Skin diseases at 60 years of age. Senile skin itching in the elderly: causes and treatment with folk remedies

In old age, the skin becomes too dry, resulting in severe itching. Provoking factors are a person’s lifestyle, habits and the presence of certain diseases. As a rule, senile itching of the skin is observed in males, but it can also affect women.

Senile itching in the form of nightly painful attacks is observed in people aged 50-70 years. The disease most often affects men.

Aging is a natural process, which, however, causes many negative changes in the body, which often lead to unpleasant consequences.

In older people, hormonal balance and metabolism change; the circulatory, nervous, digestive systems and other parts of the body undergo serious structural and functional changes.

Last but not least, these changes affect the skin - one of the most sensitive elements of the human body. This is especially true for women, whose skin has a number of significant differences from men's.

Thinner, more delicate and exposed to destructive environmental factors, it is one of the first to experience the consequences of age-related changes.

Elderly patients experience numerous changes in the skin: it becomes dry, wrinkled, loses volume and elasticity. Pigment spots and other defects appear on the surface of the skin, which often cause significant psychological discomfort to patients.

However, an even more unpleasant manifestation of age-related changes is senile itching in women. Severe itching is a common cause of insomnia, anxiety and depressive disorders and can lead to serious consequences.

Systemic drugs

Treating senile itch is not an easy problem. It is not so easy to establish the true mechanism of itching. Therefore, patients are generally prescribed individually selected symptomatic treatment.

Antihistamines (Erius, Kestin, Zodak, Claritin) are prescribed for general (systemic) action - they relieve itching well. Some antidepressants are also effective, for example, mirtazapine (Calixta, Mirtazapine canon), paroxetine (Paxil, Paroxetine, Rexetine, Sirestill) and anticonvulsants (for example, Ggabapentin), which inhibit the central mechanisms of the development of itching.

External medications to relieve itching

For excessive dry skin, moisturizing creams are prescribed. If the itching is very persistent and is accompanied by inflammatory rashes on the skin, ointments and creams are prescribed that contain corticosteroid hormones - Akriderm, Fluorocort, and so on.

Menthol-based ointments, for example, Boromenthol ointment, which contains boric acid and menthol, also relieve irritation and senile itching of the skin. You can also use 1-3% menthol oil, it relieves itching and gives a cool feeling to the skin. The Golden Star balm works the same way.

Folk remedies for senile itching

Causes of itchy skin

It is not only the skin’s insufficient moisture retention that matters, but also the reduction in the amount of secretion from the sweat and sebaceous glands. All this is largely due to atrophic changes, both in the dermis itself and in the small blood vessels and nerve fibers approaching it.

Scientists attribute itching in the elderly to the influence of several factors, each of which can be expressed to a lesser or greater extent in different people. The age-related characteristics of the skin are of greatest importance: it is usually dry and thinned, with reduced turgor, the healing and renewal processes of the skin are slow.

It is not only the skin’s insufficient moisture retention that matters, but also the reduction in the amount of secretion from the sweat and sebaceous glands. All this is largely due to atrophic changes, both in the dermis itself and in the small blood vessels and nerve fibers approaching it.

The average age of the disease is 35 years. Moreover, it appears more often in men.

The disease is characterized by its frequent recurrences, which can last up to a year. The most interesting thing is that scientists have not yet identified the specific cause of the appearance of Dühring’s dermatitis herpetiformis.

Therefore, the following factors are taken as a basis:

• The disease is inherited.
• The formation of a tumor inside the body.
• Too much sensitivity to iodine.
• Worms in the body.
• Infection or virus.
• Presence of pregnancy or menopause.
• Physical and psychological fatigue can also be factors.

With dermatitis herpetiformis, the causes can be completely different. But these are the main conditions for the appearance of such a disease.

The etiology and pathogenesis of this disease are still unclear. Experts believe that it is of an autoimmune nature. In the basement membrane (at the border of the dermis and epidermis), researchers found IgA antibodies.

A significant role in the manifestation of the disease under consideration was noted for high sensitivity to iodine preparations. During the experiment, the patient was administered an iodide solution (3-5%) orally. After administration of the drug, the appearance of a rash was noted, which is typical of the type of skin disease in question.

In a large number of patients, doctors discovered intolerance to the gluten protein contained in cereals.

The following are considered possible reasons:

• heredity;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (ulcers, gastritis);
• diseases with viral etiology (herpes, ARVI);
• ascariasis.

The manifestations of dermatoses are different, and they are provoked by external as well as internal causes in any age range. Dermatosis can manifest itself in the form of an allergic reaction, poisoning and disturbances in the body’s immune system, various inflammatory and infectious diseases with a long course, diseases of the endocrine system, diseases of the blood and blood vessels, and prolonged fever.

Dermatosis can also be caused by cosmetics, mechanical damage, chemical components, piercing, contact with stinging and poisonous plants, occupational allergens, insect bites, tattoos.

The main cause of body skin itching in older people is a decrease in the activity of elastin production by the epidermis.

The skin becomes dry. Turgor and smoothness are lost, peeling appears.

Note! Very often, discomfort is a protective reaction of the body in response to external stimuli.

Natural causes

Unpleasant sensations are not always provoked by pathology. The main natural causes are indicated in the diagram.

Pathological causes

The diagram shows the % occurrence of factors that provoke the appearance of skin itching.

Specific reasons

Some provoking factors cannot be attributed either to natural causes or to serious diseases.

The etiology of bullous pemphigoid currently remains the subject of scientific debate; research in this area has helped to form several main hypotheses explaining the causes of this condition.

The most widely accepted belief is that this autoimmune disease develops due to the presence of certain mutations that alter the major histocompatibility complex.

This is partly confirmed by the fact that among patients with bullous pemphigoid, the number of people with MHC DQB1 0301 as a second class allele is increased.

However, to date, no mutations or other genetic disorders have been identified that could be clearly associated with this skin disease.

The pathogenesis of bullous pemphigoid has been studied somewhat better than the etiology, which allows us to reliably assert the autoimmune nature of this condition. The main targets for attack by the immune system are two epidermal proteins - one of them, BP180, is a transmembrane protein and is currently associated with type 17 collagen.

The second antigen involved in the development of bullous pemphigoid, BP230, is located inside the cytoplasm of epidermal cells and presumably belongs to the group of plakins.

These two proteins are related in their function - they participate in the formation of hemidesmosomes and maintain the ordered structure of multilayered epithelium.

In all patients with bullous pemphigoid, class G antibodies are detected in the blood plasma, which have the ability to bind to the autoantigens BP180 and BP230.

Their appearance is associated with the development in the body of autoreactive T-lymphocytes against the above proteins of epithelial cells. T lymphocytes are responsible for the cellular immune response, simultaneously activating B lymphocytes that produce antibodies.

The binding of T-lymphocytes and antibodies to their own proteins of the skin and mucous membranes activates the complement system, which attracts other immunocompetent cells, mainly neutrophils and eosinophils, to the pathological focus.

In some patients with bullous pemphigoid, a significant participation of mast cells (mast cells) in the pathogenesis of the disease was revealed.

Types of pathology

Currently, there are several types of the disease:

1. Papular - rashes in the form of papules on the body
2. Bullous - the skin is covered with bullae
3. Vesicular - the skin is covered in vesicles
4. Urticariform - burns appear on the skin that resemble nettle burns
5. Paraoncological – a case when the development of a rash begins from the appearance of a tumor

In general, in medicine there are several dozen types of dermatitis, but there are also the most frequently diagnosed.

Dry dermatitis

This type of disease manifests itself exclusively in the cold season and is more often diagnosed in elderly and senile patients. The causes of dry dermatitis are:

• dry indoor air;
• prolonged exposure to cold air;
• diseases of a functional/organic nature;
• hereditary and psychosomatic factors.

Dry dermatitis has a clear localization - on the feet and extremely rarely appears in other places of the body. Symptoms of dry dermatitis are considered to be:

• excessively dry skin on the feet;
• cracking, scaly spots on the feet;
• itching at the site of the skin disease;
• redness of the affected skin.

A distinctive feature of this type of dermatitis is its long course and clear seasonality of exacerbations.

Sign of age or symptom of illness

In most cases, skin itching in older people (also called senile) is a banal sign of their age. The gradual atrophy of blood vessels and thinning of the subcutaneous tissue, which occurs over the years, leads to the fact that the skin retains moisture very poorly.

Senile itching manifests itself differently in each person, but it is usually characterized by:

• changes in attacks: from mild to severe;
• exacerbations and recessions that replace one another;
• no rashes or suppurations on the skin;
• the fact that even after very frequent scratching there are no marks left on the skin, and the nails, on the contrary, acquire a polishing effect;
• At night, the skin itches especially strongly.

