Why do Elderly People Often Experience Dry Skin on Their Feet?

Factors Leading to Dry Skin in Elderly People?

As we get older our skin generally becomes weaker and more fragile due to age-related factors that typically start to accelerate after the age of fifty. These include:

Decreased skin oil production – Oils such as sebum produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin keep it moisturised and make a protective barrier to stop it drying out. A reduction in sebum as we age means there is less protection from dry skin and prevention of bacterial or fungal infections.

Poor skin hydration – A reduction in the number of sweat glands combined with a decline in the ability of skin to hold in moisture as we age, leads to an increased risk of dryness.

Skin becomes thinner and less elastic – Skin becomes thinner with a decreased thickness of the dermis and its collagen content becomes less elastic. As a result, the skin often has more wrinkles, less insulating properties and becomes more prone to dryness.

Poor circulation – Problems with poor circulation and vascular disease are more widespread in the elderly population. Reduced blood flow to the skin means that less oxygen and nutrients are delivered leading to impaired skin function.

Underlying health conditions – The presence of chronic underlying health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders and kidney disease become more prevalent in the elderly population. These often worsen with time and require ongoing management, whilst all of these conditions can lead to increased skin dryness.

A side effect of medications – A number of common medications often used by older people such as statins, beta blockers, opioid pain medications, chemotherapy drugs and diuretics can all directly or indirectly lead to increased skin dryness.

Why is Dry Skin on the Feet More Than Just a Cosmetic Issue?

Dry skin is often thought of as an unsightly and sometimes uncomfortable problem to affect us as we get older. Whilst most people are aware of simple treatments that claim to have moisturising and cosmetic benefits for parts of the body such as the hands or face, good skin health in elderly people is much more important than simply retaining a youthful appearance.

Thin, dry skin in elderly people can become particularly susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections. Small scratches, cuts or grazes can sometimes go unnoticed or untreated in hard-to-reach areas such as the feet. These can quickly escalate into much more serious skin conditions such as ulcers. Serious complications such as skin ulcerations are difficult to heal and usually require regular treatment and management such as cleaning and dressing to prevent worsening. In the most serious cases, amputations may be the end result of serious ulceration and infections stemming from poor skin health.

Dry Skin Conditions Developing on the Feet – What to Look out for:

To avoid serious health complications, it is important for elderly people to regularly check their feet and maintain a good foot health regime. Some signs of poor foot health in the elderly to look for include:

• Itchy feet or tightness – A potential sign of dryness

• Flaky or cracked skin – Often from a lack of skin hydration and moisture

• Peeling skin – May indicate skin barrier breakdown as well as dryness

• Redness or inflammation – May signal dryness or early signs of an infection

• Bleeding cracks – Often appear due to severe dryness and may lead to infection or ulcers

• Shiny fragile skin – Can be sign of poor circulation or vascular disease

• Thickened skin – A possible sign of chronic dryness

Tips to Avoid Dry Skin and Maintain Good Foot Health in Elderly People

1.      Foot cleaning – Use mild soap free cleaners and not hard soaps

2.      Good hydration – Drink water regularly throughout the day to stay well-hydrated

3.      Use a humidifier – This helps to humidify the air particularly during the winter and for elderly residents of dry climates

4.      Regular moisturising – Use a good quality thick foot cream containing urea once or twice per day. Avoid getting cream between the toes as this may cause fungal infections. For easy, hygienic application of foot cream, elderly patients may benefit from PediStick where reduced mobility makes reaching their own feet problematic. Click here on how to use PediStick.

5.      Regular inspection – Feet should be checked daily for signs of cracked skin, blisters, cuts, sores or other changes to the appearance of skin

6.      Cut toenails – Ensure toenails are regularly cut straight across to prevent them from growing into the flesh

7.      Management of chronic health conditions – Health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure should be regularly monitored and managed by the appropriate medical specialists

8.       Appropriate footwear – Elderly people should be encouraged to wear fitted shoes with a soft inner lining. Walking barefoot at home is not advised

9. Foot exercises – Toe curls and ankle rotations can help to improve circulation