The most common cause of itchy skin in the elderly, especially in autumn and winter is xerosis or dry skin. This ‘dry skin’ is quite evident on skin examination, being most pronounced on the lower legs, anteriorly, but also affecting the upper limbs and back.

What diseases have a rash as a symptom?

Rashes Caused by Infection or Disease

• Shingles. Shingles manifests as a painful rash with blisters on one side of the face or body.
• Chickenpox. The hallmark sign of chickenpox is an itchy rash that affects the entire body.
• HIV.
• Measles.
• Syphilis.
• Roseola.
• Lyme Disease.

What causes rash in old people?

Some elderly persons have poor blood circulation in the legs, leading to rashes around the ankles called stasis dermatitis (Figure 12). Untreated, this might lead to skin ulcers.

What do skin rashes indicate?

A rash that covers the body could indicate something concerning, such as an infection or allergic reaction. You have a fever with the rash. If this is the case, go to the emergency room. This could be caused by an allergic reaction or an infection.

How can you tell if a rash is serious?

Painful rashes should quickly be evaluated by a physician. The rash is infected. If you have an itchy rash and you scratch it, it may become infected. Signs of an infected rash are yellow or green fluid; swelling, crusting, pain and warmth in the area of the rash; or a red streak coming from the rash.

How do I know if my rash is fungal or bacterial?

Skin infections caused by viruses usually result in red welts or blisters that can be itchy and/or painful. Meanwhile, fungal infections usually present with a red, scaly and itchy rash with occasional pustules.

What is a rash that comes and goes?

Hives (mate kārawa) are an itchy rash that can appear anywhere on your body. This rash is sometimes called weals or wheals. It comes and goes and can last from hours or days (acute) to months (chronic).

What kind of rashes do old people get?

However, we do know that two studies of health records for large groups of older adults show that the most common skin diseases in older people are eczema, skin infections, and pruritus (severely dry and itchy skin).

What is elderly pruritus?

Pruritus in elderly can be defined as idiopathic chronic pruritus in a person over 65 years old. Pruritus may present with or without skin lesions. In previous reports, the prevalence of pruritus in elderly patients was 11–78% [1,2,3].

What are the normal skin changes that occur in the elderly?

Aging skin looks thinner, paler, and clear (translucent). Pigmented spots including age spots or “liver spots” may appear in sun-exposed areas. The medical term for these areas is lentigos. Changes in the connective tissue reduce the skin’s strength and elasticity.

What is the best cream for rashes?

Hydrocortisone cream is an appropriate treatment for many allergic skin rashes, such as atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema) and allergic contact dermatitis (including poison ivy and poison oak). 2 It is also good for treating insect bites or stings.

What does a stress rash look like?

Stress rashes often appear as raised red bumps called hives. They can affect any part of the body, but often a stress rash is on the face, neck, chest or arms. Hives may range from tiny dots to large welts and may form in clusters. They may be itchy or cause a burning or tingling sensation.

What does an allergic rash look like?

What does a skin allergy look like? There are several different types of skin allergy reactions that allergists treat. Hives (also known as urticaria) are raised itchy bumps. Typically hives appear reddish, and will “blanch” (or turn white) in the center when pressed.

How long should a rash last before seeing a doctor?

When To Call a Professional Always consult your doctor promptly if a rash: Worsens. Lasts longer than one week. Shows signs of local infection (oozing, redness or swelling of the skin)

What kind of infection causes a rash?

Infections by bacteria, viruses, or fungi can also cause a rash. These rashes will vary depending on the type of infection. For instance, candidiasis, a common fungal infection, causes an itchy rash that generally appears in skin folds. It is important to see a doctor if an infection is suspected.

What rash spreads all over the body?

Hives appear as a rapidly spreading, red, raised and itchy rash in splotches or all over the body. Caused by an allergic reaction to medications or food, hives can be a sign of a life-threatening problem when accompanied by difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure.