Dry skin, barrier function, and irritant contact dermatitis in the elderly

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Gerontology
• Epidermal barrier function

Background:

• Dry skin in the elderly is linked to low lipid content and impaired epidermal barrier repair.
• Asteatotic and perineal irritant contact dermatitis are prevalent subtypes in the aged population.
• Age-related changes affect skin barrier integrity and susceptibility to irritants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey subtypes of irritant contact dermatitis in the elderly.
• To elucidate the relationship between impaired barrier function and dermatitis in aged skin.
• To compare irritants affecting aged versus younger individuals.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on irritant contact dermatitis in the elderly.
• Analysis of biophysical investigations, including transepidermal water loss measurements.
• Discussion of age-dependent changes in skin barrier components and functions.

Main Results:

• Transepidermal water loss decreases with age, but barrier reconstitution after irritation is delayed.
• Reduced enzyme activity, altered cytokine profiles, and decreased skin acidification contribute to impaired barrier function.
• Aged skin exhibits delayed repair mechanisms following irritant exposure.

Conclusions:

• The sensitivity of aged skin requires re-evaluation, especially concerning occupational dermatology.
• Impaired epidermal barrier function in the elderly predisposes them to specific dermatitis subtypes.
• Understanding age-related changes is crucial for managing skin conditions in older adults.