Home Hernias Senile itching of the skin in elderly causes and treatment with folk remedies. Itchy body skin in the elderly: causes, treatment of senile itching Skin diseases in the elderly

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Senile itching of the skin in elderly causes and treatment with folk remedies. Itchy body skin in the elderly: causes, treatment of senile itching Skin diseases in the elderly

Senile itching in the form of nocturnal painful attacks is observed in people who have reached 50-70 years. The disease most often affects men.

Aging is a natural process, which, however, is the cause of many negative changes in the body, which often lead to unpleasant consequences.

In older people, hormonal balance and metabolism change, the circulatory, nervous, digestive system and other parts of the body undergo serious structural and functional changes.

Last but not least, these changes affect the skin - one of the most sensitive elements of the human body. This is especially true for women whose skin has a number of significant differences from men's.

Finer, more delicate and subject to the effects of destructive environmental factors, she is one of the first to experience the effects of age-related changes.

In elderly patients, numerous changes are observed on the part of the skin: it becomes dry, wrinkled, loses volume and elasticity. Brown spots and other defects appear on the surface of the skin, which often cause significant psychological discomfort to patients.

However, an even more unpleasant manifestation of age-related changes is senile itching in women. A strong sensation of itching is a common cause of insomnia, anxiety and depressive disorders and can lead to serious consequences.

Systemic drugs

Treating senile itching is not an easy problem. It is not so easy to establish the true mechanism for the appearance of itching. Therefore, basically, patients are prescribed individually selected symptomatic treatment.

Of the drugs of general (systemic) action, antihistamines are prescribed (Erius, Kestin, Zodak, Claritin) - they relieve itching well. Some antidepressants are also effective, for example, mirtazapine (Calixta, Mirtazapin canon), paroxetine (Paxil, Paroxetine, Rexetin, Sirestill) and anticonvulsants (e.g. Ggapapentin), which inhibit the central mechanisms of itching.

External medications for relieving itching

With increased dryness of the skin, moisturizers are prescribed. If the itching is very persistent and is accompanied by inflammatory rashes on the skin, ointments and creams are prescribed, which include corticosteroid hormones - Akriderm, Fluorocort, and so on.

Menthol ointments, for example, Boromenthol ointment, which includes boric acid and menthol, also relieve irritation and senile itching of the skin. You can also apply 1-3% menthol oil, it relieves itching and gives a feeling of coolness on the skin. The Golden Star Balsam also works.

Folk remedies for senile itching

Starically, itching can be removed using folk remedies:

Causes

Not only insufficient skin retention of moisture, but also a decrease in the amount of secretion of sweat and sebaceous glands is important. All this is largely due to atrophic changes, both in the dermis itself and in the small blood vessels and nerve fibers that are suitable for it.

The average age of the disease is considered to be 35 years. Moreover, it appears more often in men. The disease is characterized by the fact that it has too frequent repetitions, which can last up to a year. The most interesting thing is that the scientists have not yet identified a specific cause of the appearance of herpetiform dermatitis Dühring. Therefore, the following factors are taken as a basis:

The disease is inherited.
The formation of a tumor inside the body.
Too much sensitivity to iodine.
Worms in the body.
Infection or virus infection.
The presence of pregnancy or the appearance of menopause.
And also factors may be physical, psychological overwork.

With herpetiform dermatitis, the causes can be completely different. But these are the main conditions for the appearance of such a disease.

The etiology, pathogenesis of this disease is still not clear. Experts believe that it has an autoimmune nature. In the basement membrane (at the border of the dermis, epidermis), researchers found IgA antibodies.

A significant role in the manifestation of the disease in question is highly sensitive to iodine preparations. During the experiment, the patient was injected with iodide solution (3-5%). After the introduction of the drug, the appearance of a rash was noted, which is typical of the type of skin disease under consideration.

In a large number of patients, doctors discovered intolerance to the gluten protein that cereals contain.

Among the possible causes are the following:

heredity;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (ulcers, gastritis);
diseases with viral etiology (herpes, SARS);
ascariasis.

Manifestations of dermatoses are various, and provoke their external as well as internal causes in any age range. Dermatosis can manifest itself in the form of an allergic reaction, poisoning and disorders in the body’s immune system, various inflammatory, infectious diseases with a long course, diseases of the endocrine system, blood and blood vessel diseases, and prolonged fever.

Dermatosis can also be caused by cosmetics, mechanical damage, chemical components, piercing, contact with stinging and poisonous plants, occupational allergens, insect bites, and tattoos.

Types of pathology

Currently, there are several varieties of the disease:

Papular - on the body of the rash in the form of papules
Bullous - the skin is covered with bullae
Vesicular - the entire integument in the vesicles
Urticar-like - burns appear on the skin that resemble nettle burns
Paraoncological - a case when the development of a rash begins from the appearance of a tumor

In general, in medicine there are several dozen types of dermatitis, but there are also the most often diagnosed.

Dry dermatitis

This type of disease manifests itself exclusively in the cold season, is more often diagnosed in elderly and senile patients. The causes of dry dermatitis are:

dry indoor air;
prolonged exposure to cold air;
functional / organic diseases;
hereditary and psychosomatic factors.

Dry dermatitis has a clear localization - on the feet and is extremely rare in other parts of the body. Symptoms of dry dermatitis are considered:

excessively dry skin on the feet;
cracking of flaky spots on the feet;
itching at the site of localization of a skin disease;
redness of the affected skin.

A distinctive feature of this type of dermatitis is its long course and a clear seasonality of exacerbations.

Sign of age or symptom of illness

In most cases, itching of the skin in older people (also called senile) is a commonplace sign of their age. Gradual atrophy of the vessels, thinning of the subcutaneous tissue, which occur over the years, leads to the fact that the skin retains moisture very weakly.

And dry skin and its excessive sensitivity, just cause a desire to scratch.

If a person has already crossed the 65-year age limit, there is nothing pathological here, although the sensations are, of course, unpleasant and sometimes they do not even let you fall asleep.

Senile itching manifests itself in each person in different ways, but it is usually characteristic for him:

changes in attacks: from mild to severe;
aggravations and recessions, replacing one to one;
lack of rashes or suppuration on the skin;
the fact that even after very frequent scratching on the skin there are no traces, and the nails, on the contrary, acquire the effect of polishing;
at night, the skin itches especially hard.

Dermatosis Symptoms

Itching can be of different strengths, but more often it affects the stronger sex. Often its intensity is such that the patient cannot tolerate.

The duration of the disease can be months. But the patient’s body is not always covered with scratches.

In some patients from continuous scratching, the nails on the hands are polished, and the skin becomes dry, covered with boils, age spots, eczematous foci.

This unpleasant phenomenon is explained by metabolic disturbances, dermis dehydration, atherosclerotic processes. It is most pronounced in the dark and can spread to any part of the body.

In some patients, the disease develops during menopause.

The spots are smooth, over time, bubbles form in their place, all this merges together and forms a huge focus of inflammation. There is fluid inside large or small blisters.

If there is an infection inside, then the liquid is cloudy. As time passes, the blisters burst, forming erosion.

When it passes on the skin, a trace or scar remains. A rash can appear anywhere except the palms, soles, mucous membranes.

Most often on the arms, legs, shoulder blades, buttocks. In addition to the rash, Dühring's herpetiform dermatitis has a number of symptoms:

Places of rash are very itchy, tingling, burning sensation
Body temperature rises
A person suffers from insomnia
General weakness
Chair oily gray
Thyroid Disruption

When a woman is pregnant, such a disease may appear in the second trimester. With treatment, you must be very careful so as not to harm the fetus. If such symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor for help.

The disease begins acutely with the formation of foci of polymorphic rash. At the onset of a patient’s illness, the following manifestations are alarming:

red spots;
blisters;
swelling;
bubbles
annular arrangement of bubbles.

Symptoms of dermatitis can be hyperemia and swelling of the skin, a feeling of heat and an increase in temperature, the skin may become covered with vesicles filled with a clear liquid, and in some cases, ulcers.

All changes in the skin, as a rule, are accompanied by itching or burning. Inflammation can be intensified by the sun and stress, which also irritate the skin.

Diagnosis of herpetiform dermatitis

There is a very easy way to detect the disease:

The patient needs an iodine test. To do this, take petroleum jelly and potassium iodide, make an ointment, apply it to a compress.

Such a compress should be kept for a day on a healthy part of the body. If blisters, a rash or inflammation appear on the body every other day, the person is sick with dermatitis.

If there is nothing, then the compress is removed. It is imperative that the patient be referred for testing.

Blood is given, samples of bubbles are taken. If a high concentration of eosinophils is found in them, the person has herpetiform dermatitis.

An analysis is carried out on the biological component, which will show in detail the presence of the disease. People of old age must be checked for the absence of tumors.

In parallel, the doctor may prescribe an ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan of the kidneys. This is due to the fact that this type of disease is closely associated with oncology.

Local treatment

After the diagnosis of senile itching, the treatment is selected individually, taking into account all the characteristics of the body of a particular patient. The use of medications for senile itching is limited for several reasons:

The functional activity of the liver and kidneys decreases with age. Therefore, the half-life of drugs is increased, and their use in therapeutic doses can lead to significant side effects.
Local treatment is safer, but in some patients it is difficult due to physical and cognitive impairment.
The multiplicity of reasons leading to the development of senile itching makes it difficult to choose a drug that will be effective in each case.

Depending on the detected changes in the functioning of organs and systems, the following drugs may be prescribed:

With the appearance of such a severe ailment, treatment should be comprehensive. To get rid of herpetiform dermatitis (Dühring’s disease) is quite difficult, therefore, several methods are used at once. Malyshevsky. During medical treatment, doctors prescribe a sulfonic group of drugs:

Sulfasalazine is an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial agent prescribed by a doctor. It has contraindications, so be sure to read the annotation
Diutsifon - a powder used in the treatment of rashes on the body. It has contraindications
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid if sulfonic does not help. Has anti-allergic, antitoxic effect. There are many contraindications
Erius is an antihistamine that is prescribed to relieve itching.