In most cases, skin itching in older people (also called senile) is a banal sign of their age. The gradual atrophy of blood vessels and thinning of the subcutaneous tissue, which occurs over the years, leads to the fact that the skin retains moisture very poorly.

And dry skin and its excessive sensitivity are precisely what cause the desire to scratch.

If a person has already crossed the 65-year age limit, there is nothing pathological here, although the sensations, of course, are unpleasant and sometimes they do not even allow you to fall asleep.

Symptoms of senile itching

Itching is the most common skin complaint in patients over 65 years of age. It is often neglected by many people, although itchy skin can have a serious impact on quality of life in old age, especially through sleep deprivation.

Given the many changes that accompany advancing age, the management of pruritus in old age poses a particular clinical challenge.

Itching can vary in severity, but more often it affects the stronger sex. Often its intensity is such that the patient cannot tolerate it.

The duration of the disease can be months. But the patient’s body is not always covered with scratches.

In some patients, from continuous scratching, the fingernails become polished, and the skin becomes dry, covered with boils, age spots, and eczematous lesions.

This unpleasant phenomenon is explained by metabolic disorders, drying of the dermis, and atherosclerotic processes. It manifests itself most strongly in the dark and can spread to any part of the body.

In some patients, the disease develops during menopause.

The appearance of such a disease is characterized by various types of rashes: blisters, papules or spots.

The spots are smooth, over time bubbles form in their place, all this merges together and forms a huge focus of inflammation. Large or small blisters contain liquid inside.

If there is an infection inside, the liquid is cloudy. Over time, the blisters burst, forming erosion.

When it passes, a mark or scar remains on the skin. The rash can appear anywhere except the palms, soles, and mucous membranes.

Most often on the arms, legs, shoulder blades, buttocks. In addition to the rash, Dühring's dermatitis herpetiformis has a number of symptoms:.

1. The rash is very itchy, tingling, and there is a burning sensation.
2. Body temperature rises
3. A man suffers from insomnia
4. Feeling of general weakness of the body
5. Gray, greasy stool
6. Thyroid dysfunction

When a woman is pregnant, such a disease can appear in the second trimester. You must be very careful with treatment so as not to harm the fetus. If such symptoms appear, you must immediately consult a doctor for help.

The disease begins acutely with the formation of foci of polymorphic rash. At the onset of the disease, the patient is concerned about the following manifestations:

• red spots;
• blisters;
• swelling;
• bubbles;
• ring-shaped arrangement of bubbles.

Symptoms of dermatitis may include hyperemia and swelling of areas of the skin, a feeling of heat and an increase in temperature, the skin may become covered with blisters filled with clear liquid, and in some cases, ulcers.

All changes in the skin are usually accompanied by itching or burning. The sun and stress can intensify inflammatory processes, which also have an irritating effect on the skin.

Diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid

Severe itching in the elderly is a systemic manifestation; it is difficult to diagnose and differentiate it from the symptoms of chronic pathologies, but the availability of modern laboratory techniques allows this to be done.

First of all, the doctor carefully examines the patient and collects anamnesis. He must understand when the first signs of illness appeared and whether peaks in their manifestation are observed. After the interview, a visual examination of the patient is carried out. Every area of ​​skin from the back to the legs is examined.

In order to distinguish senile itching from contact dermatitis, psoriasis, scabies and urticaria, an analysis for hidden allergens and scraping from the affected areas is required.

To assess the functioning of internal organs, a biochemical blood test is performed. Itchy skin in older people can be caused by helminthic infestations, so a stool test for helminth eggs may be prescribed.

The resulting material allows you to confirm or exclude a fungal or viral infection. Causes and treatment are closely related to each other.

The patient needs to undergo an iodine test. To do this, take petroleum jelly and potassium iodide, make an ointment, and apply it to a compress.

This compress should be kept for a day on a healthy area of ​​the body. If after a day blisters, rashes or inflammation appear on the body, the person has dermatitis.

If there is nothing, then the compress is removed. The patient must be referred for testing.

Blood is donated and blisters are sampled. If a high concentration of eosinophils is found in them, the person has dermatitis herpetiformis.

An analysis is carried out for the biological component, which will show in detail the presence of the disease. Elderly people should definitely be checked for tumors.

In parallel, the doctor may prescribe an ultrasound, x-ray, or CT scan of the kidneys. This is due to the fact that this type of disease is closely related to oncology.

The definition of a disease such as bullous pemphigoid is made on the basis of examination by a dermatologist, immunological studies and histological examination of tissues of pathological foci.

Upon examination, depending on the stage of development of the pathology, an erythematous rash, formed blisters located symmetrically, urticarial rashes of varying intensity, healing erosions, sometimes covered with a crust, may be observed.

A complete blood count in approximately half of the cases of bullous pemphigoid shows moderate eosinophilia, sometimes leukocytosis. Also, in peripheral blood, using the immunoprecipitation reaction, IgG can be detected that has the ability to bind to the BP180 and BP230 antigens.

Histological studies for bullous pemphigoid include plain light microscopy and immunofluorescence microscopy. When examined under a microscope, at various stages of blister formation, one can detect an epidermal cleft, then a subepidermal blister, which turns into an intraepidermal blister.

The dermis under the pathological focus is sharply swollen, leukocyte infiltration, consisting mainly of lymphocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils, can be expressed in different ways.

Immunofluorescence microscopy reveals accumulations of immunoglobulins G and complement fractions (most often C3) along the basement membrane of the epidermis.

In bullous pemphigoid, these molecules are predominantly concentrated on the outer side of the basement membrane. Differential diagnosis should be carried out with pemphigus vulgaris, erythema multiforme exudative and epidermolysis bullosa.

Treatment of itching

Since itching is a symptom of various diseases, consultation with a specialist is necessary.

Nervous itching

After the diagnosis of senile itching is established, treatment is selected individually, taking into account all the characteristics of the individual patient’s body. The use of medications for senile itching is limited for a number of reasons:

• With age, the functional activity of the liver and kidneys decreases. Therefore, the half-life of drugs increases, and their use in therapeutic doses can lead to significant side effects.
• Local treatment is safer, but in some patients it is difficult due to physical and cognitive impairment.
• The multiplicity of causes leading to the development of senile itching makes it difficult to choose a drug that will be effective in each specific case.

Treatment of the disease depends on the degree of its severity. If serious pathology is excluded, it is enough to use local medications available in the form of creams, ointments or gels, as well as follow a diet.

In other cases, the doctor prescribes medications, as well as physiotherapeutic procedures, the action of which is aimed at eliminating the root cause of the pathology.

It is possible to use folk remedies, but only under the supervision of a specialist.

Managing pruritus in older age poses a particular challenge. Physical and cognitive impairment may make the use of topical treatment impossible, and concomitant diseases, especially those affecting the liver and kidneys in this age group, carry a greater risk of adverse reactions.

Currently, there is no generally accepted treatment for itching of senile skin. Instead, the management of itching, especially in older age, requires a highly individualized approach, taking into account the patient's overall health, the severity of symptoms and the adverse effects of health treatments.

There are a number of general measures that can be helpful in managing itching in older adults, regardless of the underlying cause. Patient education is central to pruritus management.

Identifying and addressing exacerbating factors are often the first steps toward successful treatment. Patients should be informed of the increased potential for skin inflammation following scratching, and simple measures such as trimming nails can interrupt the vicious circle of itching-scratching-itching.

The itching sensation is often aggravated by heat, so if necessary, measures such as taking cool showers, wearing light clothing, and using air conditioning to keep the skin cool can be taken.

Wherever possible, simple home regimens are preferred to limit skin itching as much as possible and avoid possible adverse reactions to treatment for itchy skin.

Local treatment of senile itching

Moisturizing, softening and protective creams

When such a serious illness occurs, treatment must be comprehensive. Getting rid of dermatitis herpetiformis (Dühring's disease) is quite difficult, so several methods are used at once.

“With a comprehensive solution to the problem, including diet and treatment at home, you will rarely be bothered by rashes on your body,” says a dermatologist of the highest category E.

A. Malyshevsky.

For drug treatment, doctors prescribe the sulfone group of drugs:

• Sulfasalazine is an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial agent prescribed by a doctor. It has contraindications, so be sure to read the instructions
• Diucifon is a powder used to treat rashes on the body. Has contraindications
• Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid if sulfone drugs do not help. Has antiallergic, antitoxic effect. There are many contraindications
• Erius is an antihistamine that is prescribed to relieve itching

The areas affected by the disease must be constantly treated with a solution of potassium permanganate or brilliant green. Antihistamine ointments can be purchased.

