Itching in the elderly. Causes and treatment of folk remedies, ointments, vitamins

Older people in 60% of cases occur itchy skin, most often on the background of hormonal imbalance, stress, banal hypothermia or overheating. There are other causes of disease manifestations. The clinical picture and the methods of dealing with itchy skin of the body.

Causes and triggers of senile pruritus

With age, the body undergoes various changes, the skin becomes vulnerable, more sensitive to the aggressive influence of external factors. According to the physiology of metabolism in the body slows down, and sweat and sebaceous glands work force by half. Also, there is a degradation of the epidermal cells, reduced skin elasticity and firmness.

Itching in the elderly may be due to vascular disease, when damaged the integrity of the subcutaneous capillaries. And also in violation of keratinization process in the skin.

Concomitant criteria of itching may be the following factors:

• worm infestation;
  
• malfunction of the digestive tract;
• anomalies of the spine;
• dystrophic symptoms in the nervous system;
• diabetes;
• disorders of the musculoskeletal system;
• deterioration of the immune system;
• a sharp rise in blood glucose;
• dehydration or overheating;
• bathing, using funds that are dried or irritate the skin.

Also, do not reject such problems as cancer tumors, renal or hepatic disease, Parkinson's disease, mental disorders, brain tumors, allergic reaction to drugs. All of these factors are the cause of itching in the elderly.

clinical picture

Itching in the elderly (the causes and symptoms are generalized) is shown by unpleasant sensations throughout the body. Most often itching is activated at night, painful attacks can lead to sleeplessness, apathy, depression.

Differences senile pruritus of other skin diseases:

• intensity varies throughout the day;
• No complications such as purulent inflammation;
• itching can bother a long time;
• Localization itchy places changing places unusual scratching.

Symptoms of pruritus have their own characteristics. This undulating course - strengthening of the evening and abatement in the first half of the day. It is also a violation may be concerned about a few months, and then disappear. Can cause itching stress, viral diseases, psycho-emotional disorders.

At what age appears itching in the elderly?

Senile pruritus in women in 70% of cases seen during the menopausal changes, when cease producing sex hormones. In men, it is more likely to develop pathological disorders, seizures, stronger and more painful.

Itching in the elderly (the cause and localization of individual violations) is regarded as a distinct disease at the age of 55-70 years. It brings moral, physical and psychological suffering requires a mandatory consultation with a doctor.

Diagnostics

When referring to a doctor it is important to avoid such pathological causes itching as dermatitis, scabies, lice, psoriasis, urticaria, allergic manifestation, neurosis, chronic diseases of internal organs, malignant tumor.

Diagnostic measures include a number of laboratory studies:

methods of diagnosis	Result
A blood test for hemoglobin	The presence / absence of the inflammatory process.
Analyzes on worms	Worm infestation.
Ultrasound of the chest	Heart diseases.
thyroid ultrasound	The functionality of the endocrine glands.

To exclude the presence of mental pathologies survey is conducted by a psychotherapist and neurologist. At the conclusion of diagnostic dermatologist clarifies cause disease signs regimen selects medications (reception mode, dosage).

Treatment of pruritus

Itching in the elderly (causes and treatment are interlinked, so treatment must pass before the diagnosis) eliminated via local cream, ointment, tablet preparations folk remedies as well as methods such as aquatherapy and phototherapy.

Bath with medicinal plants will help alleviate the patient's condition, to reduce the intensity of itching, make skin soft, supple and silky.

The use of drugs:

• antihistamines - drugs soothe irritation, reduce the intensity of pain, eliminate the symptoms of an allergic reaction, have a slight sedative effect, are contraindicated in gastric ulcer, epilepsy, severe liver disease (Suprastin, diphenhydramine, Tavegil, Diazolin, Fenistil, Loratadine, Zyrtec, Erius);
• immunomodulators - appointed for dermatitis seborrheic or chronic nature, modulate immune responses are strictly applied by recommendations of doctors, have many side effects (TSikloferon, Imudon, Tsitrovir-3 Galavit, Broncho-moon, plant-based - Echinacea);
• antidepressants - to prevent the occurrence of a depressive state, drugs affect the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dofomina, resulting in improved mood, lethargy eliminated, apathy, anxiety, restlessness, irritability (Hypericin, Paxil, Reksetin, isoniazid);
  
• antipsychotics - eliminate the symptoms of pruritus, which provoked neuralgia, against stress factors, emotions, depression (gabapentin, promazine, Karbidin, clozapine, sertindole);
• vitamins - vitamins and minerals shown to improve patient well-being, strengthen the body's defenses, strengthening internal systems functions and organs, It can be taken as complex compositions and preparations with a content of 1-2 vitamins (Vitakson, Vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol, calcium D3 Elevit, Maltofer, totem Gemoferon).
• pharmaceutical ointments for topical therapy - shown in chronic inflammation of the epithelium tissue, applied light massage to the affected area, without flushing, dosage determines the doctor (salicylic ointment Vishnevsky, Chloramphenicol, Tsinkoderm, clotrimazole, oxoline, Triderm, Fenistil, Losterin, Akriderm).

After treatment, the doctor examines the patient, if necessary, corrects therapy to improve patient well-being.

Skin care

To skin a long time remained hydrated, soft, elastic and protected from UV light We need to regularly use ointments, creams, lotions, balms both cosmetic and therapeutic character. Among the most popular can be distinguished compositions with mint, menthol, which help not only to restore the epidermis, but also to create a cooling effect (prevention of itching).