The disease lesion sites must be constantly treated with potassium permanganate solution or brilliant green. You can purchase antihistamine ointments.

It is mandatory to take vitamin complexes, because the body loses many useful substances after taking such medications.

For the treatment of dermatitis and the prevention of secondary infection, the non-hormonal product Skin-cap (externally) is used, the active substance of which is zinc pyrithione.

Its effectiveness is not lower than that of hormonal drugs. Skin cap is not characterized by side effects noted for hormonal drugs.

It has anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial effects. In cases of weeping dermatitis, it is better to use an aerosol, while in dry cases, a cream that provides additional skin hydration.

Skin-cap can be used for children after the first year of life. The drug is applied to the skin twice a day.

Types of Dermatitis

There are two main types of dermatitis: contact or allergic and atopic or hereditary.

Atopic dermatitis refers to complex diseases that are most often manifested in childhood or in newborns.

Common forms of dermatitis include coin-like and herpetiform dermatitis, eczema, seborrhea.

The name coin-like dermatitis is associated with external manifestations of inflammation, in the form of round spots appearing on the limbs and resembling coins.

With herpetiform dermatitis, blisters appear symmetrically most often on the knees, elbows, buttocks and shoulders. The cause of such dermatitis can be intestinal disorders and weak immunity.

The most common form of dermatitis is eczema. In this case, blisters filled with liquid with an unpleasant odor appear on the skin. The contents of the bubbles oozes at first, then the bubbles burst.

With damage to the scalp and face, this is a form of dermatitis such as seborrhea.

Regardless of the type and form of dermatitis, improving the general condition is beneficially influenced by dieting, fortification of food. Proper nutrition, taking the necessary vitamins not only alleviate the symptoms of dermatitis, but also contribute to improving the skin condition.

Potato dermatitis treatment

The development of dermatitis can begin even after undergoing an x-ray examination. In this case, freshly squeezed potato juice is considered an effective anti-inflammatory and therapeutic agent.

To obtain juice, you should wash the potatoes, peel it and grate on a fine grater. Put the potato mass on cheesecloth, lay cheesecloth in several layers and attach it to the affected area.

The compress must be kept for two hours, after which it is replaced with a new one. At night, you need to apply propolis ointment on the skin.

Geranium oil

An important role is played by general events:

Diet: the exclusion of spicy foods, smoked meats, chocolate, citrus fruits, eggs, strong broths, cocoa, whole cow's milk;
The room where the patient is most often located is cleaned every day (wet cleaning) and aired. Such things are unacceptable: carpets, aquariums, pet hair, flowering plants;
The clothes are comfortable, spacious, made from natural materials;
Stabilize the rest, sleep, avoid stress;
Sanitize foci of chronic infection.

I suggest watching a video where a woman talks about how she treated the disease in her child:

Dermatitis can occur in different types and forms, so there is no clearly defined treatment for this skin disease - the selection of specific medicines is carried out by the doctor individually. Specialists adhere to the following appointment scheme:

The pathogenesis of the disease is affected comprehensively:

neutralize the negative impact of the identified pathogenic factor;
relief of symptoms;
restoration and strengthening of the body’s immune system.

Treatment of dermatitis occurs until the complete regeneration of the skin (healing of damaged areas). As a rule, this process lasts at least 28 days.

Diet rules

Disease prevention

Treatment is prescribed to the patient based on the results of the examination. Self-treatment in this situation can only exacerbate the situation. Treatment of anogenital itching involves the elimination of a provoking factor.

Methods of therapy that will help get rid of the problem:

Dühring's dermatitis is classified as a chronic disease. Relapses can occur throughout the patient’s life.

To avoid relapse, complications, follow the recommendations of a dermatologist. Preventive measures include:

Diet Tracking. It is necessary to exclude from it iodine-containing products (seafood, walnuts, medicines containing iodine), cereals (rye, oats, wheat, barley).
Be on follow-up, regularly undergo examinations.

Mode and power

To reduce the intensity of itching, the observance of recommendations regarding the regimen and nutrition is of particular importance.

When the human body was struck by herpetiform dermatitis, it is imperative to think about a diet that will help get rid of the disease faster. It is strictly forbidden to eat: Beans, cereals, flour, kvass, beer, sweets, products in which honey is present, cabbage.

The rest is all possible, so eating right with such a disease is easy. Be sure to include lean meat, broths, vegetables, dairy products in the diet.

From drinks only natural black coffee, mineral water without iodine. Eat plenty of herbs, olives, olives.

Itching of the skin in old age (over 60) is a fairly common complaint. It occurs unexpectedly, causing serious discomfort. There is nothing dangerous in the problem of senile itching itself, but you should still consult a doctor to determine the cause of the symptom and prescribe treatment.

What is senile itching of the skin

The skin of an elderly person is prone to excessive dryness, which affects the development of severe itching, which can bother during the day and intensify in the evening. A significant role in the formation of this process is played by a person’s lifestyle, his habits and associated pathologies. More often the disease manifests itself in men, but it does not bypass women as well.

Senile itching is a rather painful condition, the cause of which is a whole range of changes in the body

The whole body constantly itches and as a result, the patient combs wounds on the skin, which are the entrance gate to infection and contribute to infection by pathogenic microorganisms. That is why it is worth paying attention to the problem at the first sign of its occurrence.

Why do people itch - video with Elena Malysheva

Reasons and development factors

The main reason for the development of itching is the advanced age of a person. The epidermis no longer produces enough elastin, which affects the condition of the skin. They become dry, lose turgor and smoothness, and strong peeling appears. In addition, itching can be a protective reaction of the body to external stimuli.

Natural causes of itching:

a decrease in the amount of fluid in the body;
loss of skin elasticity;
the use of bedding and underwear made of artificial materials;
lack of good hygiene due to weakness;
the use of aggressive soap;
reaction of the skin of an elderly person to hard water.

If it is precisely these causes that affected the development of itching, they should be eliminated, and the disease will most likely not be bothered. But there are pathological conditions that can cause this symptom:

hormonal diseases or restructuring of the body (in women - menopause, in men - a decrease in testosterone);
diabetes;
gastrointestinal diseases;
heart and blood vessel diseases, including atherosclerosis;
insufficient work of sebaceous and sweat glands.

There are other conditions that can cause itching. That is why it is necessary to be examined by a specialist who will exclude or confirm the pathology and prescribe symptomatic treatment.

Itchy skin with diabetes - video

The clinical picture in the elderly

The disease in each person has a different severity. Some sometimes scratch, while others worsen the quality of life. You should pay attention if there are such signs:

constant itching increasing in the evening;
soreness of the skin in several places;
burning sensation;
the formation of red spots;
dry skin, its enhanced peeling;
increased irritability
decreased appetite;
insomnia.

If the disease bothers and prevents you from leading a full life, do not postpone a visit to a dermatologist. He will prescribe a diet and treatment that will help improve the situation. As a rule, when using special ointments and easy correction of lifestyle, the ailment passes without a trace.

Diagnostics

First of all, the doctor conducts a survey of the patient. This is necessary to collect the patient's history and make an accurate diagnosis. A dermatologist should know when itching (the period of its greatest severity) appeared, what kind of lifestyle an elderly person leads.

After the survey, the patient's skin is examined. During this stage, a specialist will be able to determine the disease. In addition, the doctor will advise you to pass:

Scraping to exclude fungal lesions or attach a bacterial infection.
Analysis for latent allergens.

Differential diagnosis helps not to confuse senile itching with serious skin diseases, similar in symptoms:

contact dermatitis;
atopic dermatitis;
psoriasis
scabies;
urticaria.

Treatment

Depending on the severity of the disease, appropriate treatment is selected. If the cause of the itch is not a serious pathology, you will need to use local medicines in the form of ointments, creams or gels, as well as following a certain diet. If the situation causes concern, medications and physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed to treat the underlying disease that causes itching.

In addition, with the permission and under the supervision of a dermatologist, the use of alternative medicine recipes is allowed, which helps no worse than medicines. Self-medication is not recommended.

Medications: ointment tablets and other drugs

Medications are necessary to restore the skin, moisturize them and protect against external irritants. Symptomatic agents are also prescribed. Therapeutic measures are selected strictly individually.

An approximate treatment regimen:

Additionally, tabletted forms of hormonal drugs can be prescribed that will help relieve symptoms, are corrected with the disease in a few days.

Nutrition

The diet should include a complex of necessary vitamins and minerals, because the condition of his skin is directly dependent on the nutrition of an elderly person.

Forbidden to use:

caffeine;
spicy, spicy, pickled dishes;
heavy meat broths and fried foods;
fruits and vegetables with an allergic factor (citrus fruits and all red, orange fruits);
chocolate;
wheat flour products (fresh baked goods);
products with various artificial flavors and additives (soda, chips, crackers).

The daily diet should consist of 6-7 small servings that will not overload the stomach and cause a feeling of heaviness after eating.

It is worth noting that iodine deficiency leads to disturbances in the thyroid gland and other hormone-producing organs, which inevitably affects the condition of the skin. In this case, it is recommended to season the food with a special iodized salt that makes up for the lack of an element.

Foods rich in iodine:

sea \u200b\u200bkale;
fish and offal (hake, cod liver);
seafood.

They should be consumed no more than three times a week, since an excess of iodine is no less dangerous than its lack.

Polysaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for the proper functioning of all organs and systems. They affect the condition of the skin of the elderly, nourish it from the inside, protect it from the effects of adverse external factors. A lack of fatty acids provokes senile itching and other unpleasant symptoms.

Foods rich in healthy fats:

unrefined vegetable oil;
walnuts;
sunflower, flax, pumpkin seeds;
sea \u200b\u200bfish;
seafood.

Daily use of 10 ml of vegetable oil on an empty stomach has a beneficial effect on the health of the gastrointestinal tract, the circulatory system, as well as the skin.

How to get rid of itching using physiotherapeutic procedures

Physiotherapy is known for its anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating and general strengthening effect.

Ultraviolet therapy is often resorted to after repeated unsuccessful attempts to treat itching with other agents.

