Skin is the largest organ of the human body and the "first line of defense" for the human body to defend against disease and maintain health. However, as age increases, the body’s immune system ages, and the incidence of skin diseases becomes higher and higher.
In order to increase the attention of middle-aged and elderly people and the public on the prevention of common skin diseases, the "Popular Science Manual on the Prevention of Common Skin Diseases in Middle-aged and Elderly People" directed by China Elderly Care Association has been released, providing practical guidance and suggestions for middle-aged and elderly people. .
It affects the quality of life but is often ignored
Yu Hua, vice president and secretary-general of the China Elderly Care Association, pointed out that skin diseases are one of the common diseases that endanger the health and quality of life of middle-aged and elderly people, and are related to the "decent" of middle-aged and elderly people. Compared with chronic diseases, cancer, etc., it is easy to be ignored. In fact, skin diseases can easily affect patients’ quality of life due to symptoms such as itching, pain, and skin lesions.
About 150 million people in China suffer from skin diseases every year, and the number of patients with skin diseases is still increasing year by year, seriously affecting their quality of life and mental health.
However, the current awareness of skin disease prevention among middle-aged and elderly people needs to be improved. The popular science manual released this time focuses on popular science awareness and prevention, calling on middle-aged and elderly people to pay attention to common skin diseases, including eczema , pruritus, and herpes zoster, three common skin disease symptoms, and to understand the symptoms and hazards of these diseases in a timely manner. Identifying misunderstandings, early prevention, and early diagnosis and treatment will help pave the way for a healthy and happy life for middle-aged and elderly people.
Itching, dryness, and pain. Be wary of three common skin diseases that plague middle-aged and elderly people.
Skin condition is a barometer of physical condition. Although symptoms such as itching, dryness, pain, and rash are common, they should not be underestimated. They may be skin problems. Sounding the alarm.
Professor Zhang Jianzhong, director of the Department of Dermatology at Peking University People's Hospital, gave an example. Persistent and repeated skin itching may be pruritus or eczema; the common cause of skin pain in middle-aged and elderly people is infectious diseases, such as chickenpox-zoster virus infection. Herpes may also be pain caused by dry skin causing damage to the skin structure, or pain caused by other diseases, such as skin bacterial infection or non-infectious inflammation. Symptoms such as itching and pain that occur during the day will affect daily activities, and those that occur at night may affect sleep. If things go on like this, they will greatly reduce the quality of life and affect mood.
Prevention is better than cure. People who are older, have underlying diseases, or have low immunity must be especially wary of skin diseases.
Take herpes zoster as an example. About 1/3 of people may suffer from herpes zoster in their lifetime. Middle-aged and elderly people can get vaccinated with herpes zoster vaccine as early as possible. At the same time, they should also improve their own immunity, exercise moderately, and increase their immunity in a timely manner. Reduce clothes, choose loose, soft, breathable pure cotton clothes and sheets bedding, eat lightly, do not drink alcohol, eat less fried and spicy food, do not wash your face excessively, and do a good job of moisturizing.
Skin care products are not just for young people.
Old people also need their own skin care products. As age increases, skin moisture gradually decreases, subcutaneous fat also gradually decreases, and the skin becomes drier. As skin ages, sagging, thinning, and wrinkles are inevitable, and spots and pigmentation, such as chloasma, are more likely to occur. Moreover, the skin immune function of the elderly is reduced, coupled with long-term ultraviolet radiation, skin tumors and precancerous lesions are more common. At this time, it is particularly important to choose appropriate skin care products.
If you don’t use sun protection, you will develop age spots.
As you age, many people will have age spots on their faces and hands. Not only do they look unsightly, but some elderly people are also worried about whether they will affect their health.
Age spots, medically known as "seborrheic keratosis", are benign epidermal hyperplasia caused by keratinocyte proliferation and are clinically common benign skin tumors . Age spots are more common on the head and face, upper limbs, back of hands, trunk, etc. They are usually light brown macules or flat papules with a smooth surface or slightly papilloma-like appearance. As age increases, their number increases and their color becomes darker.
So far, the cause of age spots has not been completely clear. There are generally the following theories:
1. Its onset is related to family inheritance, and generalized damage is related to autosomal inheritance ;
2. Long-term exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet rays makes the skin especially Easy to get sick;
3. Some bad living habits may also induce it.
How to prevent age spots in life? The first is to protect yourself from the sun and reduce UV exposure. Especially when traveling or taking a long-distance car, they will be exposed to the sun for a long time, so the elderly must take necessary protective measures.
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Some elderly people are lax about maintaining their own image as they get older, but they don't know that sun protection is a lifelong "homework". If you want to have healthy skin and delay aging, you must do a good job in sun protection. Secondly, we should develop good living habits and pay attention to supplement foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin E, such as kiwi fruit, green leafy vegetables, deep-sea fish, etc. At the same time, you must also ensure adequate sleep and moderate exercise to promote blood circulation and metabolism.
Skin aging is not terrible, health is the most beautiful.
( people's website )
