Common Skin Conditions

Let’s review skin conditions that are regularly found in older skin.

Actinic keratosis
These scaly patches of skin can be found on the face, ears, lips, hands, arms and other parts of the body that have had years of sun exposure, according to Cleveland Clinic. The patches can take on a wartlike appearance and may turn into skin cancer, so talk to your provider if you have them.

Age spots
Age spots resemble big freckles and are harmless. According to the National Library of Medicine, they’re caused by sun exposure. You can prevent more of them by using sunscreen year-round. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your provider. They can help tell the difference between an age spot and a possible skin cancer.

Athlete’s foot
This common infection is caused by fungus, according to the National Library of Medicine. Symptoms include itching, blistering, cracking, peeling and redness on the feet and thick, yellow toenails. Use over-the-counter antifungal medication. Talk to your provider if the condition doesn’t clear up. If you have diabetes and foot problems, talk to your provider right away.

Bruises
Blood vessels become more fragile and breakable with age, which can result in bleeding under the skin and visible bruises, according to Cleveland Clinic. With age, you also have less protective fat under the skin, making you more likely to bruise. If bruises don’t go away in a couple of weeks, talk to your provider.

Cherry angiomas
These growths are red dots, usually about the size of the head of a pin. Some are smooth while others are slightly raised, according to the National Library of Medicine. They are harmless, but talk to your provider if they bleed or change in appearance.

Dry skin
Oil glands produce less oil as you age, which can contribute to dry skin and itching, according to the National Library of Medicine. Your provider may recommend that you take short warm showers, use certain moisturizing products or use a humidifier. They may also check for allergens, skin conditions and disease.

Eczema
This condition of itchy, dry and bumpy skin often appears in flare-ups caused by environmental triggers or immune reactions, according to the National Eczema Association. It weakens the barrier that helps protect your skin and prevents it from drying out. Using gentle moisturizers can help treat it, and your doctor may also prescribe medication.

Moles
You may have just a few or hundreds of these small spots that are typically a different shade from your skin tone and often raised. Moles usually appear during childhood and may darken during adolescence, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. If moles develop irregular borders, change color, itch or bleed, or become painful, talk to your provider. It’s important to watch moles closely because they can develop into skin cancer.

Pressure ulcers
These sores, sometimes called bedsores, are caused by staying in one position for a long time, according to Cleveland Clinic. You may be more likely to develop them if you have poor nutrition or illness. They’re common in people who have mobility problems or diabetes. If you notice a pressure ulcer on yourself or someone else, talk to your provider or a caregiver.

Psoriasis
With this condition, the immune system goes into overdrive, telling the body to produce more skin cells than it needs to, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. This causes a rash of itchy, scaly patches, often on the knees, elbows, scalp or lower back.

Rosacea
This condition, more common in women with fair skin, causes facial redness, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Rosacea symptoms can be worsened by stress, drinking alcohol and eating spicy food. Your provider may want to rule out other conditions and prescribe skin care products or oral medication to reduce symptoms.

Seborrheic dermatitis
Symptoms of this condition include redness and flaking on the face, scalp and chest, according to Cleveland Clinic. Your provider can prescribe medication to treat affected areas.

Seborrheic keratosis
These are scaly or waxy brownish or black growths similar to warts. They tend to run in families and commonly occur on the back, according to the National Library of Medicine. Seborrheic keratosis spots are harmless and can be removed by your provider if they cause irritation. If you notice a change such as bleeding or rapid growth, talk to your provider.

Skin cancer
If you notice changes to moles or new skin growths, sores that don’t heal or moles that bleed, talk to your provider. According to the American Cancer Society, these can be signs of skin cancer, which is quite common. The types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The first 2 types are most commonly found on the face, head, neck, arms and hands. These types of skin cancer grow slowly, don’t usually spread if they’re treated and can be cured if detected early. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It can spread to other organs and become deadly.

Skin tags
These small skin-colored bumps are more common in women, according to Harvard Health. They’re often found on the neck, eyelids and chest, groin and armpits. They’re usually harmless, but talk to your provider if a skin tag causes irritation.

Skin tears
Older skin is more fragile and likely to tear than younger skin, according to the National Library of Medicine. Aging skin also repairs itself slowly, making you more at risk for infection. Always clean and bandage tears and cuts. Talk to your provider if you don’t heal well or if you notice redness, warmth, drainage or other signs of infection.