In the treatment of skin diseases, ultraviolet therapy (UV) is the most common. It favorably affects the epidermis:

restores protective properties;
triggers natural metabolic processes.

In older people, a side effect sometimes appears in the form of the formation of age spots, therefore, the procedure should be approached with caution.

How to treat folk remedies

There are several common recipes that reduce skin itching, give visible relief at night:

Aloe based ointment. To make it, you need to take the squeezed juice of freshly picked aloe stems (without peel), mix with medical vaseline in a 1: 2 ratio and treat the skin several times a day until the condition improves. Keep the composition in the refrigerator.
Vegetable oil. If there are no medicines at hand, you can use any vegetable oil (for example, sunflower, olive, corn, soy, and linseed) to alleviate the condition. They need to lubricate the body twice a day.
Mixtures of herbs. Herbal baths can eliminate an unpleasant symptom. You can use celandine, oak bark, chamomile, birch buds together or separately. To make the infusion, you need to take 100 grams of a mixture of herbs, pour two liters of boiling water and leave in a warm place for 2 hours. Next, strain and add the infusion to the bath. Such bathing is recommended daily.

In addition, for a quiet sleep, it is necessary to brew a soothing tea based on mint leaves. During severe insomnia, with the permission of a doctor, the use of Corvalol (30 drops) diluted with water (100 ml) is allowed.

If folk remedies have not yielded positive results within a week, it is worth contacting a specialist for help.

Complications

If you get an appointment with a doctor in a timely manner, the prognosis is usually favorable. Ointments and pills quickly eliminate itching, leaving no trace of it.

It is necessary to undergo a full course of treatment, as well as regularly carry out preventive measures so that relapses do not make themselves felt in the future.

With adequate therapy, complications are extremely rare. Among them, most often distinguish:

Infectious skin lesions resulting from severe scratching of itchy areas.
Neurotic disorders (indirect complications). A person is disturbed by insomnia, irritability and apathy appear. After the treatment of itching, this condition goes away on its own.

Prevention

Preventive measures should be approached rationally. It is necessary to normalize the lifestyle and make some adjustments to it. This will help to avoid senile itching in old age and prevent relapse after a previous illness.

Prevention measures:

Change bedding and underwear made of artificial fabrics for cotton counterparts.
Regularly moisturize and nourish the skin with oils or creams, avoid drying it with aggressive running water or soap (do not clean the skin “before squeaking”).
Cover bare skin while walking under the scorching sun.
Establish nutrition, include foods containing polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet.
Do not comb, do not rub itchy areas of the body.
Trim your nails in time to prevent infection on your skin.
Every year undergo medical examination at all specialized doctors (endocrinologist, cardiologist, therapist, dermatologist).
Do not drink alcohol or smoke.

Reviews

As a rule, subject to all preventive measures and good nutrition, for many, senile itching passes without a trace. It is necessary to pay more attention to health, because it is the main human wealth.

Hello! My name is Alena. I am 35 years old. By education - a physician.

med-look.ru

Every person has more and more health problems with age. This is not surprising, because the body undergoes irreversible changes associated with the natural aging process. One of the symptoms that brings a lot of trouble to older people is senile itching of the skin.

What it is?

Senile pruritus is a phenomenon that occurs in almost half of people over 60–70 years of age. The skin can itch for various reasons: itching can be a symptom of an internal disease or occur in old age due to changes in the structure of the skin. Unpleasant sensations can be constant or periodic, amplified at night and after taking a bath or shower.

Itchy skin may worsen in the evening or after taking a bath

When a nuisance significantly reduces the quality of life, the patient goes to a dermatologist. Without detecting rashes on the skin, the doctor always recommends being examined by various specialists for internal diseases.

The skin is part of the excretory system: through the skin, sebaceous, sweat ducts, metabolic products are released. If a person has an unhealthy pancreas, kidneys or liver, then toxic metabolic products, accumulating in the skin, cause an unpleasant sensation of itching. Only after a complete examination of the patient and the exclusion of internal pathologies (diseases of the digestive organs, diabetes mellitus, oncology), the doctor can conclude that in this case we are talking about senile itching, which is caused by age-related skin changes.

Senile itching of the skin in the elderly: causes and provoking factors

The skin of the elderly undergoes certain changes: the epidermis and underlying layers (dermis, subcutaneous tissue) are significantly thinning, the skin becomes very dry and sensitive. The epidermal cells of the elderly are not able to effectively retain the moisture so needed to maintain skin elasticity. The processes of restoration and normal functioning of the skin are disturbed.

With age, the skin becomes dry, unable to retain moisture and fully fulfill the barrier function

In addition to xerosis (dry skin), unpleasant itching can be associated with impaired skin innervation due to senile changes in nerve fibers.

In addition to these reasons, experts call the following:

changes in hormonal levels (decreased production of sex and other hormones);
atherosclerosis of small vessels;
violations of water-salt metabolism;
age-related atrophy of the skin glands, the absence of a thin lipid layer on the surface of the epidermis.

Itching in the elderly can provoke cold, heat, friction of clothing or bedding, detergents, hard water.

Video - Reasons

Manifestations

An unpleasant symptom can be localized or generalized. In the first case, the skin itches in places of friction - on the shoulders, back, waist, groin. In a generalized form, itching occurs throughout the body. It can manifest itself with different intensities - from mild discomfort to painful sensations up to soreness.

Senile itching usually becomes stronger in the evening and can be annoying at night. In cold weather, when the heating is turned on in the room, the skin becomes even drier and you want to scratch it even more. An unpleasant sensation may occur periodically after water hygiene procedures.

With senile pruritus, the skin remains clean, peeling of small lamellae may occur, scratching is usually absent, due to the low turgor (firmness, elasticity) of the skin of older people.

Itchy skin in the elderly may be in certain places or throughout the body

Chronic itching can significantly reduce the quality of life of an elderly person, causing concomitant symptoms: sleep disturbance, irritability, loss of appetite.

Diagnostics

A dermatologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient. Diagnostic measures begin with a survey of the patient: when the itching first appeared, what is its exacerbation associated with, accompanying symptoms. Examination of the skin.

To determine the exact cause of itching, laboratory tests are prescribed:

clinical tests of blood and urine: in a blood test, attention is paid to ESR (is there an inflammatory process in the body), eosinophils (an increased amount indicates an allergy), hemoglobin level (is there anemia);
biochemical blood test to assess the functioning of internal organs;
examination of feces for worm eggs (helminthic infestations can cause skin itching) and occult blood (whether there is internal bleeding).

A patient may also have an x-ray of the chest organs to identify pathological processes, an examination of the thyroid gland with an assessment of its functional capabilities.

If the patient does not have somatic diseases that can provoke the appearance of skin itching, the dermatologist diagnoses senile itching of the skin.

First of all, a dermatologist examines the skin and interviews the patient.

In some cases, it may be necessary to consult a psychiatrist, as the symptom may be associated with mental disorders of the patient.

Senile itching is differentiated with itching of the skin with dermatological and allergic diseases:

atopic or contact dermatitis;
eczema
hay fever, urticaria;
scabies.

By what means can you get rid of trouble

The principles of treatment of senile pruritus are proper skin care and diet.

Care for human skin

Since the main cause of senile itching is excessive dryness of the skin, it is necessary to fight with it. At your fingertips, an elderly person should have the right skin care products - creams and milk.

Sometimes dermatologists recommend using baby cosmetics, however, before buying such products, you need to carefully study their composition, since very often in baby creams and lotions contain mineral oils that can clog pores.

From pharmacy products for itchy skin care, bath oil or German-made balneum cream, body milk Dardia (Italy), anticerotic shower gel and body cream Losterin, La Cree cream made from natural ingredients for itching, dryness and irritation are suitable.

Losterin cream effectively relieves itching and dry skin

Water procedures often bring older people not relief, but real trials, provoking increased itching and skin irritation. To avoid this, doctors recommend abandoning soap and alkaline detergents, which degrease and dry the skin even more. It is recommended to take a shower, not a bath, while the water should be warm, not hot. A mild detergent without a sponge needs to be washed only in the armpits, feet and genitals. Before showering, you can lubricate the skin with peach or olive oil cold pressed. After washing, damp skin should not be wiped, but soaked in a cotton towel and immediately apply body milk or moisturizing hypoallergenic cream.

Rescue from itching and a good tonic can be a contrast shower and wiping the skin with cosmetic ice with infusion of a string, sage or calendula. However, such procedures can adversely affect the general condition of an elderly person and cause exacerbation of somatic diseases, therefore, before using the method, you need to consult a therapist.

With senile itching, a good effect is given by pouring water with sea salt. The solution should be weak - 1 tablespoon per 5 liters of water. Scented bath salts, which are commercially available, cannot be used for this purpose, as additional components (coloring agents and perfumes) can cause an allergic reaction. It is advisable to purchase sea salt at a pharmacy. Pouring can be carried out constantly, such procedures have a good effect not only on the condition of the skin, but also have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.

Effectively relieve itching and tone the skin by dousing with a weak solution of sea salt

An elderly person is advised to avoid clothing made of woolen and synthetic fabrics, it is best to wear cotton clothes. The skin can not be overheated, baths and saunas should be banned, as well as warming physiotherapy.

The use of medicines

Topical corticosteroids are recognized as the most effective external remedy for eliminating itching of the skin. However, with senile itching, their use is far from always justified. External hormonal drugs are prescribed for severe itching, which is combined with inflammatory skin diseases. The course of use should be as limited as possible, since older people are at high risk for complications (skin atrophy). Prescribe the weakest funds - 1% hydrocortisone ointment, less often - drugs with a stronger effect - Akriderm, Sinaflan, Fluorocort. To relieve itching, cooling compresses, creams and ointments with the addition of menthol (Boromenthol ointment), camphor oil are used.

Of the systemic drugs for pruritus, it is prescribed first-generation antihistamines with a sedative effect:

Pipolfen;
Diazolin;
Tavegil;
Suprastin.

