(NC) As we age, our immune system weakens, making it more likely that we’ll suffer from various ailments. Some of these negative health impacts can affect our skin. Skin conditions can range from skin tone and texture changes to skin lesions, skin cancer, and skin conditions like eczema. We spoke with dermatologist Dr. Aaron Drucker about common skin challenges seniors face.

Skin cancer
“With a lifetime of exposure to sunlight, seniors should take extra care to monitor their skin for new and changing lesions. Changes to moles - such as changes in colour, shape or size should be reported to your health-care provider right away,” says Dr. Drucker. “You can check yourself in a full-length mirror and get assistance to check your back and other areas that are hard to see.”

Shingles
“Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus that produces chickenpox. Symptoms of shingles can include a painful skin rash. If you had chickenpox earlier in life, the virus stays in your body and can reactivate later in life as a painful shingles rash on your body,” says Dr. Drucker.

Adult-onset eczema
Dr. Drucker shares, “While many people might associate the skin condition eczema with babies and children, it can also develop later in life. At any age, eczema causes rash, itch and pain, which can lead to intense scratching and disruptive sleep. We see many people with adult-onset atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema. The good news is that a health-care provider can help ease symptoms and improve quality of life for eczema sufferers of all ages.”

Stasis dermatitis
“Stasis dermatitis, also known as venous eczema, can occur when there is poor blood circulation leading to swelling in the lower legs,” says Dr. Drucker. “Symptoms include skin discolouration, dryness and itching. If you do detect these symptoms, see your health-care provider.”

Find more information on eczema, including treatment options, at eczemahelp.ca.