It is mandatory to take vitamin complexes, because the body loses many useful substances after taking such medications.

To treat dermatitis and prevent secondary infection, the non-hormonal drug Skin-cap (externally) is used, the active ingredient of which is zinc pyrithione.

Its effectiveness is no lower than that of hormonal drugs. Skin-cap is not characterized by the side effects noted for hormonal drugs.

It has anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial effects. In cases of weeping dermatitis, it is better to use an aerosol; in cases of dry dermatitis, it is better to use a cream that provides additional hydration to the skin.

Skin cap can also be used for children after the first year of life. The drug is applied to the skin twice a day.

Types of dermatitis

There are two main types of dermatitis: contact or allergic and atopic or hereditary.

Atopic dermatitis is a complex disease that most often manifests itself in childhood or in newborns.

Common forms of dermatitis include coin-shaped and herpetiform dermatitis, eczema, and seborrhea.

The name coin-like dermatitis is associated with external manifestations of inflammation, in the form of round spots appearing on the limbs and resembling coins.

With dermatitis herpetiformis, blisters appear symmetrically located, most often on the knees, elbows, buttocks and shoulders. The cause of this dermatitis can be intestinal disorders and weak immunity.

The most common form of dermatitis is eczema. In this case, fluid-filled blisters with an unpleasant odor appear on the skin. The contents of the bubbles ooze slowly at first, then the bubbles burst.

When the scalp and face are affected, we are talking about a form of dermatitis called seborrhea.

Regardless of the type and form of dermatitis, adherence to a diet and fortification of food have a beneficial effect on improving the general condition. Proper nutrition and taking essential vitamins not only alleviate the symptoms of dermatitis, but also help improve the condition of the skin.

Treatment of dermatitis with potatoes

The development of dermatitis can begin even after undergoing an X-ray examination. In this case, freshly squeezed potato juice is considered an effective anti-inflammatory and healing agent.

To obtain juice, wash the potatoes, peel them and grate them on a fine grater. Place the potato mixture on gauze, lay the gauze in several layers and apply it to the affected area.

The compress must be kept for two hours, after which it is replaced with a new one. At night, apply propolis ointment to the skin.

Geranium oil

General activities play an important role:

1. Diet: exclusion of spicy foods, smoked meats, chocolate, citrus fruits, eggs, strong broths, cocoa, whole cow's milk;
2. The room where the patient is most often located is cleaned (wet cleaning) and ventilated every day. The following things are unacceptable: carpets, aquariums, pet hair, flowering plants;
3. The clothes are comfortable, spacious, made from natural materials;
4. Stabilize rest and sleep patterns, avoid stress;
5. Sanitize foci of chronic infection.

Dermatitis can occur in different types and forms, so there is no clearly defined treatment for this skin disease - the selection of specific medications is carried out by the doctor on an individual basis. Specialists adhere to the following prescription scheme:

1. The pathogenesis of the disease is affected in a complex way:

• neutralize the negative impact of the identified pathogenic factor;
• providing assistance with symptoms;
• restoration and strengthening of the body's immune system.

1. Treatment of dermatitis occurs until the skin is completely regenerated (healing of damaged areas). As a rule, this process lasts at least 28 days.

Dietary rules

A diagnosis such as senile itching, which is a fairly common problem, must be established by a specialist. Moreover, the doctor must first exclude other possible prerequisites for the development of this pathological condition of the skin.

Often, to identify the internal cause of itching, dynamic monitoring of elderly patients is required for quite a long time.

Treatment of senile itching is prescribed for each specific patient individually, which is due to the presence of certain social and physical limitations in older people.

When choosing a therapeutic course, the specialist must take into account the severity of symptoms and the general health of the elderly person.

In addition, the doctor also considers such an alarming factor as the aggressiveness of the course of the disease, since it can signal the presence of liver pathology, diabetes mellitus or oncology in the patient’s body.

A unified therapeutic method for treating senile itching has not been developed. All therapeutic measures are associated with a large number of factors, and the choice is primarily influenced by the etiological mechanism of the disease.

But still, by and large, doctors do not strive to eliminate the disease, which has become the root cause of the disease and is often irreversible, but to relieve negative symptoms.

For this purpose, local therapy is used:

• An emollient cream individually selected by the doctor reduces the effect of skin dryness.
• Drugs whose active component is menthol have a calming effect on affected skin areas.
• The antipruritic effect is provided by salicylic acid, which acts as a cyclooxygenase inhibitor.
• Topical corticosteroids are used to provide an anti-inflammatory effect, but they should be used with great caution and only as prescribed by a doctor.
• Specialists also recommend systemic therapy drugs that are taken orally by patients and absorbed into the blood. To treat itching in the elderly, antidepressants are prescribed to reduce the neurogenic influence factor, as well as antihistamines.

If local therapy is ineffective, general medications are used. As a rule, their use is justified if a person suffers from chronic itching of the skin over a long period of time, and doctors cannot determine the cause of this disease.

In such cases, drugs of different categories and directions of action are selected. Based on the results of the skin's reaction to each drug, therapy is adjusted to further improve well-being.

Patients are prescribed drugs of the following category:

1. Antihistamines. Relieves the feeling of itching if it is caused by an allergic reaction.
2. Antidepressants. Used to treat older people whose body itches due to deteriorating mental health.
3. Neuroleptics. Effective against skin itching of neuropathic origin. Such patients begin to itch as soon as nervousness appears.

Senile itching is a complex problem of the health of a person who has reached old age. The reasons for its appearance can be very diverse, but the main one is still a change in the intensity of all vital processes occurring in the body of an aging person.

Treatment of skin itching in the elderly is aimed at:

• restoration of the protective properties of the skin;
• reduction of the autoimmune process in epidermal cells;
• restoration of the structure and performance of hepatocytes.

For treatment, local creams and ointments, tablets and folk remedies are used.

The first-line drugs used to treat bullous pemphigoid are glucocorticosteroids - prednisolone, methylprednisolone and others. The treatment is long-term, therapy begins with high dosages of steroids, gradually reducing the dose over 6-9 months.

Considering that many patients with bullous pemphigoid are elderly, it is not possible to carry out full-fledged therapy with glucocorticosteroids due to significant side effects.

Often in such a situation, treatment is carried out with a combination of a reduced dose of steroids orally and local application of ointments based on them.

Get rid of itching, improve quality of life

How to treat senile skin itching - there is no single rule. But a doctor can develop a purely personal treatment package for his patient, taking into account all the nuances - age, lifestyle, the presence of chronic diseases.

The diseases that cause itching may already be practically incurable, so the main attention is paid to eliminating this symptom. External treatments include:

• protective creams with a moisturizing effect and softening the skin (their use is intended to eliminate dry skin);
• anti-inflammatory external agents (used only for inflammatory skin diseases and strictly as prescribed by a doctor);
• drugs that regulate the immune system (prescribed by a doctor for diseases such as dermatitis, scabies, etc.);
• menthol compresses (effective for people whose itch goes away or decreases after the skin becomes cool);
• capsaicin (used for diseases of a neuralgic nature);
• local anesthetics (prescribed to people with dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.);
• salicylic acid (used for lichen, but only externally!).

Systemic treatment of itching uses a number of drugs that are taken orally. Their selection depends on the identified chronic disease.

Psychotropic drugs to treat depression, for example, will help people whose constant urge to itch is caused by mental problems. Antihistamines are effective for hives.

Of course, only the doctor is responsible for selecting and prescribing medications.

Also, for diseases associated with itching, light treatment helps well, which avoids the negative side effects that may occur after taking medications.

Features of aquatherapy

For drug treatment of body itching in old age, the following is prescribed:

• antihistamines;
• immunomodulators;
• antidepressants;
• neuroleptics.

For disorders of the nervous system, bromine preparations are prescribed to the patient. They are injected into a vein or muscle. The effect is enhanced by the simultaneous administration of calcium chloride.

Use of antihistamines

Drugs in this group have an effect when chronic urticaria appears. A small effect is observed during attacks of senile itching at night.

Note! These medications have a mild sedative effect and cause drowsiness. They should be taken only after consulting a doctor.

Use of immunomodulators

Medicines have a beneficial effect if the discomfort is seborrheic or chronic.

Use of antidepressants

Medicines in this group are prescribed for the psychogenic form of senile itching.

Antidepressants cause side effects. You need to start taking these medications with small doses.

Use of antipsychotics

Drugs in this group have a beneficial effect against the background of itching caused by postherpetic neuralgia.

This type of therapy is an alternative to physical therapy.