Of sedatives, Glycine, tincture of valerian and motherwort are recommended, in some cases mild antidepressants are indicated - Mirtazapin (Kaliksta), Paroxetine (Rexetin, Paxil), anticonvulsants - Gabapentin (Neurontin). Twice a year with senile itching, it is useful to take Aevit, Retinol, Omega-3 courses.

Photo gallery - preparations for the treatment of senile itching

Diet

In nutrition, the patient needs to limit spicy, seasoned dishes, salted, smoked products, marinades, coffee, strong tea, sweets, chocolate, citrus, alcoholic drinks. Each patient should pay attention to after which foods the itching intensifies, and exclude such food from the diet.

Fresh vegetables, cereals, foods rich in iodine (seaweed, fish), polyunsaturated fatty acids (nuts, unrefined vegetable oil, seafood) are useful.

Physiotherapy

Of the physiotherapeutic procedures for the treatment of senile pruritus, ultraviolet (UV) treatment is used. The course is selected by the doctor individually. UV treatment stimulates the metabolic processes, enhances the protective properties of the skin, normalizes the immune system.

Ultraviolet irradiation is one of the main physiotherapeutic agents for treating senile itching

Folk recipes

To combat itching, traditional medicine recommends a lot of tools. When washing in the bath, you can add a small amount of fresh milk to the water - 1-2 cups. After a shower, you can also rinse with water with the addition of milk or non-acidic whey. After such a dousing, you do not need to wipe the skin, you just need to dab the moisture with a towel.

Instead of milk, you can use herbs - infusions of mint, string, oregano, elecampane, a decoction of bay leaf. Preparation of herbal infusion: 2 large tablespoons of grass pour a liter of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, add to the bath.

diluted 1: 1 apple cider vinegar to use as an antipruritic skin lotion;
propolis in oil (1 teaspoon of raw materials per 100 ml of olive oil, keep in a water bath for half an hour) apply to lubricate problem areas;
ointment with birch tar: 3 tablespoons of tar, 2 tablespoons of liquid paraffin, 100 ml of tincture of Sophora mix, let stand for a week in a dark place, apply to lubricate the skin;
lotions from a solution of mumiyo: 2 gr. Dissolve the raw materials in 100 ml of water, make applications for itchy places.

Inside, it is recommended to take an antipruritic infusion of licorice, valerian, elecampane, violet and calendula white. Herbs are taken in equal proportions, mixed, a large spoonful of the mixture is poured with a glass of boiling water, insisted and drunk 1 large spoon three times a day before meals.

Senile itching is successfully treated with herbs: they make infusions for baths and for oral administration

Herbal teas made from peppermint, lemon balm with a calming effect will benefit.

Treatment prognosis and possible complications

In general, the prognosis of treatment, provided that all medical recommendations are followed, is favorable. With proper skin care, the symptoms of xerosis, causing itching, are eliminated and the patient experiences significant relief.

Of the complications of senile itching are most likely:

infection of scratches;
manifestations of the nervous system:
- irritability;
- insomnia;
- decreased appetite;
- violation of general health.

Preventive actions

Prevention of senile itching consists in proper skin care and diet. Preventive measures include:

moisturizing the skin with special cosmetics;
rejection of aggressive detergents, synthetic fabrics;
avoidance of prolonged exposure to the sun in open clothing;
proper nutrition, quitting alcohol and smoking;
prevention of scratching of itchy skin;
regular preventive examinations by doctors in order to identify somatic pathology.

Reviews on the treatment of senile itching

Senile itching is a problem that needs to be treated individually. The use of a complex of therapeutic and hygienic measures can significantly facilitate the physical and emotional state of an elderly person. By pinpointing the cause of the itch, you can get rid of the discomfort forever.

I have a secondary medical education. Engaged in freelance for about five years.

lechenie-simptomy.ru

Content

Senile itching - causes and treatment

In old age, skin requires special care. We can say that it becomes more fragile - it becomes thinner, dehydrated, loses elasticity. Its sensitivity to external influences increases, and the protective functions, on the contrary, decrease.

This happens due to the physiological causes of the aging of the body, when metabolic processes, renewal of skin cells slow down, the sebaceous and sweat glands are disrupted, water and lipid metabolism slow down.

The skin is getting less and less the resources it needs to successfully fulfill its main functions - to be a barrier to infections, regulate body temperature, participate in oxygen metabolism and others.

As a result, we have what the people have received the name "senile itching" - the body's reaction to age-related changes in the skin.

Symptoms

These unpleasant sensations of irritation, burning and tingling, caused precisely by the aforementioned physiological causes, are a common complaint in patients over 65 years of age.

It is important to distinguish senile itching from skin reactions to other problems that have accumulated in the body with age - chronic diseases of internal organs, neurotic disorders, allergic reactions, skin diseases and infections, fungal skin lesions.

Redness of the skin with itching

Although most often these manifestations overlap each other. Therefore, diagnosing cases of skin itching is not easy.

The main differences between senile itching and other diseases:

the intensity of the itching varies, up to a very painful one;
no complications in the form of purulent inflammation;
by evening, the itching intensifies;
itching can bother for months, then stop, then resume;
atypical places of combing;
polished by constant scratching nails.

Senile itching bothers men more often than women!

The presence of this problem seriously affects the quality of human life.

To diagnose senile itching, it is necessary to exclude the pathological causes of itching:

systemic diseases - chronic diseases of the kidneys, liver, stomach, endocrine disorders;
skin - dermatitis;
infectious - scabies and pediculosis;
allergies or drug itching;
mental illness and neurosis;
malignant diseases.

Causes of itching in the elderly

Irritation causes a layer of dead cells, which must be replaced by young cells. However, due to the fact that the skin is depleted, this natural regeneration process is disrupted, dead keratin cells remain on the surface of the skin longer and clog it - the reverse process, degenerative, occurs.

It is also manifested by sclerotic changes in blood vessels, partial atrophy of nerve fibers, sweat and sebaceous glands. Outwardly, it looks like dry skin. Often a concomitant problem is a violation of endocrine functions and intestinal function. Poor nutrition aggravates the situation.

There is no single generally accepted treatment regimen for senile itching. The doctor prescribes treatment always individually, taking into account aggravating factors, the severity of the itching, the patient’s state of health, and the likelihood of adverse effects from treatment.

The doctor's consultation

As a rule, it can not do without medical assistance, it, in turn, is of local application and systemic. Contraindications and, accordingly, the impossibility of using certain drugs may constitute a problem.

In any case, it is important that the elderly patient is aware of the causes of this phenomenon and the consequences of one or another of his behavior in relation to the problem. It is necessary to avoid combing, which leads to a vicious circle, since combing intensifies the itching and vice versa.

Since heat intensifies itching, the cooling effect will alleviate suffering - a cool shower, air conditioning, cooling creams and ointments with menthol, light clothing.

Video: Effective folk remedies for skin itching

also read with us - Prevention of bedsores in a bed patient

Local treatment

Local treatment is designed to soften, moisturize dry skin, as much as possible to restore its protective properties. For this, nonpharmacological agents are used - moisturizing, emollient and protective creams and ointments.

The therapeutic efficacy of local corticosteroids is not due to the antipruritic effect, but to the anti-inflammatory effect.

Medication for itching

In addition, in older people, the risk of complications from prolonged use of these funds is much higher, therefore, use with caution, monitoring the duration of use.

Local preparations with menthol and local anesthetics reduce the sensation of itching without affecting its causes. In some cases, capsaicin is also effective as a distracting and analgesic, with many side effects.

Systemic treatment

Systemic treatment includes the use of antihistamines, sedatives, antidepressants. Antihistamines have a minimal effect mainly due to the hypnotic effect, and therefore should be prescribed carefully.

Combined sedative

Sedatives help fight night itching. Antidepressants are effective in advanced cancer and in patients with psychogenic causes of itching.

Phototherapy

Physical treatment (light therapy) - exposure to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight or bright light from artificial sources) with specific wavelengths for a certain time.

It has long been used in the treatment of pruritic dermatoses and can be of help in the fight against senile itching. Limitations in the application of this method of treatment is the likelihood of a phototoxicity reaction, as well as its low availability.

Treatment with folk remedies

To enrich the skin with vitamin E, it is useful to eat 100-200 grams of pumpkin seeds every day. Folk healers are advised to take a decoction of nettle, burdock and licorice roots (in any combination), two tablespoons per day.

As a local immunomodulator, they use an apple bite - they lubricate itchy places.

Treatment of senile itching with folk remedies

There are also such products for external use: acidified water (3 tbsp. L. Vinegar in 1 glass of water), lemon juice, chamomile infusion, a mixture of 2 percent novocaine with fir oil.

As a sedative folk remedy, it is recommended to drink tea from lemon balm 2 times a day. With folk remedies, you also need to be careful, they can have their side effects and contraindications.

Caution: Do not self-medicate - at the first sign of illness, consult a doctor!

Conclusion

In old age, skin care should be thorough. Effects on the skin that lead to its drying should be avoided. It is better not to take hot baths and to avoid too frequent water procedures for the body.

Try to use mild soap (baby, glycerin) or not to use it at all. Refuse rubbing the skin with alcohol or cologne.

After bath and shower use moisturizers. Adjust nutrition by adding more vitamin E-rich foods to your diet.

Video: Itchy skin

noalone.ru

Elderly people in our country make up a rapidly growing part of the population. In this category of citizens, one of the most common skin problems is senile itching. With age, a large number of different changes occur in the body. Elimination of senile itching of the skin is an urgent therapeutic problem of our time. The etiology of this ailment is very diverse. This article will help you to navigate the causes of senile skin itching and how to treat it.

At what age does senile skin itch occur?

Senile skin itching in medical circles is increasingly being discussed as an independent, noteworthy pathology. The fact is that this is a common disease, and there are still no effective methods of treatment. Basically, this problem appears in people aged 50-70 years, and men suffer much more from it. Often, irritation overcomes an elderly person in the form of severe night attacks, although there are outbreaks of the disease in the daytime.

The origin of senile pruritus is inextricably linked to age-related changes in the body. All life support systems undergo restructuring: hormonal, circulatory, peripheral nervous, gastrointestinal tract. The consequences of these changes are often manifested on the skin in the form of intolerable itching, various rashes. A person feels severe discomfort, his life habits are violated.

