Page 105 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2025 - Online Magazine

SENIOR RESOURCES

• Avoid harsh nail polishes or removers with acetone. Watch for Changes

Sun Protection If you notice sudden changes like dark streaks in the nails,
sores that don’t heal, or rapidly thinning skin, consult a
Even in your senior years, daily sunscreen is essential healthcare provider or dermatologist. These could be signs
to prevent skin cancer and slow down age-related sun of an underlying health condition.
damage.
Final Thoughts
• Use SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin — not just
your face. Taking care of your skin and nails isn’t about vanity —
it’s about health, comfort, and confidence. By combining
• Reapply if you’re outside for long periods. good nutrition with mindful skincare, you can keep both

looking and feeling their best at every age.

Skin Changes in Seniors: What’s Normal vs. What’s Not Normal

Normal (Age-Related) Skin Changes

Condition Description Picture Would Show

Thinning Skin Epidermis and dermis become thinner Skin appears more fragile and
transparent, often with visible veins
Dry, Flaky Skin (Xerosis) Oil production decreases White or gray flakes, especially on arms,
legs, and back
Wrinkles & Fine Lines Loss of collagen and elasticity Crow’s feet, smile lines, and sagging skin
on neck and jaw
Skin Tags (Acrochordons) Small benign growths in skin folds Soft, flesh-colored bumps, often on neck
or underarms
Liver Spots (Solar Lentigines) Pigmented flat spots from sun exposure Light to dark brown flat patches on
hands, face, shoulders
Bruising Easily (Senile Purpura) Fragile blood vessels under thin skin Large, purple bruises, especially on arms
and hands, not always related to trauma
Yellow Nails Slower nail growth, possible fungal Thick, discolored yellow nails with
presence ridging

Abnormal or Concerning Skin Changes

Condition Description Picture Would Show
Actinic Keratosis Precancerous sun damage Rough, scaly pink or red patches, often
on face or scalp
Skin Cancer (Basal Cell, Squamous Cell, May appear as a new or changing mole Uneven borders, dark or multicolored
Melanoma) or sore lesions, bleeding or non-healing sores
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Painful rash from reactivation of Grouped blisters along one side of body,
chickenpox virus usually with redness and burning
Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores) Skin breakdown from prolonged Red, open wounds or dark purple areas
pressure on hips, heels, or back
Fungal Infections (Tinea, Moisture buildup or weakened immune Red ring-shaped rashes (ringworm) or
Onychomycosis) system thick, crumbling toenails (nail fungus)
Eczema or Dermatitis Inflammatory skin condition Red, itchy patches, sometimes with
oozing or crusting
Bullous Pemphigoid Autoimmune blistering disorder in Large fluid-filled blisters on arms, legs,
elderly or abdomen

Lubbock Senior Link 105