The instructions look like this:

1. Avoid soap and alkaline products. They have a degreasing effect and greatly dry out the skin.
2. You should take a shower, not a bath. The water temperature must be optimal - you cannot stand under cold or hot water.
3. It is recommended to use baby soap to wash your armpits, genitals and feet. It has a hypoallergenic and antibacterial effect.
4. Before water procedures, you need to lubricate the skin with peach or olive oil.
5. After taking a shower, you need to gently pat your skin with a cotton towel. Then apply moisturizing milk or cream that has a hypoallergenic effect.
6. In case of severe itching, it is recommended to douse yourself with water and sea salt. This has a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system. To prepare the solution, you need to mix 20 grams of the product with 5000 ml of water. You cannot replace sea salt with scented bath products, since the components they contain can cause allergies.
7. Senile itching caused by stress can be treated with a contrast shower. The duration of 1 session is 2-5 minutes. This procedure is contraindicated for older people suffering from heart disease.

Note! Rubbing with cosmetic ice with calendula, sage and string helps eliminate the unpleasant symptom. A preliminary consultation with a doctor is strictly required, since the procedure can provoke an exacerbation of somatic pathologies.

Application of local remedies

Skin itching, simple

• Elecampane tall (root). It is used in this case as an external remedy (lotion, rubbing) in the form of a tincture (25.0) with alcohol or vodka, or instead - a homemade extract, i.e. a decoction of 20.0-200.0, condensed “in the spirit” up to half.
• Stinging nettle (herb). Its decoction is 15.0-200.0, 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day, or homemade extract, i.e. the same decoction, thickened to half, 1 tsp. If at the same time urination decreases or constipation occurs, then combine nettle with dandelion leaves and thorn flowers (equal parts), this mixture is 2 tbsp. l. Brew a glass of boiling water, steam in the oven for 2-3 hours, drink 1/2 glass 3 times a day. Pharmacy liquid extract from it - 25-30 drops.
• Birch (buds). Tincture (10%) 20 drops 3 times.

Body itching nervous

• Rub the itchy areas with a coarse woolen rag or an ear of corn (without grains).

Itching in the anus

• Water pepper, pepper knotweed (herb). As a hemostatic and analgesic, it is recognized as useful for bloody hemorrhoids not only in folk medicine, but also in scientific medicine. You can use a decoction of it 12.0-200.0, 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day, as well as tincture (25.0) or pharmaceutical liquid extract (25.0) 30-40 drops 3 times a day 1/2 hour before meals. It often occurs in combination with extracts of viburnum and shepherd's purse. For external use there are pharmacy suppositories made from it called “Anestezol”. Instead of candles, people use sitz baths from a decoction of this herb (50 g per 1 liter of boiling water, then diluted in a bath) for 15 minutes each day until the itching in the anus stops. 2nd, more complex, method of sitz bath: 400 g of fresh herbs per 2 liters of water, boil for 15 minutes, leave for 20 minutes, add 2 glasses of hot milk, in which about 400 g of bread in small pieces was boiled. This hot bath should wash the buds. The period of daily use is about a month. After a bath, wash with warm water.

Itching all over the body

• Boil one kilogram of barley grains in a large amount of water and bathe the patient in this water.
• In this case, you need to expand the pores with the help of bathing and various rubbing.
• Aloe and myrrh juice, especially mixed with honey, have a beneficial effect. Drink like tea with honey.
• Aloe juice with lentil flour and a little vinegar is also a good remedy. Celery juice is also often used. Take 1/4 cup after meals.
• Take 50–100 g of wheatgrass rhizomes in a bucket of water and cook in a sealed container. When the water has cooled to 38°C, take baths for 20 minutes. Take baths daily.
• Fill the bath with water, then dilute 50 ml of pine extract and 0.5 kg of potato starch in it or, instead, 1 liter of a thick decoction of oatmeal. Take a bath at a water temperature of 35–37°C for 10 minutes.

The most effective local remedies to help get rid of senile itching are presented in the table.

Note! Local remedies are used only for symptomatic therapy. They usually do not affect the cause of senile itching.

The most effective folk remedies to relieve symptoms are presented in the table.

Table 8. The best folk remedies.

Complications

Provided timely treatment of the disease, the prognosis is favorable. Medicines quickly relieve itching and other unpleasant sensations.

It is important to complete the full course of therapy, as well as take care of prevention. Complications from this disease are quite rare.

It can be:

1. Infectious lesions that appear as a result of constant scratching of the affected areas.
2. Neurotic disorders - many patients are bothered by insomnia, apathy and irritability. After treatment they go away.

Scratching is a bad habit!

How to get rid of the aging itch? Taking into account the health status of older people and their special vulnerability, the selection of treatment methods and means is carried out purely individually, taking into account side effects and the severity of possible consequences.

Oddly enough, you can start with a psychological technique - try to wean yourself from the habit of scratching. Sometimes all it takes is cutting the nails of a person suffering from itching short.

The mechanically performed scratching procedure will no longer be as noticeable and quite pleasant for him as before, and, perhaps, the person will slowly forget about it.

In addition, you can tell that if you scratch while scratching, it is very easy to get inflammation on the skin. And then older people will begin to have more control over their involuntary gestures.

Maintaining good personal hygiene, choosing clothes made from light natural fabrics, and regularly changing bed linen will help reduce the feeling of itching. And also for this it is better not to overheat the skin; cool air is healthier for it.

Consult your doctor about the advisability of using a special diet. After all, if the itching is caused by kidney problems, then you need to eat foods low in protein.

And if this is an allergic reaction to some products, then you should avoid them altogether. Foods that are well digestible and will not cause allergies with itching include: pasta, buckwheat, oatmeal, rice, fermented milk products and vegetable oil, lean meat, liver and kidneys, fish, vegetables, fruits and dried fruits.

Disease prevention

To prevent the appearance of itchy skin, you need to adjust your lifestyle and follow simple rules:

• moisturize the skin with oils and creams, do not allow it to dry out;
• replace bed linen with natural ones, preferably cotton;
• cover bare areas in the sun;
• review your diet by including healthy foods in the menu;
• undergoes an annual examination by a doctor;
• stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

Itchy skin in older people is an unpleasant phenomenon that interferes with a full life. Therefore, at the first sign of its appearance, you should consult a doctor. It will help determine the cause of the problems and eliminate them.

Treatment is prescribed to the patient based on the examination results. Self-therapy in this situation can only worsen the situation. Treatment of anogenital itching involves eliminating the provoking factor.

Dühring's dermatitis is classified as a chronic disease. Relapses can occur throughout the patient's life.

To avoid relapses and complications, follow the recommendations of your dermatologist. Preventive measures include:

1. Monitoring your diet. It is necessary to exclude from it iodine-containing products (seafood, walnuts, medications containing iodine), cereals (rye, oats, wheat, barley).
2. Stay under medical supervision and undergo regular examinations.

Mode and nutrition

To reduce the intensity of itching, compliance with recommendations regarding diet and nutrition is of particular importance.

When the human body is affected by dermatitis herpetiformis, you must definitely think about a diet that will help you get rid of the disease faster. It is strictly forbidden to eat: Beans, cereals, flour, kvass, beer, sweets, products containing honey, cabbage.

Everything else is possible, so eating right with this disease is not difficult. Be sure to include lean meat, broths, vegetables, and dairy products in your diet.

Drinks include only natural black coffee and mineral water without iodine. Eat plenty of greens, olives, olives.

So, what should you not eat if you have Dühring's dermatitis? A special feature of the therapy is a mandatory diet, in which the following are prohibited:

• cereals and legumes,
• food with flour and malt,
• kvass, beer and coffee substitutes,
• chocolates and ice cream,
• flour products and breaded products,
• sausages,
• iodine-containing products.

Note! Cabbage for Dühring's dermatitis is also prohibited for consumption.

The condition of the skin of an elderly person is affected by nutrition.

The patient’s diet should contain foods rich in the vitamins and microelements he needs:

• iodine;
• omega-3 fatty acid;
• omega-6.

Foods rich in iodine

This mineral is an essential component of the thyroid gland and is part of its hormones. The daily requirement for iodine is 100-150 mcg.

It is also allowed to season food with iodized salt. It can be used no more than 3 times in 7 days.

Omega-3 Rich Foods

This polyunsaturated fatty acid normalizes the functioning of the cardiac and vascular systems and improves general condition. The daily norm is 1 – 2.5 g.

Table 6. Omega-3 rich foods.

Omega-6 Rich Foods

This polyunsaturated fatty acid helps create an optimal balance of prostaglandins in the body.

They are helping:

• improve the condition of the skin;
• relieve the inflammatory process;
• relieve pain syndrome.

The daily requirement for omega-6 is 4.5-8 g.

Senile skin itching can be an unpleasant and painful manifestation of the body’s natural aging, or it can also be a sign of some disease. Itching can greatly impair the quality of life of an elderly person and its treatment, if possible, should be aimed at the root cause.

Most often, senile itch occurs in people over 60 years of age, and men suffer from it more often than women. This condition is characterized by a paroxysmal course, which...

Common reasons

The main conditions causing skin are:

• atherosclerotic damage to blood vessels;
• endocrine disorders (primarily this concerns the thyroid gland and, in women, the condition of the ovaries that produce estrogens);
• dehydration, that is, reduced fluid content in the body;
• disorders in the digestive system;
• degenerative-dystrophic processes in neurons and the entire nervous system;
• diseases of the back and joints;
• the development of atrophy of the sebaceous and sweat glands, which negatively affects the general condition of the skin of older people.

Often it is not possible to single out any one reason. In most cases, we are talking about a complex mechanism of senile itching. Knowledge of the causes will allow subsequent so-called etiotropic treatment, that is, treatment aimed at eliminating the main causative factor.

Manifestations in old people

The skin can react differently to age-related changes occurring in it. This is reflected in the severity of skin itching. The main clinical characteristics inherent in senile itching and distinguishing it from various skin diseases are:

• varying intensity, and often the itching becomes very painful;
• most often, but can also be local;
• its duration can reach several months, periodically increasing and decreasing;
• the appearance of scratches and scratches is not typical, since the turgor and elasticity of the skin are significantly reduced;
• purulent complications in the form of folliculitis and others practically do not occur;
• nails become polished due to prolonged scratching;
• the skin becomes dry;
• Erythematous spots may appear;
• Intensification of itching is observed at night.

As a rule, senile itching occurs more often in men. In women, it usually occurs during menopause, when there is a significant decrease in the synthesis of sex hormones. However, diagnosing this condition is very difficult.

This is due to the fact that the doctor needs to exclude all those pathological conditions that may be accompanied by itching, for example, liver disease, hormonal disorders such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism. Therefore, a detailed diagnostic search is required, which is organized by a dermatologist. Subsequent treatment is also carried out by this specialist.

Principles of treatment

Treatment of senile itching should be comprehensive, and, if possible, aimed at eliminating the main cause of the itching. Pharmacological correction should be based on the following principles:

1. Restoring the protective properties of skin cells.
2. Reducing the destructive autoimmune process in the skin that contributes to the development of this unpleasant symptom (the autoimmune process is characterized by the fact that cells of the immune system begin to attack normal cells of the body, leading to damage to various tissues and organs).
3. Restoration of hepatocytes (liver cells) of their normal structure and functioning.

Taking these principles into account, the following drugs can be used:

1. Essentiale is a preparation of essential phospholipids.
2. Sedatives – Persen, motherwort tincture, Valerian in various dosage forms.
3. Drugs that improve metabolism in nervous tissue - Glycine.
4. For – tranquilizers (dispensed in pharmacies only with a doctor’s prescription).
5. Local glucocorticoids that suppress autoimmune reactions in the skin (for example, Celestoderm ointment, Advantan).

In some cases, senile itching may be severe, and the above medications may not lead to the desired result. Therefore, the following scheme can be used: novocaine 2% and fir oil. The resulting mixture must be rubbed into the skin for one and a half months. During treatment, patients are strictly prohibited from drinking alcohol, and are also advised to adhere to a special diet.

Traditional therapy

Treatment with folk remedies can be used as an addition to prescribed traditional treatment. They enhance and potentiate its action, which leads to a more pronounced therapeutic result.

The main methods of folk therapy used for senile itching are:

• nettle-based decoction;
• burdock decoction (its roots are used);
• licorice decoction;
• nettle decoction.

For decoctions, herbs can be used either individually or in combination. The decoction is taken two tablespoons every day for three months. To prepare it, take two tablespoons of the plant in crushed form and half a liter of boiling water.

You can also use an apple bite, which is applied to the affected areas. This helps reduce skin itching and restores the normal structure of the skin.

Pumpkin seeds contain large amounts of tocopherol (vitamin E). It is necessary for the normal process of cell division and improvement of the condition of epithelial tissues. Therefore, it is recommended to consume pumpkin seeds daily in the amount of 100-200 grams.

In conclusion, it should be noted that senile itching is a very painful condition. Its development has a complex mechanism that is associated with ongoing age-related changes (they can be not only physiological, but also pathological in nature). All this must be taken into account in the process of treating this painful condition, and the earlier treatment is started, the more effective and successful it turns out to be. However, you should not self-medicate; you must seek qualified help from an adult dermatologist.

Senile itching is a very common phenomenon that occurs for various reasons. Sometimes it indicates certain diseases that require mandatory therapy. But only a specialist can make final conclusions after conducting the necessary research.

In old age, the skin becomes too dry, resulting in severe itching. Provoking factors are a person’s lifestyle, habits and the presence of certain diseases. As a rule, senile itching of the skin is observed in males, but it can also affect women.

With this pathology, the body constantly itches, causing the person to scratch the wounds. The main danger is that various infections can enter the body through them. Therefore, you should not put off solving the problem for a long time - go to the doctor at the first signs of its occurrence.

Causes of itchy skin

The main reason why an elderly person develops senile itching is age. The skin stops producing the required amount of elastin, so it loses its former elasticity, loses moisture and suffers from peeling. In addition, itching is often the body's reaction to negative influences. All causes of itchy skin that occurs in old people can be divided into two categories:

If senile itching is caused by physiological reasons, you need to eliminate them, and the problem will solve itself. In all other cases, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination and, if necessary, undergo treatment.

The disease manifests itself differently in each person. For some, the skin itches only occasionally, for others, the overall quality of life noticeably deteriorates. The following symptoms should cause alarm:

• constant itching, which intensifies in the evening;
• skin soreness;
• burning sensation;
• the appearance of red spots;
• peeling of the skin;
• irritability;
• lack of appetite;
• sleep disorders.

If the disease causes discomfort and interferes with normal life, you need to urgently go to a dermatologist.

He will prescribe a diet and treatment for senile itching. In most cases, changing your usual lifestyle and using specialized ointments helps get rid of the disease.

Treatment of the disease depends on the degree of its severity. If serious pathology is excluded, it is enough to use local medications available in the form of creams, ointments or gels, as well as follow a diet. In other cases, the doctor prescribes medications, as well as physiotherapeutic procedures, the action of which is aimed at eliminating the root cause of the pathology. It is possible to use folk remedies, but only under the supervision of a specialist.

• Medicines

Medications are designed to restore the skin, provide it with hydration and the necessary protection. Additionally, medications are prescribed, the main task of which is to relieve unpleasant symptoms. The treatment regimen for itchy skin is determined individually in each case. As a rule, it includes:

1. Essentiale Forte is a drug that improves liver function.
2. Valerian, motherwort and other sedatives.
3. Ointments containing corticosteroids. For example, Advantan - it quickly relieves itching.
4. Antihistamines - prescribed if an allergy is suspected.
5. Menthol-based creams pleasantly cool and relieve itching.

Additionally, the doctor can prescribe hormonal medications that eliminate all manifestations of the disease in just a few days.

• Nutrition

The nutrition of a person older than middle age affects the condition of his skin. Therefore, the diet must be adjusted. Caffeine, hot and spicy foods, fried foods, fresh baked goods, chocolate, and carbonated drinks are prohibited. Meals should be fractional and portions small - in this case the food will not overload the stomach. Be sure to include foods that contain iodine in your menu:

• seafood;
• fish;
• seaweed

Also useful are walnuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and unrefined vegetable oil.

• Physiotherapeutic procedures

Physiotherapy has a restorative and anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, treatment of the disease often includes appropriate procedures. The most widespread is ultraviolet therapy, which quickly restores the protective functions of the skin and accelerates natural metabolic processes. But older people often experience an undesirable effect in the form of pigmentation, so the procedures are performed carefully.

• Folk remedies

There are several popular recipes that eliminate senile itching and alleviate the patient’s condition:

1. Ointment prepared with aloe vera. Add Vaseline to the fresh juice of the plant and apply to the skin several times a day until it stops itching. Store the mixture in a cool place.
2. Oil – if you don’t have the necessary medications at home, any vegetable oil will help relieve itching. Treat your body with it twice a day.
3. Mixtures of herbs - oak bark, celandine, chamomile, etc. They can be used together or separately. The plants are poured with boiling water and left for two hours. Then filter and add the infusion to the bath. Bathing should be done daily.

Soothing mint tea has a good effect. For insomnia, you can use Corvalol diluted with water, but only with the permission of a doctor. If the measures taken do not produce a positive effect within a week, the help of a qualified specialist will be required.

Complications

Provided timely treatment of the disease, the prognosis is favorable. quickly relieve itching and other unpleasant sensations. It is important to complete the full course of therapy, as well as take care of prevention. Complications from this disease are quite rare. It can be:

1. Infectious lesions that appear as a result of constant scratching of the affected areas.
2. Neurotic disorders - many patients are bothered by insomnia, apathy and irritability. After treatment they go away.

Prevention

To prevent the appearance of itchy skin, you need to adjust your lifestyle and follow simple rules:

• moisturize the skin with oils and creams, do not allow it to dry out;
• replace bed linen with natural ones, preferably cotton;
• cover bare areas in the sun;
• review your diet by including healthy foods in the menu;
• undergoes an annual examination by a doctor;
• stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

Itchy skin in older people is an unpleasant phenomenon that interferes with a full life. Therefore, at the first sign of its appearance, you should consult a doctor. It will help determine the cause of the problems and eliminate them.

Itchy skin in old age (over 60 years) is a fairly common complaint. It occurs unexpectedly, causing serious discomfort. There is nothing dangerous in the problem of senile itching itself, but it is still worth consulting a doctor to determine the cause of the symptom and prescribe treatment.

What is itchy skin?

The skin of an elderly person is prone to excessive dryness, which affects the development of severe itching, which can be bothersome during the day and intensify in the evening. A person’s lifestyle, habits and accompanying pathologies play a significant role in the formation of this process. More often the disease manifests itself in men, but it does not bypass women either.

Senile itching is a rather painful condition, the cause of which is a whole complex of changes in the body

The whole body is constantly itching and as a result the patient scratches wounds on the skin, which are the entrance gates for infection and contribute to infection by pathogenic microorganisms. That is why it is worth paying attention to the problem at the first signs of its occurrence.

Why do people itch - video with Elena Malysheva

Causes and development factors

The main reason for the development of itching is a person’s advanced age. The epidermis no longer produces enough elastin, which affects the condition of the skin. They become dry, lose turgor and smoothness, and severe peeling appears. In addition, itching can be a protective reaction of the body to external irritants.

Natural causes of itching:

• decreased amount of fluid in the body;
• loss of skin elasticity;
• use of bedding and underwear made of artificial materials;
• lack of careful hygiene due to infirmity;
• use of aggressive soap;
• reaction of the skin of an elderly person to hard water.

If these are the reasons for the development of itching, they should be eliminated, and the disease will most likely no longer bother you. But there are pathological conditions that can cause this symptom:

• hormonal diseases or changes in the body (in women - menopause, in men - decreased testosterone);
• diabetes;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including atherosclerosis;
• insufficient functioning of the sebaceous and sweat glands.

There are other conditions that can cause itching. That is why it is necessary to be examined by a specialist who will rule out or confirm the pathology and prescribe symptomatic treatment.

Itchy skin with diabetes - video

Clinical picture in older people

The severity of the disease varies from person to person. Some sometimes scratch themselves, while others experience a deterioration in their quality of life. You should pay attention if the following signs appear:

• constant itching that gets worse in the evening;
• soreness of the skin in several places;
• burning sensation;
• formation of red spots;
• dry skin, increased peeling;
• increased irritability,
• decreased appetite;
• insomnia.

If the disease bothers you and prevents you from leading a full life, you should not put off visiting a dermatologist. He will prescribe a diet and treatment that will help improve the situation. As a rule, with the use of special ointments and slight lifestyle adjustments, the disease goes away without a trace.

Diagnostics

First of all, the doctor interviews the patient. This is necessary to collect the patient’s medical history and make an accurate diagnosis. The dermatologist must know when the itching appeared (the period of its greatest severity), what kind of life the elderly person leads.

After the interview, the patient's skin is examined. During this stage, the specialist will be able to determine the disease. In addition, the doctor will advise you to take:

1. Scraping to exclude fungal infections or bacterial infections.
2. Analysis for hidden allergens.

Differential diagnosis helps not to confuse senile itching with serious skin diseases that have similar symptoms:

• contact dermatitis;
• atopic dermatitis;
• psoriasis;
• scabies;
• hives.

Treatment

Depending on the severity of the disease, appropriate treatment is selected. If the cause of itching is not a serious pathology, you will need to use local medications in the form of ointments, creams or gels, as well as follow a certain diet. If the situation raises concerns, medications and physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed to treat the underlying disease causing itching.

In addition, with the permission and under the supervision of a dermatologist, it is allowed to use traditional medicine recipes, which help no worse than drugs. Self-medication is not recommended.

Medicines: ointment tablets and other drugs

Medications are necessary to restore the skin, moisturize it and protect it from external irritants. Symptomatic remedies are also prescribed. Therapeutic measures are selected strictly on an individual basis.

Approximate treatment plan:

Additionally, tablet forms of hormonal drugs can be prescribed, which will help relieve symptoms and correct the disease in a few days.

Nutrition

The diet should include a complex of essential vitamins and microelements, because the condition of his skin directly depends on the nutrition of an elderly person.

Prohibited for use:

• caffeine;
• hot, spicy, marinated dishes;
• heavy meat broths and fried foods;
• fruits and vegetables that have an allergic factor (citrus fruits and all red, orange fruits);
• chocolate;
• products made from wheat flour (fresh baked goods);
• products with various artificial flavors and additives (soda, chips, crackers).

The daily diet should consist of 6-7 small portions that will not overload the stomach and cause a feeling of heaviness after eating.

It is worth noting that iodine deficiency leads to disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland and other hormone-producing organs, which inevitably affects the condition of the skin. In this case, it is recommended to season the food with special iodized salt, which compensates for the lack of the element.

Foods rich in iodine:

• seaweed;
• fish and offal (hake, cod liver);
• seafood.

They should be consumed no more than three times a week, since excess iodine is no less dangerous than its deficiency.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 are necessary for the proper functioning of all organs and systems. They affect the condition of the skin of old people, nourish it from the inside, and protect it from the effects of adverse external factors. A lack of fatty acids provokes senile itching and other unpleasant symptoms.

Foods rich in healthy fats:

• unrefined vegetable oil;
• walnuts;
• sunflower, flax, pumpkin seeds;
• sea ​​fish;
• seafood.

Daily consumption of 10 ml of vegetable oil on an empty stomach has a beneficial effect on the health of the gastrointestinal tract, circulatory system, and skin.

How to get rid of itching with physiotherapeutic procedures

Physiotherapy is known for its anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating and restorative effects.

Ultraviolet therapy is often used after repeated unsuccessful attempts to treat itching using other means

In the treatment of skin diseases, ultraviolet therapy (UVR) is most common. It has a beneficial effect on the epidermis:

• restores protective properties;
• launches natural metabolic processes.

Older people sometimes experience a side effect in the form of age spots, so the procedure should be approached with caution.

How to treat with folk remedies

There are several common recipes that reduce skin itching and provide visible relief at night:

1. Aloe based ointment. To make it, you need to take the squeezed juice of freshly picked aloe stems (without peel), mix with medical petroleum jelly in a 1:2 ratio and treat the skin several times a day until the condition improves. Store the composition in the refrigerator.
2. Vegetable oil. If there are no medications at hand, you can use any vegetable oil (for example, sunflower, olive, corn, soybean, flaxseed) to alleviate the condition. They need to lubricate the body twice a day.
3. Herbal mixtures. Baths with herbs can eliminate this unpleasant symptom. You can use celandine, oak bark, chamomile, birch buds together or separately. To make an infusion, you need to take 100 grams of a mixture of herbs, pour two liters of boiling water and leave in a warm place for 2 hours. Next, strain and add the infusion to the bath. Such bathing is recommended daily.

In addition, for a restful sleep, you need to brew a soothing tea based on mint leaves. During severe insomnia, with the permission of a doctor, it is allowed to use Corvalol (30 drops) diluted with water (100 ml).

If folk remedies do not produce positive results within a week, you should seek help from a specialist.

Complications

If you see a doctor in a timely manner, the prognosis is usually favorable. Ointments and tablets quickly eliminate itching without leaving a trace of it.

It is necessary to complete the full course of treatment, as well as regularly carry out preventive measures so that relapses do not make themselves felt in the future.

With adequate therapy, complications are extremely rare. The most common among them are:

1. Infectious skin lesions that occur as a result of vigorous scratching of itchy areas.
2. Neurotic disorders (indirect complications). A person is bothered by insomnia, irritability and apathy appear. After treating the itching, this condition goes away on its own.

Prevention

Preventive measures must be approached rationally. You should normalize your lifestyle and make some adjustments to it. This will help avoid senile itching in old age and prevent relapses after suffering from an illness.

Prevention measures:

1. Change bedding and underwear made from artificial fabrics to cotton counterparts.
2. Regularly moisturize and nourish the skin with oils or creams, avoid overdrying it with aggressive running water or soap (do not cleanse the skin “to the point of squeaking”).
3. Cover exposed skin while walking under the scorching sun.
4. Improve your diet and include foods containing polyunsaturated fatty acids in your diet.
5. Do not scratch or rub itchy areas of the body.
6. Trim your nails promptly to prevent skin infections.
7. Have an annual medical examination with all specialized doctors (endocrinologist, cardiologist, therapist, dermatologist).
8. Do not drink alcohol or smoke.

Reviews

As a rule, if all preventive measures and a balanced diet are followed, for many, the senile itch goes away without a trace. It is necessary to pay more attention to health, because it is the main human wealth.

Hello! My name is Alena. I am 35 years old. By education - a doctor.

med-look.ru

Every person has more and more health problems with age. This is not surprising, because irreversible changes occur in the body associated with the natural aging process. One of the symptoms that causes a lot of trouble for older people is itchy skin.

What it is?

Senile itching is a phenomenon that occurs in almost half of people over 60–70 years of age. The skin can itch for various reasons: itching can be a symptom of an internal disease or occur in old age due to changes in the structure of the skin. Unpleasant sensations can be constant or periodic, intensifying at night and after taking a bath or shower.

Itchy skin may worsen in the evening or after taking a bath

When a problem significantly reduces the quality of life, the patient goes to see a dermatologist. If you do not find any rashes on your skin, your doctor will definitely recommend that you be examined by different specialists for internal diseases.

The skin is part of the excretory system: metabolic products are released through the skin, sebaceous, and sweat ducts. If a person has an unhealthy pancreas, kidneys or liver, then toxic metabolic products accumulate in the skin, causing an unpleasant itching sensation. Only after a complete examination of the patient and the exclusion of internal pathologies (diseases of the digestive organs, diabetes, oncology) can the doctor conclude that in this case we are talking specifically about senile itching, which is caused by age-related changes in the skin.

Senile itching of the skin in the elderly: causes and provoking factors

The skin of older people undergoes certain changes: the epidermis and underlying layers (dermis, subcutaneous tissue) become significantly thinner, the skin becomes very dry and sensitive. The epidermal cells of older people are not able to effectively retain moisture, which is so necessary to maintain skin elasticity. The processes of restoration and normal functioning of the skin are disrupted.

With age, the skin becomes dry, unable to retain moisture and fully perform its barrier function.

In addition to xerosis (dry skin), unpleasant itching may be associated with impaired innervation of the skin due to senile changes in nerve fibers.

In addition to these reasons, experts name the following:

• changes in hormonal levels (decreased production of sex and other hormones);
• atherosclerosis of small vessels;
• violations of water-salt metabolism;
• age-related atrophy of the skin glands, absence of a thin lipid layer on the surface of the epidermis.

Itching in older people can be provoked by cold, heat, friction of clothing or bedding, detergents, and hard water.

Video - reasons

Manifestations

An unpleasant symptom can be localized or generalized. In the first case, the skin itches in areas of friction - on the shoulders, back, waist, and groin. In the generalized form, itching occurs throughout the body. It can manifest itself with varying intensity - from mild discomfort to painful sensations and even pain.

Senile itching usually becomes worse in the evening and can be annoying at night. In cold weather, when the heating is on in the room, the skin becomes even drier and you want to itch even more. An unpleasant sensation may occur periodically after water hygiene procedures.

With senile itching, the skin remains clean, fine-plate peeling may be noted, scratching is usually absent, which is associated with low turgor (firmness, elasticity) of the skin of older people.

Itchy skin in older people can be in certain places or all over the body.

Chronic itching can significantly reduce the quality of life of an elderly person, causing associated symptoms: sleep disturbance, irritability, decreased appetite.

Diagnostics

A dermatologist diagnoses and treats the patient. Diagnostic measures begin with asking the patient: when the itching first appeared, what caused its exacerbation, and accompanying symptoms. The skin is examined.

To determine the exact cause of itching, laboratory tests are prescribed:

• clinical blood and urine tests: in a blood test, attention is paid to ESR (whether there is an inflammatory process in the body), eosinophils (an increased number indicates an allergy), hemoglobin level (whether there is anemia);
• biochemical blood test to assess the functioning of internal organs;
• examination of stool for worm eggs (helminthic infestations can cause skin itching) and occult blood (if there is internal bleeding).

The patient may also undergo a chest X-ray to identify pathological processes, and an examination of the thyroid gland to assess its functionality.

If the patient does not have any somatic diseases that can provoke the appearance of skin itching, then the dermatologist diagnoses senile itching of the skin.

First of all, the dermatologist examines the skin and interviews the patient.

In some cases, consultation with a psychiatrist may be necessary, since the symptom may be associated with mental disorders of the patient.

Senile itching is differentiated from skin itching in dermatological and allergic diseases:

• atopic or contact dermatitis;
• eczema;
• hay fever, urticaria;
• scabies.

What means can you use to get rid of trouble?

The principles of treating senile itching are proper skin care and diet.

Human skin care

Since the main cause of senile itching is excessive dry skin, it is necessary to combat it. An elderly person should have properly selected body skin care products at hand - creams and milk.

Sometimes dermatologists recommend using children's cosmetics, however, before purchasing such products you need to carefully study their composition, since very often children's creams and lotions contain mineral oils that can clog pores.

Pharmacy products for the care of itchy skin include bath oil or Balneum cream made in Germany, Dardia body milk (Italy), antixerotic shower gel and body cream Losterin, La Cree cream made from natural ingredients for itching, dryness and irritation.

Losterin cream effectively relieves itching and dry skin

Water procedures often bring older people not relief, but real trials, provoking increased itching and skin irritation. To avoid this, doctors recommend avoiding soap and alkaline washes, which degrease and dry out the skin even more. It is recommended to take a shower rather than a bath, and the water should be warm, not hot. Use a mild detergent without a sponge to wash only your armpits, feet and genitals. Before showering, you can lubricate your skin with peach or cold-pressed olive oil. After washing, wet skin should not be wiped, but blotted with a cotton towel and immediately applied with body milk or a hypoallergenic moisturizing cream.

A contrast shower and rubbing the skin with cosmetic ice with an infusion of string, sage or calendula can be a salvation from itching and a good tonic. However, such procedures can negatively affect the general condition of an elderly person and cause exacerbation of somatic diseases, so before using the method you should consult a therapist.

For senile itching, dousing with water and sea salt has a good effect. The solution should be weak - 1 tablespoon per 5 liters of water. Flavored bath salts, which are widely available, cannot be used for this purpose, since additional components (dyes and fragrances) can cause an allergic reaction. It is advisable to purchase sea salt at a pharmacy. You can carry out douches constantly; such procedures have a good effect not only on the condition of the skin, but also have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.

Pouring a weak solution of sea salt effectively relieves itching and tones the skin.

An elderly person is advised to avoid clothing made from wool and synthetic fabrics; it is best to wear cotton clothing. The skin should not be overheated; baths and saunas should be prohibited, as well as warming physiotherapy procedures.

Use of medications

Topical corticosteroids are recognized as the most effective external remedy for eliminating skin itching. However, in case of senile itching, their use is not always justified. External hormonal agents are prescribed for severe itching, which is combined with inflammatory skin diseases. The course of use should be as limited as possible, since older people have a high risk of complications (skin atrophy). The weakest drugs are prescribed - 1% Hydrocortisone ointment, less often - stronger drugs - Akriderm, Sinaflan, Fluorocort. To relieve itching, use cooling compresses, creams and ointments with the addition of menthol (Boromenthol ointment), and camphor oil.

Systemic medications for itching include first-generation antihistamines with a sedative effect:

• Pipolfen;
• Diazolin;
• Tavegil;
• Suprastin.

Among sedatives, Glycine, tincture of valerian and motherwort are recommended, in some cases mild antidepressants are indicated - Mirtazapine (Calixta), Paroxetine (Rexetine, Paxil), anticonvulsants - Gabapentin (Neurontin). Twice a year, for senile itching, it is useful to take courses of Aevit, Retinol, Omega-3.

Photo gallery - drugs for the treatment of senile itching

Diet

The patient’s diet should be limited to spicy, seasoned foods, salty, smoked foods, marinades, coffee, strong tea, sweets, chocolate, citrus fruits, and alcoholic drinks. Each patient should pay attention to which foods the itching intensifies and exclude such foods from the diet.