Patients with senile itching of the skin often have a state of insomnia and a decrease in the overall emotional background. They have difficulties in communication, in labor and social activities. This disease can be a harbinger of developing psychosomatic disorders or mental disorders of various kinds. This is more than a serious justification for attracting the attention of the medical community to the study of the causes, treatment and prevention of senile pruritus.

How does senile itching of the skin manifest

Itchy skin in the elderly can be caused by many causes. It depends on the individual characteristics of each patient, on the condition of the skin, previous and currently existing diseases. However, there are signs that are common to all patients:

1. The wave-like flow.

Attacks of itching occur in periods during the day, then growing, then subsiding. Particularly acute outbreaks occur more often at night, when the itching becomes unbearable, bringing the patient to extreme agitation. A wave-like course can manifest itself in long periods of exacerbation and then lull, that is, a complete absence of signs of illness, a state of remission.

2. No scratches or scratches.

In other diseases with similar symptoms, wounds from combing, scratching, and rubbing are common. In patients with senile itching of the skin, these signs are rare, only from constant scratching on the nails there are polished, very smooth patches.

3. Dryness and other skin defects.

Itching is usually accompanied by various symptoms that appear on the skin: dryness, peeling. The epidermis is disturbed by rashes related to the origin of eczema or herpes. Erythema can form in the form of redness, swelling, irritation. Senile itching is often accompanied by boils and age spots. All these signs indicate an unsatisfactory skin condition and serious disorders in the body.

Read the material

In old age, the skin becomes too dry, resulting in severe itching. Provoking factors are lifestyle, human habits and the presence of certain diseases. As a rule, senile pruritus is noted in males, but it can also affect women.

Senile itching in the form of nocturnal painful attacks is observed in people who have reached 50-70 years. The disease most often affects men.

Aging is a natural process, which, however, is the cause of many negative changes in the body, which often lead to unpleasant consequences.

In older people, hormonal balance and metabolism change, the circulatory, nervous, digestive system and other parts of the body undergo serious structural and functional changes.

Last but not least, these changes affect the skin - one of the most sensitive elements of the human body. This is especially true for women whose skin has a number of significant differences from men's.

Finer, more delicate and subject to the effects of destructive environmental factors, she is one of the first to experience the effects of age-related changes.

Systemic drugs

External medications for relieving itching

Folk remedies for senile itching

Causes of Itchy Skin

It is important not only insufficient skin retention of moisture, but also a decrease in the amount of secretion of sweat and sebaceous glands. All this is largely due to atrophic changes, both in the dermis itself and in the small blood vessels and nerve fibers that are suitable for it.

The average age of the disease is considered to be 35 years. And it appears more often in men.

The disease is characterized by the fact that it has too frequent repetitions, which can last up to a year. The most interesting thing is that the scientists have not yet identified a specific cause of the appearance of herpetiform dermatitis Dühring.

Therefore, the following factors are taken as a basis:

The disease is inherited.
The formation of a tumor inside the body.
Too much sensitivity to iodine.
Worms in the body.
Infection or virus infection.
The presence of pregnancy or the appearance of menopause.
And also factors may be physical, psychological overwork.

With herpetiform dermatitis, the causes can be completely different. But these are the main conditions for the appearance of such a disease.

In a large number of patients, doctors discovered intolerance to the gluten protein that cereals contain.

Among the possible causes are the following:

heredity;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (ulcers, gastritis);
diseases with viral etiology (herpes, SARS);
ascariasis.

Dermatosis can also be caused by cosmetics, mechanical damage, chemical components, piercing, contact with stinging and poisonous plants, occupational allergens, insect bites, and tattoos.

The main cause of itchy body skin in the elderly is a decrease in the activity of the production of elastin by the epidermis.

The skin becomes dry. Turgor and smoothness are lost, peeling appears.

Note! Very often, discomfort is a defensive reaction of the body in response to external stimuli.

Natural causes

Not always unpleasant sensations are provoked by pathology. The main natural causes are indicated in the diagram.

Pathological causes

The diagram shows the% occurrence of factors that provoke the appearance of skin itching.

Specific reasons

Some provocative factors cannot be attributed either to natural causes or to serious illnesses.

The etiology of the bullous pemphigoid is currently the subject of scientific discussion, studies in this area have helped to formulate several basic hypotheses that explain the causes of this condition.

The most widespread belief is that this autoimmune disease develops due to the presence of certain mutations that alter the main histocompatibility complex.

This is partly confirmed by the fact that among patients with bullous pemphigoid, the number of persons with DQB1 0301 as HCGS class II alleles is increased.

However, to date, no mutations or other genetic disorders have been identified that could be unambiguously associated with this skin disease.

The pathogenesis of bullous pemphigoid has been studied somewhat better than etiology, which allows us to reliably state the autoimmune nature of this condition. The main target for an attack by the immune system are two epidermal proteins - one of them, BP180, is a transmembrane protein and is currently associated with type 17 collagen.

The second antigen involved in the development of bullous pemphigoid, BP230, is located inside the cytoplasm of epidermal cells and, presumably, belongs to the group of plaques.

These two proteins are related in their function - they participate in the formation of semi-desmosomes and maintain the ordered structure of the multilayer epithelium.

In all patients with bullous pemphigoid in the blood plasma, class G antibodies are detected that have the ability to bind the BP180 and BP230 autoantigens.

Their appearance is associated with the development of autoreactive T-lymphocytes in the body against the above-mentioned proteins of epithelial cells. T-lymphocytes are responsible for the cellular immune response, simultaneously activating B-lymphocytes that produce antibodies.

The binding of T-lymphocytes and antibodies to their own proteins of the skin and mucous membranes activates the complement system, which attracts other immunocompetent cells into the pathological focus, mainly neutrophils and eosinophils.

In some patients with bullous pemphigoid, significant involvement of mast cells (mast cells) in the pathogenesis of the disease was revealed.

Types of pathology

Currently, there are several varieties of the disease:

Papular - on the body of the rash in the form of papules
Bullous - the skin is covered with bullae
Vesicular - the entire integument in the vesicles
Urticar-like - burns appear on the skin that resemble nettle burns
Paraoncological - a case when the development of a rash begins from the appearance of a tumor

In general, in medicine there are several dozen types of dermatitis, but there are also the most often diagnosed.

Dry dermatitis

This type of disease manifests itself exclusively in the cold season, is more often diagnosed in elderly and senile patients. The causes of dry dermatitis are:

dry indoor air;
prolonged exposure to cold air;
functional / organic diseases;
hereditary and psychosomatic factors.

Dry dermatitis has a clear localization - on the feet and is extremely rare in other parts of the body. Symptoms of dry dermatitis are considered:

excessively dry skin on the feet;
cracking of flaky spots on the feet;
itching at the site of localization of a skin disease;
redness of the affected skin.

A distinctive feature of this type of dermatitis is its long course and a clear seasonality of exacerbations.

Sign of age or symptom of illness

Senile itching manifests itself in each person in different ways, but it is usually characteristic for him:

changes in attacks: from mild to severe;
aggravations and recessions, replacing one to one;
lack of rashes or suppuration on the skin;
the fact that even after very frequent scratching on the skin there are no traces, and the nails, on the contrary, acquire the effect of polishing;
at night, the skin itches especially hard.

In most cases, itching of the skin in older people (also called senile) is a commonplace sign of their age. Gradual atrophy of blood vessels, thinning of subcutaneous tissue, which occur over the years, leads to the fact that the skin retains moisture very weakly.

And dry skin and its excessive sensitivity, just cause a desire to scratch.

If a person has already crossed the 65-year age limit, there is nothing pathological here, although the sensations are, of course, unpleasant and sometimes they do not even let you fall asleep.

Symptoms of senile itching

Pruritus is the most common skin complaint in patients over the age of 65. Many people often neglect it, although senile itching of the skin can have a serious effect on the quality of life in old age, especially through sleep deprivation.

Given the many changes that accompany old age, the management of pruritus in old age is a particular clinical problem.

Itching can be of different strengths, but more often it affects the stronger sex. Often its intensity is such that the patient cannot tolerate.

The duration of the disease can be months. But the patient’s body is not always covered with scratches.

In some patients from continuous scratching, the nails on the hands are polished, and the skin becomes dry, covered with boils, age spots, eczematous foci.

This unpleasant phenomenon is explained by metabolic disturbances, dermis dehydration, atherosclerotic processes. It is most pronounced in the dark and can spread to any part of the body.

In some patients, the disease develops during menopause.

The appearance of such a disease is characterized by rashes of various kinds: blisters, papules or spots.

The spots are smooth, over time, bubbles form in their place, all this merges together and forms a huge focus of inflammation. There is fluid inside large or small blisters.

If there is an infection inside, then the liquid is cloudy. As time passes, the blisters burst, forming erosion.

When it passes on the skin, a trace or scar remains. A rash can appear anywhere except the palms, soles, mucous membranes.

Most often on the arms, legs, shoulder blades, buttocks. In addition to the rash, Dühring's herpetiform dermatitis has a number of symptoms:

Places of rash are very itchy, tingling, burning sensation
Body temperature rises
A person suffers from insomnia
General weakness
Chair oily gray
Thyroid Disruption

When a woman is pregnant, such a disease may appear in the second trimester. With treatment, you must be very careful so as not to harm the fetus. If such symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor for help.

The disease begins acutely with the formation of foci of polymorphic rash. At the onset of a patient’s illness, the following manifestations are alarming:

red spots;
blisters;
swelling;
bubbles
annular arrangement of bubbles.

All changes in the skin, as a rule, are accompanied by itching or burning. Inflammation can be intensified by the sun and stress, which also irritate the skin.

Diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid

Severe itching in the elderly is a systemic manifestation, it is difficult to diagnose and differentiate it from the symptoms of chronic pathologies, but the presence of modern laboratory methods allows this.

First of all, the doctor carefully examines the patient and collects an anamnesis. He must understand when the first signs of malaise appeared and whether peaks of their manifestation are observed. After the survey, a visual examination of the patient is carried out. Each area of \u200b\u200bthe skin is examined from the back to the legs.

In order to distinguish senile itching from contact dermatitis, psoriasis, scabies and urticaria, an analysis of latent allergens, scraping from the affected areas is mandatory.

To assess the functioning of internal organs, a biochemical blood test is performed. Helminthic invasions can cause itchy skin in elderly people, so a feces test for helminth eggs can be prescribed.

The resulting material allows you to confirm or exclude a fungal or viral infection. Causes and treatment are closely interconnected.

The patient needs an iodine test. To do this, take petroleum jelly and potassium iodide, make an ointment, apply it to a compress.

Such a compress should be kept for a day on a healthy part of the body. If blisters, a rash or inflammation appear on the body every other day, the person is sick with dermatitis.

If there is nothing, then the compress is removed. It is imperative that the patient be referred for testing.

Blood is given, samples of bubbles are taken. If a high concentration of eosinophils is found in them, the person has herpetiform dermatitis.

An analysis is carried out on the biological component, which will show in detail the presence of the disease. People of old age must be checked for the absence of tumors.

In parallel, the doctor may prescribe an ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan of the kidneys. This is due to the fact that this type of disease is closely associated with oncology.

The definition of a disease such as bullous pemphigoid is made on the basis of data from a doctor-dermatologist examination, immunological studies and histological examination of tissues of pathological foci.

On examination, depending on the stage of development of the pathology, an erythematous rash, formed bubbles located symmetrically, urticaria rashes of various intensities, healing erosions, sometimes covered with a crust, can be observed.

A complete blood count in about half of cases of bullous pemphigoid shows moderate eosinophilia, sometimes leukocytosis. Also, in the peripheral blood, using an immunoprecipitation reaction, IgG can be detected that can bind to the BP180 and BP230 antigens.

Histological examinations for bullous pemphigoid include simple light microscopy and immunofluorescence microscopy. When examined under a microscope at various stages of bubble formation, an epidermal cleft can be detected, then a subepidermal bubble, which turns into an intraepidermal one.

Dermis under the pathological focus is sharply edematous, leukocyte infiltration, consisting mainly of lymphocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils, can be expressed in different ways.

Immunofluorescence microscopy reveals an accumulation of class G immunoglobulins and complement fractions (most often C3) along the basement membrane of the epidermis.

In bullous pemphigoid, these molecules are predominantly concentrated on the outside of the basement membrane. Differential diagnosis should be carried out with ordinary pemphigus, erythema multiforme exudative and epidermolysis bullosa.

Pruritus treatment

Since itching is a symptom of various diseases, a specialist consultation is necessary.

Itchy nerve

The functional activity of the liver and kidneys decreases with age. Therefore, the half-life of drugs is increased, and their use in therapeutic doses can lead to significant side effects.
Local treatment is safer, but in some patients it is difficult due to physical and cognitive impairment.
The multiplicity of reasons leading to the development of senile itching makes it difficult to choose a drug that will be effective in each case.

Therapy of the disease depends on its severity. If a serious pathology is excluded, it is enough to use local drugs, available in the form of creams, ointments or gels, and also follow a diet.

In other cases, the doctor prescribes medications, as well as physiotherapeutic procedures, the action of which is aimed at eliminating the root cause of the pathology.

Perhaps the use of folk remedies, but only under the supervision of a specialist.

Managing itching in old age is a particular problem. Physical and cognitive impairment may make local treatment impossible, and concomitant diseases, especially those related to the liver and kidneys in this age group, pose a greater risk of adverse reactions.

There is currently no generally accepted treatment for senile skin pruritus. Instead, the management of pruritus, especially in old age, requires a maximally personalized approach, taking into account the general state of the patient’s health, the severity of the symptoms and the adverse effects of wellness procedures.

There are a number of general measures that can be helpful in managing itching in older people, regardless of the underlying cause. Patient education is central to the management of pruritus.

Identification and elimination of aggravating factors are often the first steps to successful treatment. Patients should be informed about the increased possibility of skin inflammation after scratching, and simple measures such as nail cutting can interrupt the vicious cycle of itching - scratching - itching.

The sensation of itching is often exacerbated by heat, so if necessary, you can take measures such as a cool shower, wear light clothing, and use an air conditioner to keep your skin cool.

Wherever possible, simple home regimens are preferred in order to limit as much as possible itching of the skin and to avoid possible adverse reactions to the treatment of senile itching of the skin.

Topical treatment of senile itching

Moisturizing, softening and protective creams

With the appearance of such a severe ailment, treatment should be comprehensive. It is quite difficult to get rid of herpetiform dermatitis (Dühring’s disease), therefore several methods are used at once.

"With a comprehensive solution to the problem, including diet and treatment at home, you will rarely be bothered by rashes on the body," says a dermatologist of the highest category E.

A. Malyshevsky.

With medical treatment, doctors prescribe a sulfonic group of drugs:

Sulfasalazine is an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial agent prescribed by a doctor. It has contraindications, so be sure to read the annotation
Diutsifon - a powder used in the treatment of rashes on the body. It has contraindications
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid if sulfonic does not help. Has anti-allergic, antitoxic effect. There are many contraindications
Erius is an antihistamine that is prescribed to relieve itching.

The disease lesion sites must be constantly treated with potassium permanganate solution or brilliant green. You can purchase antihistamine ointments.

It is mandatory to take vitamin complexes, because the body loses many useful substances after taking such medications.

For the treatment of dermatitis and the prevention of secondary infection, the non-hormonal product Skin-cap (externally) is used, the active substance of which is zinc pyrithione.

Its effectiveness is not lower than that of hormonal drugs. Skin cap is not characterized by side effects noted for hormonal drugs.

It has anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial effects. In cases of weeping dermatitis, it is better to use an aerosol, while in dry cases, a cream that provides additional skin hydration.

Skin-cap can be used for children after the first year of life. The drug is applied to the skin twice a day.

Types of Dermatitis

There are two main types of dermatitis: contact or allergic and atopic or hereditary.

Atopic dermatitis refers to complex diseases that are most often manifested in childhood or in newborns.

Common forms of dermatitis include coin-like and herpetiform dermatitis, eczema, seborrhea.

The name coin-like dermatitis is associated with external manifestations of inflammation, in the form of round spots appearing on the limbs and resembling coins.

With herpetiform dermatitis, blisters appear symmetrically most often on the knees, elbows, buttocks and shoulders. The cause of such dermatitis can be intestinal disorders and weak immunity.

The most common form of dermatitis is eczema. In this case, blisters filled with liquid with an unpleasant odor appear on the skin. The contents of the bubbles oozes at first, then the bubbles burst.

With damage to the scalp and face, this is a form of dermatitis such as seborrhea.

Potato dermatitis treatment

The development of dermatitis can begin even after undergoing an x-ray examination. In this case, freshly squeezed potato juice is considered an effective anti-inflammatory and therapeutic agent.

To obtain juice, you should wash the potatoes, peel it and grate on a fine grater. Put the potato mass on cheesecloth, lay cheesecloth in several layers and attach it to the affected area.

The compress must be kept for two hours, after which it is replaced with a new one. At night, you need to apply propolis ointment on the skin.

Geranium oil

An important role is played by general events:

Diet: the exclusion of spicy foods, smoked meats, chocolate, citrus fruits, eggs, strong broths, cocoa, whole cow's milk;
The room where the patient is most often located is cleaned every day (wet cleaning) and aired. Such things are unacceptable: carpets, aquariums, pet hair, flowering plants;
The clothes are comfortable, spacious, made from natural materials;
Stabilize the rest, sleep, avoid stress;
Sanitize foci of chronic infection.

The pathogenesis of the disease is affected comprehensively:

neutralize the negative impact of the identified pathogenic factor;
relief of symptoms;
restoration and strengthening of the body’s immune system.

Treatment of dermatitis occurs until the complete regeneration of the skin (healing of damaged areas). As a rule, this process lasts at least 28 days.

Diet rules

A diagnosis such as senile itching, which is a fairly common problem, must be established by a specialist. Moreover, the doctor must first exclude other possible prerequisites for the development of this pathological condition of the skin.

Often, to identify the internal cause of itching, dynamic monitoring of patients aged for a sufficiently long time is required.

Treatment of senile pruritus is prescribed for each individual patient individually, which is associated with the presence of certain social and physical limitations in people aged.

When choosing a therapeutic course, a specialist without fail takes into account the severity of symptoms and the general state of health of an elderly person.

In addition, the doctor also considers such an alarming factor as the aggressiveness of the disease, as it can signal the presence of liver pathology, diabetes mellitus or oncology in the patient’s body.

A single therapeutic technique, according to which it is customary to treat senile itching, has not been developed. All therapeutic measures are associated with a large number of factors, and the etiological mechanism of the disease primarily affects the choice.

But still, by and large, doctors do not seek to eliminate the disease, which has become the root cause of the disease and is often irreversible, but to remove the negative symptoms.

For this purpose, local therapy is used:

Reduces the effect of skin dryness, an individually selected emollient cream selected by a doctor.
A calming effect on the affected skin areas is provided by preparations whose active ingredient is menthol.
The antipruritic effect is given by salicylic acid, which acts as a cyclooxygenase inhibitor.
External corticosteroids are used to provide anti-inflammatory effects, but they should be used with great care and only as directed by a doctor.
Recommended by specialists and systemic therapy drugs that are taken by patients orally and absorbed into the blood. For the treatment of pruritus in the elderly, antidepressants are prescribed to reduce the neurogenic factor of influence, as well as antihistamines.

In case of inefficiency of local therapy, general medicines are used. As a rule, their use is justified if a person suffers from chronic itching of the skin for a long period of time, and doctors can not establish the cause of this disease.

In such cases, the selection of drugs of various categories and the direction of action is performed. Based on the results of the reaction of the skin to each drug, therapy is adjusted to further improve well-being.