Effective means:

• Losterin;
• Boro plus plant-based;
• Chamomile and calendula;
• Elokim;
• Cream Healthy wax;
• Children cream "Eared nannies";
• Psili Balm with a pronounced moisturizing effect.

it is recommended to test for the presence / absence of allergies before using cosmetic formulations. Apply a small amount of cream on the elbow bend and, after 10 min. check the condition of the skin. If there is irritation or redness renounce the use of the product.

aquatherapy

An alternative to physiotherapy is aquatherapy. light warm shower will help to eliminate the itching symptoms. It is important not to use during the washing lye, dries means and perfect baby soap. Before water treatments recommended to lubricate the skin peach oil.

After showering, gently blot your skin with a cotton towel, apply a moisturizing cream, salve, jelly or lotion. With strong itching is recommended to pour water with sea salt (2 tablespoons per 1 liter. water). Flavored compounds are not used, to avoid allergies.

Phototherapy

The procedure involves the use of natural or artificial ultraviolet waves of varying lengths within a certain time according to the state of the patient.

Contraindicated in tuberculosis, tumors, heart defects, sudden exhaustion.

Food

A healthy and balanced diet - the basis of human overall health. In old age, you need to focus on products with a high content of iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium, fluoride. This is nuts, river and sea fish, beef liver, currants, beans, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax, sunflower, pumpkin seeds, olives, seafood, fruits and yellow vegetables.

It is important to exclude marinades, smoked meat, conservation, pickles, fatty, fried, spicy, sour dishes, at least the baking, confectionery, chocolate, citrus, strong tea and coffee. Banned alcohol, smoking.

Be sure to monitor the water regime - to drink often in small sips. Displaying - warm tea, fruit drinks, smoothies, fruit drinks, uzvar, herbal teas, non-carbonated water. When the swelling to reduce the daily dosage, keep an eye on the general state of health.

Traditional methods

Folk remedies have been successfully used in the treatment of pruritus. Specialists prescribe herbal formulations in combination with drugs. Broths, lotions, baths have soothing, cooling effect, relieve redness, skin irritation, minor cuts heal cracks.

Popular facilities:

• Ointment of Aloe - raw material for the preparation of medicinal plants take juice, mixed with vaseline at a ratio of 1 to 2, add 50 ml of tincture Japanese Sophora, stand in a dark place for 2 weeks, apply massaging the skin several times a day at attacks itching.
• permanganic acid - wipe with a cotton swab skin, morning and evening; for the preparation of a therapeutic composition to take a glass of water 1 tsp Crystals of potassium permanganate, stir until complete dissolving them;
• Cereals - help to soften skin, relieve irritation, soothe the itchy areas of the body; for preparation mix compress the same amount of water and porridge, stand until complete swelling cereals, applied for 10 minutes after rinse with warm water;
  
• Honey and propolis - bee product copes with dryness, irritation, reduces inflammation; Ointment can be prepared as follows: - mix of medical and salicylic acid in an equal amount applied to itchy areas for 10-15 minutes, but with the proviso that not allergic to these components;
• Onions and vegetable oil - any base oil will become an assistant for softening coarsened sites sufficiently mix 2 tsp raw juice add bulbs, 100 ml of broth chamomile or thyme composition wipe the skin 2 times per day;
• The infusion of nettle - The product helps to cope with irritation, itching and removes removes from the body toxins; for the preparation of healing infusion is necessary to take 1 tsp crushed leaves of nettles, valerian, chamomile flowers and violets, for 2 hours in a dark place, strain and use for other purposes;
• Soda - the product has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect, it is enough to dial a warm bath, add 20 g of baking soda, carry out the procedure for 40 minutes, then dry off in the air strike moisturizing cream;
• Herbal baths - can be purchased at the pharmacy herbal or used separately compounds (celandine, succession, oak bark, chamomile, birch buds, coltsfoot mother). 100 g of raw material to take 2 liters of boiled water, insist, filter, poured into the prepared bath. Carry out the procedure every day, course of treatment is 21 days.

Also shown is introduced into the diet of pumpkin seeds per day to eat about 100 g They can be added to baked goods, omelets, salads, vegetable smoothies.

preventive action

To prevent itching in the elderly it is important to control the diet, give up the alcohol-containing and tobacco products. Do not abuse the beer and low-alcohol kvass.

Be sure to follow the diet, enriching it with polyunsaturated fatty acids. When selecting clothing should be given preference for natural materials, to dress for the weather, avoid overcooling or overheating.

Be sure to wear hats, sunglasses, to protect the skin creams with UV filters.

Cleaning agents must not contain synthetic additives, fillers, flavoring agents, carcinogens. Suitable cosmetics labeled for children. This applies not only soap and shampoo, but also laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent.

It is equally important to monitor the work of the digestive system, the chair has to be daily - upon awakening or breakfast. To eliminate the use of constipation relaxing herbal teas (senna leaves) or medicated preparations (Duphalac, microclyster).

Itching in the elderly may occur for various reasons, the skin becomes thinner, require feeding, hydration, vitamins and trace elements saturation.

It is important to conduct a comprehensive examination, so as not to miss the development of other, more serious diseases in the body. Thanks to the advice of a dermatologist, you can reduce the intensity of the pain associated with skin ulcers and improve the patient's well-being.

Author: LisovaKonfetka

Registration of the article: Lozinski Oleg

Video of skin ulcers in the elderly

Symptoms, causes and treatment of severe itching of the skin in adults: