches on your face. Treatments include antibiotics or medicated gels, creams and lotions. Avoiding things that trigger your rosacea can help prevent it.
Web Resource Rating

Detecting non-melanoma skin cancer
Informed Health Online

Skin changes are a normal part of aging. Regularly check your skin for any changes. See your doctor if you notice a change or wound that doesn't go away within 4 weeks.
Web Resource Rating

Bedsores (pressure ulcers)
Mayo Clinic

Bedsores are caused by pressure on one part of the skin for too long. Change position frequently if confined to bed or a wheelchair and use supportive mattresses or cushions. Check, protect and clean skin regularly.
Web Resource Rating

Acupuncture for itchiness: An evidence-based solution
Evidence-based Living

There is some evidence showing that acupuncture helps relieve itchiness. More research is needed. If you suffer from itchiness it may be worth giving a try.
Evidence Summary

Autologous platelet-rich plasma for treating chronic wounds.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
Web Resource Rating

Can antibiotics prevent cellulitis from coming back?
Informed Health Online

A low-dose of penicillin every day for up to a year may prevent cellulitis from recurring, with few side effects. It is important, however, to use the penicillin properly to prevent bacterial resistance.
Blog Post

Caring for the skin you are in: What works?

Get your “skin in the game,” literally! Research shows that different non-drug topical treatments are available and may be beneficial for improving the health of your skin.
Blog Post

Fighting the fungus among us: Treatment options for toenail fungus

Dreading sandal season? Fungal infections are unpleasant to look at and difficult to treat, but research shows that oral antifungal medications can be effective, although they come with some side effects.
Blog Post

3 tips to prevent bed sores

Long periods of lying or sitting in one position can lead to pressure sores (also known as bed sores). There are simple and effective options to help prevent this painful condition.
Blog Post

The shingles vaccine: Should you get it?

Shingles is a painful condition that can attack anyone who has ever had chicken pox, but is most likely to strike older adults and others with weakened immune systems. Vaccines are available that cut the chance of getting shingles. Is vaccination worth it? Dr. Mark Loeb provides a professional view and shingles patient Jean shares her personal experience.
Blog Post

Diabetic foot care: Awareness and prevention are vital

People with diabetes are at significantly higher risk for foot disease including ulcers that can lead to serious health problems. A leading expert in diabetic foot care provides important facts and strategies for prevention and protection.

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