Patients are prescribed drugs in the following category:

Antihistamines. Itch feeling is removed if it is caused by an allergic reaction.
Antidepressants. They are used to treat elderly people who have itchy body due to poor mental health.
Antipsychotics. Effective against pruritus of the skin of neuropathic origin. Such patients begin to itch as soon as nervousness appears.

Senile itching is a complex problem of the state of health of a person who has reached old age. The reasons for its appearance can be very diverse, but the main one is still a change in the intensity of all vital processes that occur in the body of an aging person.

The treatment of pruritus in the elderly is aimed at:

restoration of the protective properties of the skin;
a decrease in the autoimmune process in epidermal cells;
restoration of the structure and performance of hepatocytes.

For treatment, local creams and ointments, tableted preparations and folk remedies are used.

The first-line drugs used to treat bullous pemphigoid are glucocorticosteroids - prednisone, methylprednisolone and others. The treatment is long, the therapy begins with high dosages of steroids, gradually lowering the dose over 6-9 months.

Given that many patients with bullous pemphigoid are elderly people, it is not possible to carry out full-fledged glucocorticosteroid therapy due to significant side effects.

Often in such a situation, treatment is performed by combining a reduced dose of steroids inside and local application of ointments based on them.

We get rid of itching, improve the quality of life

How to treat senile itching of the skin - there is no single rule here. But the doctor can develop a purely personal treatment package for his patient, taking into account all the nuances - age, lifestyle, the presence of chronic diseases.

The diseases that caused itching can already be almost incurable, so the main attention is paid to eliminating this symptom. External treatments include:

protective creams, with the effect of moisturizing and softening the skin (their use is designed to eliminate dry skin);
anti-inflammatory external agents (used only for inflammatory skin diseases and strictly prescribed by a doctor);
drugs that regulate the immune system (prescribed by a doctor for diseases such as dermatitis, scabies, etc.);
compresses with menthol (effective for people whose desire to itch disappears or decreases after the skin becomes cool);
capsaicin (used for diseases of a neuralgic nature);
local anesthetics (prescribed for people with dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.);
salicylic acid (used for lichen, but only externally!).

In the systemic treatment of pruritus, a number of drugs are used that are taken orally. Their selection depends on the identified chronic disease.

Psychotropic drugs for the treatment of depression, for example, will help people who have a constant desire to itch due to mental problems. Antihistamines are effective for urticaria.

Of course, only a doctor is responsible for the selection and prescription of drugs.

Also, with diseases associated with itching, light treatment helps well, which avoids the negative side effects that are possible after taking medications.

Features of aquatherapy

For medical treatment of body pruritus in old age, the following is prescribed:

antihistamines;
immunomodulators;
antidepressants;
antipsychotics.

For disorders of the nervous system, the patient is prescribed bromine preparations. They are injected into a vein or muscle. The effect is enhanced by the simultaneous administration of calcium chloride.

The use of antihistamines

Drugs in this group have an effect when chronic urticaria appears. A slight effect is observed with attacks of senile itching at night.

Note! These medicines have a mild sedative effect, cause drowsiness. You need to take them only after consulting a doctor.

The use of immunomodulators

Medications have a beneficial effect if discomfort is seborrheic or chronic.

The use of antidepressants

Medicines of this group are prescribed for the psychogenic form of senile itching.

Antidepressants cause side effects. You need to start taking these medicines with small doses.

The use of antipsychotics

The drugs of this group have a beneficial effect on the background of itching, provoked by postherpetic neuralgia.

This type of therapy is an alternative to physiotherapy.

The instruction is as follows:

Refuse soap and alkaline products. They have a degreasing effect and greatly dry the skin.
Take a shower, not a bath. The temperature of the water should be optimal - you cannot stand under cold and hot water.
For washing the armpits, genitals and feet, it is recommended to use baby soap. It has a hypoallergenic, antibacterial effect.
Before water procedures, you need to lubricate the skin with peach or olive oil.
After taking a shower, you need to gently pat your skin with a cotton towel. Then a moisturizing milk or cream with a hypoallergenic effect is applied.
With severe itching, it is recommended to pour water with sea salt. This has a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system. To prepare the solution, you need to mix 20 grams of the product with 5000 ml of water. It is impossible to replace sea salt with aromatic bath products, since the components contained in their composition can provoke an allergy.
Senile itch, triggered by stress, is treated with a contrast shower. The duration of 1 session is 2-5 minutes. For older people suffering from heart disease, this procedure is contraindicated.

Note! To eliminate an unpleasant symptom, rubbing with cosmetic ice with calendula, sage and a succession helps. A preliminary consultation with a doctor is strictly required, since the procedure can provoke an exacerbation of somatic pathologies.

The use of local funds

Itchy skin, simple

Elecampane tall (root). Used in this case as an external agent (lotion, rubbing) in the form of tincture (25.0) in alcohol or vodka, or instead of it - homemade extract, that is, a decoction of 20.0-200.0, condensed "in the spirit" to half.
Stinging nettle (grass). Her decoction is 15.0-200.0 according to 1 tbsp. l 3 times a day, or home extract, i.e. the same decoction, condensed to half, 1 tsp. If at the same time urination decreases or constipation is found, then connect the nettle with dandelion leaves and black flowers (equally), this mixture is 2 tbsp. l brew boiled water in a glass, steam in the oven for 2-3 hours, drink 1/2 cup 3 times a day. Pharmacy liquid extract from it - 25-30 drops.
Birch (buds). Tincture (10%), 20 drops 3 times.

Itchy body nerve

Rub itchy places with a rough wool rag or corncob (without grains).

Itching in the anus

Water pepper, highlander pepper (grass). As a hemostatic and analgesic, it is recognized as useful for bloody hemorrhoids not only in folk, but also in scientific medicine. You can use a decoction of it 12.0-200.0, 1 tbsp. l 3 times a day, as well as tincture (25.0) or pharmacy liquid extract (25.0), 30-40 drops 3 times a day for 1/2 hour before meals. It often happens in combination with an extract of viburnum and a shepherd’s bag. For external use there are pharmaceutical candles from it under the name "Anestezol". Instead of candles, people use sitz baths from a decoction of this herb (50 g per 1 liter of boiling water, then dilute in a bath) for 15 minutes each day until the itching in the anus ceases. The second, more complex, way of a sitz bath: 400 g of fresh grass per 2 liters of water, cook for 15 minutes, infuse for 20 minutes, add 2 cups of hot milk, in which about 400 g of bread was cooked in small pieces. With this hot tub, the cones should be washed. The term of daily use is about a month. After bath wash with warm water.

Itching throughout the body

In a large amount of water, boil one kilogram of barley grains and bathe the patient in this water.
In this case, you need to expand the pores with the help of bathing and a variety of rubbing.
Aloe juice and myrrh, especially mixed with honey, have a beneficial effect. Drink like tea with honey.
Aloe juice with lentil flour and a little vinegar is also a good remedy. Often used and celery juice. Take 1/4 cup after a meal.
Take 50-100 g of rhizomes of wheatgrass creeping on a bucket of water and cook in a sealed container. When the water has cooled to 38 ° C, do baths for 20 minutes. Baths take daily.
Fill the bathtub with water, then dilute in it 50 ml of coniferous extract and 0.5 kg of potato starch, or 1 liter of a thick decoction of oatmeal instead. Take a bath at a water temperature of 35–37 ° C for 10 minutes.

The most effective local remedies to help get rid of senile itching are presented on the tablet.

Note! Local remedies are used only for symptomatic therapy. They usually do not affect the cause of senile itching.

The most effective folk remedies to alleviate the symptoms are presented on the tablet.

Table 8. The best folk remedies.

Complications

Provided timely treatment of the disease, the prognosis is favorable. Medicines quickly relieve itching and other unpleasant sensations.

It is important to undergo a full course of therapy, as well as take care of prevention. Complications of this disease are quite rare.

It can be:

Infectious lesions that appear as a result of constant combing of the affected areas.
Neurotic disorders - many patients are concerned about insomnia, apathy and irritability. After treatment, they pass.

Scratching - a bad habit!

How to get rid of senile itching? Given the state of health of older people and its particular vulnerability, the selection of methods and means of treatment is carried out purely individually - taking into account side effects and the severity of possible consequences.

Strange as it may seem, you can start with a psychological trick - try to wean the habit of itching. Sometimes for this it is enough just to cut the nails shortly for a person who is tormented by itching.

The automatically performed scratching procedure will no longer be as palpable and quite pleasant for him as before, and perhaps a person will slowly forget about it.

In addition, it can be said that scratching when scratching it is very easy to get inflammation on the skin. And then older people will become more in control of their involuntary gestures.

Compliance with personal hygiene rules, the choice of clothes made from light natural fabrics, regular linen change will help reduce the itching sensation. And also for this it is better not to overheat the skin, cool air is more beneficial for it.

Consult your doctor about the appropriateness of using a special diet. After all, if itching is caused by kidney problems, then you need to eat low-protein foods.

And if this is an allergic reaction to some products, then they should be abandoned altogether. Products that are well absorbed and will not cause allergies with itching include: pasta, buckwheat, oatmeal, rice, dairy products and vegetable oil, low-fat meat, liver and kidneys, fish, vegetables, fruits and dried fruits.

Disease prevention

To prevent the appearance of skin itching, it is necessary to adjust the lifestyle and follow simple rules:

moisturize the skin with oils and creams, do not allow it to dry out;
replace bedding with natural, best cotton;
cover exposed areas in the sun;
review food by including healthy foods on the menu;
an annual examination by a doctor;
give up smoking and alcohol.

Itchy skin in the elderly is an unpleasant phenomenon that interferes with a full life. Therefore, at the first signs of its appearance, you should consult a doctor. It will help determine the cause of the problems and fix them.

Treatment is prescribed to the patient based on the results of the examination. Self-treatment in this situation can only exacerbate the situation. Treatment of anogenital itching involves the elimination of a provoking factor.

Dühring's dermatitis is classified as a chronic disease. Relapses can occur throughout the patient’s life.

To avoid relapse, complications, follow the recommendations of a dermatologist. Preventive measures include:

Diet Tracking. It is necessary to exclude from it iodine-containing products (seafood, walnuts, medicines containing iodine), cereals (rye, oats, wheat, barley).
Be on follow-up, regularly undergo examinations.

