For National Healthy Skin Month, we’re spotlighting skin health practices across all stages of life. In this segment, Daniel Butler, MD, Associate Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, offers his expert guidance on caring for the skin of older adults. Highlighting the unique needs of this patient population, he provides actionable pearls for both patients and dermatology providers to maximize care and prioritize quality of life (QoL).

Addressing skin care for older adults

Older adults represent a significant portion of dermatology patients, with nearly 50% of all visits involving individuals over the age of 65. Dr Butler emphasizes that their skin requires targeted attention as it undergoes significant changes with aging.

For patients, his advice is straightforward but impactful: advise them to moisturize frequently. As skin ages, it loses moisture and its natural barrier weakens, leading to increased dryness and sensitivity.  

Considerations for providers

For providers, Dr Butler underscores the importance of prioritizing quality of life when treating older patients. Often, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for this population, and treatment decisions frequently exist in a gray area. He encourages dermatologists to have open discussions with their patients about their daily activities and sleep, 2 critical factors for maintaining overall well-being.

Additionally, he highlights the importance of encouraging patients to stay active. Citing input from geriatricians, Dr Butler stresses that older adults should not stop exercising or walking, even after surgeries.  

Key takeaways for dermatologists

Dr Butler’s guidance centers on 2 essential points for caring for older adult patients:

1. Encourage patients to moisturize frequently to bolster the skin barrier and combat age-related dryness
2. Prioritize quality of life in treatment decisions, focusing on maintaining sleep, activity levels, and overall well-being

Through these approaches, dermatologists can provide meaningful care for this important and often underserved patient population. 

Watch Part 1 here for expert insights on caring for dermatology's youngest patients, Part 2 here for tips on managing adolescent and young adult patients, and Part 3 here for strategies to optimize skin health in adults and middle-aged patients—all for National Healthy Skin Month!