What causes itchy skin in the elderly? How to prevent and treat it?

Author: Tang Qin, Deputy Secretary-General of the Science Popularization Expert Committee of the Chinese Medical Association, Researcher

Reviewer: Wang Changyuan, Chief Physician, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University

After entering the autumn and winter season, some elderly people will experience itchy skin, especially on the trunk, lower limbs and back. Sometimes the itching is unbearable, especially at night when sleeping, and the more you scratch, the more itchy it becomes, which has a certain impact on the lives of the elderly.

So, what exactly is going on when the elderly experience skin itching?

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1. Why do the elderly experience skin itching?

The causes of skin itching in the elderly can be roughly divided into internal factors and external factors.

1. Internal factors

(1) Due to the decline in hormone levels in the elderly, the skin ages and shrinks, and the secretory functions of sweat glands and sebaceous glands degenerate, leading to dry skin, which in turn causes skin itching.

(2) If the elderly suffer from other diseases, such as some chronic diseases, including diabetes, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, renal insufficiency, certain malignant tumors, etc., it may also cause persistent skin itching.

(3) Many skin diseases may cause skin itching, such as eczema, senile pruritus, senile atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, etc.

2. External factors

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(1) It can be caused by allergies. Elderly people are prone to allergies after eating certain foods, such as shrimp, crab or some fruits, which can cause itching on the body; or eating spicy foods can also cause itching on the body.

Some elderly people are allergic to certain pollens, chemicals and detergents. If they inhale or come into contact with allergens, they will experience skin allergies and itching.

(2) It can be caused by cold or hot environmental stimulation. The skin is easily affected by the surrounding environment, especially in the cold and dry autumn and winter. The elderly are prone to losing moisture in their skin, which often causes itching. In addition, the hot and humid summer weather and the excessive sweating of the elderly can also easily induce itching.

(3) Taking certain drugs can induce itching. For example, sulfonamides and retinoic acid drugs that inhibit sebaceous gland secretion or induce xerosis may cause itching after taking them.

2. What should we do if the elderly have skin itching?

If you suffer from skin itching, you should first find out the cause and then carry out corresponding treatment according to the symptoms.

1. For skin itching caused by allergies: it can be relieved as long as you stay away from allergens.

2. For drug-induced allergic itching: adjusting the medication or stopping taking the medication as directed by the doctor can relieve the symptoms.

3. For skin itching caused by underlying diseases: If the elderly have multiple underlying diseases, the itching symptoms will be relieved and improved after receiving effective treatment for the cause.

4. If no organic disease is found after going to the hospital for examination, you can apply moisturizing skin cream. If the itching symptoms are particularly severe, you should take comprehensive treatment under the guidance of a doctor, such as taking some anti-allergic drugs orally and using some hormone-containing ointments appropriately. Usually, it can be relieved after 1 to 2 weeks of external application.

3. What are the preventive measures for skin itching in the elderly?

1. Since skin itching is mostly caused by dry skin, it is very important to keep the skin moist and hydrated. Therefore, the elderly should not bathe too frequently to avoid water loss. In addition, when bathing, be careful not to use highly alkaline bath gel, the water temperature should not be too hot, do not rub the body too much, and remember that the bathing time should not be too long.

2. Ensure that the temperature in your home is appropriate, not too hot, too cold, or hot and cold. When the indoor air is dry in winter, you can use a humidifier appropriately.

3. Ensure a healthy and reasonable diet. Do not eat too salty or greasy food, eat more fresh yellow-green vegetables; avoid drinking alcohol, strong tea, coffee, etc., do not eat spicy and irritating food, and keep the bowels open, which can effectively prevent skin itching.

4. If itching of the vulva, anus or vagina occurs, be careful not to wear tight underwear and always keep the area dry and clean.

5. Maintain a regular life and a good mood. Once the elderly have skin itching and the condition is serious, it may affect their normal life. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the regularity of life, go to bed on time, and avoid overwork. When using bedding, it is best to use pure cotton products, because some woolen and chemical fiber products will generate static electricity, which will induce skin itching. In autumn and winter, you should also pay attention to adding clothes in time to prevent cold; underwear should be soft and loose, and try to wear cotton and silk clothes.

In addition, the elderly should also maintain a happy mood, avoid negative emotions such as worry, anxiety, depression, etc., so that their minds can be relaxed and open, and they can also divert and reduce the anxiety caused by itching.

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References

[1] Yu Jin. What to do if your skin is always itchy in winter? [J]. Chinese Aging, 2022(3):51.

[2] Wang Hongwei. Skin itching is common in the elderly. How to relieve it? [J]. Health Care and Medical Garden, 2022(5):12-13.

[3] Shi Zhongsheng. Why are the elderly prone to skin itching? [J]. Family Medicine, 2021(11):18.

[4] Shi Zhongsheng. What to do with skin itching in the elderly[J]. Family Medicine, 2021(12):18.