Mode and power

To reduce the intensity of itching, the observance of recommendations regarding the regimen and nutrition is of particular importance.

When the human body was struck by herpetiform dermatitis, it is imperative to think about a diet that will help get rid of the disease faster. It is strictly forbidden to eat: Beans, cereals, flour, kvass, beer, sweets, products in which honey is present, cabbage.

The rest is all possible, so eating right with such a disease is easy. Be sure to include lean meat, broths, vegetables, dairy products in the diet.

From drinks only natural black coffee, mineral water without iodine. Eat plenty of herbs, olives, olives.

So, what can not be eaten with dermatitis Dühring? A feature of therapy is considered a mandatory diet, in which the following are prohibited:

cereals and legumes,
food with flour and malt,
kvass, beer and coffee substitutes,
chocolates and ice cream,
bread products and products, breaded,
sausages
iodine-containing products.

Note! Cabbage with Dühring dermatitis is also prohibited.

The skin condition of an elderly person is affected by nutrition.

The patient’s diet should contain foods saturated with the vitamins and minerals he needs:

iodine;
omega-3 fatty acid;
omega-6.

Iodine rich foods

This mineral is an essential component of the thyroid gland and is part of its hormones. The daily need for iodine is 100-150 mcg.

It is also allowed to season food with iodized salt. It can be used no more than 3 times in 7 days.

Foods Rich in Omega-3s

This polyunsaturated fatty acid normalizes the functioning of the cardiac and vascular systems, improves the general condition. The daily norm is 1 - 2.5 g.

Table 6. Foods rich in omega-3s.

Omega 6-rich foods

This polyunsaturated fatty acid helps to create an optimal balance of prostaglandins in the body.

They are helping:

improve the condition of the skin;
remove the inflammatory process;
stop pain.

The daily requirement for omega-6 is 4.5-8 g.

Senile itching - this diagnosis is often made to people after 65 years. A number of researchers claim that every second person who reaches a certain age is faced with this phenomenon. It is noticed that men face this problem more often. It is difficult to accurately assess the prevalence of a problem due to the fact that people who are not always faced with it often seek medical help. In addition, itching in many cases is a symptom of other diseases or a side effect of taking medications, and not an independent pathology.

When itchy skin occurs in the elderly, its causes can be associated with both skin diseases or pathology of internal organs, as well as age-related changes in the skin, blood vessels, and nervous system. Of course, with age, the number of diseases and medications taken increases. But not in all situations, it is possible to determine the relationship of itching with a particular factor or disease. In fact, senile itching is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is exposed if the examination did not find a specific cause of itching.

Pathophysiology and causes of senile itching

Scientists will explain itching in the elderly by the influence of several factors, each of which can be expressed to a lesser or greater extent in different people. Of greatest importance are the age-related features of the skin: it is usually dry and thinned, with reduced turgor, the healing process and renewal of the skin proceed slowly. It is important not only insufficient skin retention of moisture, but also a decrease in the amount of secretion of sweat and sebaceous glands. All this is largely due to atrophic changes, both in the dermis itself and in the small blood vessels and nerve fibers that are suitable for it.

Other factors, both external and internal, can also affect the occurrence of itching:

Increased production of histamine, cytokines and other substances or increased skin sensitivity to them.
Violation of keratinization processes in the skin.
Degeneration of nerve endings.
Atherosclerosis of blood vessels supplying the skin.
Hypotrophy of the endocrine glands, in particular, the thyroid and genital.
Atrophic processes in the intestinal mucosa with impaired digestion and absorption.
Hypertrophy of the prostate.
Depressive state.
Inadequate intake of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Cerebral atrophy, subclinical heart attacks of the brain.
Overheating with excess clothing that does not match the temperature of the environment, dry room air.
Frequent bathing with soap and detergents with irritating or drying effects.

Symptoms of senile itching

Such itching is usually generalized in nature, as it is felt throughout the body. Often starting from a certain site, it quickly spreads to other areas. Usually unpleasant sensations appear in the evening and continue at night. Sometimes itching begins to bother after washing. Often the manifestations of the disease intensify in the cold season. On examination, thinning and polishing of the edges of the nail plates can be detected. In this case, combs and pustules at the beginning of the disease may be a little, which is explained by a decrease in turgor and skin elasticity. With a long-existing itch, multiple excoriations are detected, as a result, skin infiltration and thickening, symptoms of neurodermatitis can occur. Despite the presence of painful attacks, itching usually does not lead to insomnia.

Treatment

The functional activity of the liver and kidneys decreases with age. Therefore, the half-life of drugs is increased, and their use in therapeutic doses can lead to significant side effects.
Local treatment is safer, but in some patients it is difficult due to physical and cognitive impairment.
The multiplicity of reasons leading to the development of senile itching makes it difficult to choose a drug that will be effective in each case.

Systemic treatment

Depending on the detected changes in the functioning of organs and systems, the following drugs may be prescribed:

Sedatives (sodium bromide, valerian rhizome preparations, bromocamphor).
Tranquilizers (elenium, tazepam).
Novocainic blockade according to a certain scheme.
Methyluracil to improve tissue regeneration.
Biostimulants and immunomodulators - splenin, placenta extract, tactivin.
Hepatoprotectors (Carsil, Silibor).
Angioprotectors (Actovegin, Trental, Teonikol).
Antisclerotic drugs (linetol, lovastatin, lipostabil).
Multivitamins, Aevit, complexes of omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids.

The use of systemic corticosteroids and antihistamines for pruritus in the elderly is not practical.

Local treatment

With senile itching, local therapy also has its own characteristics. It is impossible to dry the skin, therefore, oily creams, pharmacy moisturizers, and in rare cases ointments with corticosteroids are recommended. Mineral oil products should be avoided; they can clog skin pores. Before going to bed, you can take a warm bath with bran, decoctions of herbs (chamomile, sage, elecampane, peppermint), starch, non-acidic whey or milk. In some cases, it helps to reduce the itching of a contrast shower, rubbing pieces of ice from a decoction of chamomile or calendula, pouring it with a solution of sea salt (a tablespoon of 5 liters of water). For those who have a painful itch after taking a shower, you can try a simple way - to lubricate the body before bathing with olive or peach oil.

A good effect can be obtained during physiotherapy - acupuncture, inductothermy of the adrenal gland, electrophoresis with calcium chloride.

Mode and power

To reduce the intensity of itching, the observance of recommendations regarding the regimen and nutrition is of particular importance.

Itching often occurs in places of friction, so clothing should be comfortable, loose, sewn from natural fabrics, appropriate to the temperature regime. It is recommended that you have a good sleep, stay in the fresh air, ventilate the room, sufficient physical activity if possible.

Spicy foods, marinades, pickles, smoked meats, fried foods should be limited or excluded in the diet. You should limit the use of chocolate, citrus fruits, coffee and strong tea. It is necessary to completely abandon alcohol. At the same time, nutrition should be complete, varied and include all the necessary nutrients. It is recommended to monitor the reaction to certain products and, if itching intensifies, adjust your diet.

In old age, amid many health problems, daily itching can be especially painful. Therefore, the support of loved ones, the attentive attitude of doctors and the provision of adequate assistance are so important. It is necessary to reassure a person, explain to him how he can reduce the manifestations of the disease, support him - and treatment will certainly give positive results.

In fact, skin and wrinkle changes can begin long before you become a person of advanced age. In this article we will talk about what skin diseases are in the elderly and whether they can be prevented.

What happens to skin in old age, and how is it prone to disease?

Of course, every person gets older every year. And naturally, our age has a direct effect on the condition of our skin. How skin looks in old age depends on factors such as:

Healthy lifestyle
Heredity
Nutrition
Bad habits (for example, smoking or drinking)

Separately, it is worth saying that the skin is damaged under the influence of ultraviolet rays. The sun contributes to the destruction of tissue elasticity and, as a result, stretch marks, wrinkles, pigmentation appear on the skin. In addition, the daily facial expressions, as well as all kinds of stress and excitement, have a negative effect on our skin. Due to these factors, fat tissue is lost between the skin and muscles.

What changes happen to the skin due to aging?

The skin becomes rough and dry to the touch
Pigment and birthmarks may appear.
The skin on the face sags. This is especially true for the area around the eyes, cheeks and jaw.
The skin may become too thin and transparent.
When struck, bruises appear very quickly. This is due to the fact that the skin has become inelastic

Common skin diseases in the elderly:

Wrinkles. In fact, this disease most often indicates that the skin has begun to age. Wrinkles appear due to an unhealthy lifestyle, as well as a prolonged stay in the sun.
Lines of motion on the face. As soon as the skin begins to lose its elasticity, these lines become very noticeable. This happens most often at the age of 40-50 years.
Dryness and itching of the skin. Dry skin occurs due to the fact that it loses the sebaceous glands, namely they help keep the skin soft. Of course, it also happens that dryness and itching indicate the presence of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, kidney stone disease, as well as liver disease.
And perhaps the worst disease is skin cancer. It is scientifically proven that skin cancer develops as a result of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. In most cases, cancer develops before the age of 65.
Age spots. As well as cancer appear due to excess sun. This disease manifests itself already in adulthood.
Pressure sores. This disease appears when a person is in a sitting or lying position for a long time. It is worth saying that this disease is common among elderly people who are unable to move independently. People with diabetes are also prone to bedsores.

How to prevent skin diseases in old age?

Of course, it’s worth immediately saying that there is no such tool that would completely remove the harmful effects of sunlight. But the skin is prone to self-healing.

Even if you do not sunbathe, but just went for a walk in hot sunny weather, it will be just fine if you treat your skin with sunscreen. Give preference to the funds with the highest degree of protection against ultraviolet radiation.
From time to time, visit a dermatologist who will monitor all age-related skin changes.
If you are outdoors, it is best to wear a long sleeve sweater, hat and sunglasses. Thus, you prevent the penetration of ultraviolet radiation into the skin.
Do not visit the solarium.