Fresh vegetables, cereals, foods rich in iodine (seaweed, fish), polyunsaturated fatty acids (nuts, unrefined vegetable oil, seafood) are useful.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic procedures for the treatment of senile itching include treatment with ultraviolet rays (UVR). The course is selected individually by the doctor. Ultraviolet treatment stimulates metabolic processes, enhances the protective properties of the skin, and normalizes the functioning of the immune system.

Ultraviolet irradiation is one of the main physiotherapeutic means for treating senile itching

Folk recipes

Traditional medicine recommends many remedies to combat itching. When washing in the bath, you can add a small amount of fresh milk to the water - 1-2 glasses. After a shower, you can also rinse with water with added milk or non-acidic whey. After such a douche, there is no need to wipe the skin; you just need to blot the moisture with a towel.

Instead of milk, you can use herbs - infusions of mint, string, oregano, elecampane, and a decoction of bay leaves. Preparation of herbal infusion: pour 2 large spoons of herbs into a liter of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, add to the bath.

• Use apple cider vinegar diluted 1:1 as an anti-itch lotion for the skin;
• propolis in oil (1 teaspoon of raw material per 100 ml of olive oil, keep in a water bath for half an hour) to lubricate problem areas;
• ointment with birch tar: 3 tablespoons of tar, 2 tablespoons of vaseline oil, 100 ml of Sophora tincture, mix, let stand in a dark place for a week, use to lubricate the skin;
• lotions from mumiyo solution: 2 gr. Dissolve the raw material in 100 ml of water and apply the product to itchy areas.

It is recommended to take an antipruritic infusion of licorice, valerian, elecampane, violet and white damselfly inside. The herbs are taken in equal proportions, mixed, a large spoonful of the mixture is poured into a glass of boiling water, infused and drunk 1 large spoonful three times a day before meals.

Senile itching is successfully treated with herbs: they are used to make infusions for baths and for oral administration

Herbal teas made from mint and lemon balm, which have a calming effect, will be beneficial.

Treatment prognosis and possible complications

In general, the prognosis for treatment, provided all medical recommendations are followed, is favorable. With proper skin care, the symptoms of xerosis, which causes itching, are eliminated and the patient experiences significant relief.

The most likely complications of senile itching are:

• scratch infection;
• Manifestations from the nervous system:
  • irritability;
  • insomnia;
  • decreased appetite;
  • disturbance of general well-being.

Preventive actions

Prevention of senile itching involves proper skin care and diet. Preventive measures include:

• moisturizing the skin with special cosmetics;
• refusal of aggressive detergents and synthetic fabrics;
• avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun in open clothing;
• proper nutrition, avoidance of alcohol and smoking;
• preventing scratching of itchy skin;
• regular preventive examinations by doctors in order to identify somatic pathologies.

Reviews about the treatment of senile itching

Senile itching is a problem that needs to be treated individually. The use of a set of therapeutic and hygienic measures can significantly improve the physical and emotional condition of an elderly person. By accurately determining the cause of itching, you can get rid of the discomfort forever.

I have a secondary medical education. I've been freelancing for about five years.

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• Content

Senile itching - causes and treatment

In old age, the skin requires special care. We can say that it becomes more fragile - it becomes thinner, dehydrated, and loses elasticity. Its sensitivity to external influences increases, and its protective functions, on the contrary, decrease.

This happens due to physiological reasons for the aging of the body, when metabolic processes slow down, skin cell renewal slows down, the work of the sebaceous and sweat glands is disrupted, and water and lipid metabolism slows down.

The skin receives less and less the resources it needs to successfully perform its main functions - to be a barrier to infections, regulate body temperature, participate in oxygen exchange, and others.

As a result, we have what is popularly called “senile itch” - the body’s reaction to age-related changes in the skin.

Symptoms

These unpleasant sensations of irritation, burning and tingling, caused precisely by the above-mentioned physiological reasons, are a common complaint in patients over 65 years of age.

It is important to distinguish senile itching from the skin reaction to other problems that have accumulated in the body with age - chronic diseases of internal organs, neurotic disorders, allergic reactions, skin diseases and infections, fungal skin lesions.

Redness of the skin with itching

Although most often these manifestations overlap each other. Therefore, diagnosing cases of itchy skin is not easy.

The main differences between senile itching and other diseases:

• the intensity of the itching varies, up to very painful;
• has no complications in the form of purulent inflammation;
• in the evening the itching intensifies;
• itching can bother you for months, then stop, then resume;
• atypical places of scratching;
• nails polished by constant scratching.

Senile itch is more common in men than in women!

The presence of this problem seriously affects a person's quality of life.

To diagnose senile itching, it is necessary to exclude pathological causes of itching:

1. systemic diseases - chronic diseases of the kidneys, liver, stomach, endocrine disorders;
2. skin – dermatitis;
3. infectious – scabies and pediculosis;
4. allergies or medicinal itching;
5. mental illnesses and neuroses;
6. malignant diseases.

Causes of itching in the elderly

The irritation is caused by a layer of dead cells that must be replaced by young cells. However, due to the fact that the skin is depleted, this natural regeneration process is disrupted, keratinized dead cells remain on the surface of the skin longer and clog it - a reverse process occurs, degenerative.

It is also manifested by sclerotic changes in blood vessels, partial atrophy of nerve fibers, sweat and sebaceous glands. Outwardly it looks like dry skin. Often a concomitant problem is disruption of endocrine functions and intestinal function. Poor nutrition makes the situation worse.

There is no single generally accepted treatment regimen for senile itching. The doctor always prescribes treatment individually, taking into account aggravating factors, the severity of the itching itself, the patient’s health status, and the likelihood of adverse consequences from treatment.

The doctor's consultation

As a rule, it is impossible to do without medication; it, in turn, can be applied locally or systemically. The problem may be contraindications and, accordingly, the impossibility of using certain medications.

In any case, it is important that the elderly patient is aware of the causes of this phenomenon and the consequences of his or her behavior in relation to the problem. It is necessary to avoid scratching, which leads to a vicious circle, since scratching increases the itching and vice versa.

Since heat increases itching, cooling effects such as cool showers, air conditioning, cooling creams and ointments with menthol, and light clothing will ease the suffering.

Video: Effective folk remedies for itchy skin

also read here - Prevention of bedsores in a bedridden patient

Local treatment

Local treatment is designed to soften and moisturize dry skin and, as far as possible, restore its protective properties. For this purpose, non-pharmacological agents are used - moisturizing, softening and protective creams and ointments.

The therapeutic effectiveness of local corticosteroids is due not to the antipruritic effect, but to the anti-inflammatory effect.

Treating itching with medication

In addition, in older people the risk of complications from long-term use of these drugs is much higher, so use with caution, monitoring the duration of use.

Topical preparations with menthol and local anesthetics reduce the sensation of itching without affecting its causes. In some cases, capsaicin is also effective as a distraction and analgesic, although it has many side effects.

Systemic treatment

Systemic treatment includes the use of antihistamines, sedatives, and antidepressants. Antihistamines have minimal effects, mainly due to their hypnotic effect, and therefore should be prescribed carefully.

Combined sedative

Sedatives help combat nighttime itching. Antidepressants are effective in advanced stages of cancer and in patients with psychogenic causes of itching.

Phototherapy

Physical treatment (phototherapy) is exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight or bright light from artificial sources) with certain wavelengths for a certain time.

It has long been used in the treatment of itchy dermatoses and can be a help in the fight against senile itching. Limitations in the use of this treatment method are the likelihood of a phototoxicity reaction, as well as its low availability.

Treatment with folk remedies

To enrich the skin with vitamin E, it is useful to eat 100-200 grams of pumpkin seeds every day. Traditional healers advise taking a decoction of nettle, burdock roots and licorice (can be in any combination) orally, two tablespoons a day.

An apple bite is used as a local immunomodulator - it is applied to itchy areas.

Treatment of senile itching with folk remedies

There are also such remedies for external use: acidified water (3 tablespoons table vinegar per 1 glass of water), lemon juice, chamomile infusion, a mixture of 2 percent novocaine with fir oil.

As a sedative folk remedy, it is recommended to drink lemon balm tea 2 times a day. You also need to be careful with folk remedies; they may have their own side effects and contraindications.

Attention: Do not self-medicate - at the first signs of illness, consult a doctor!

Conclusion

In old age, your skin should be carefully cared for. It is necessary to avoid exposure to the skin that leads to drying out. It is better not to take hot baths and avoid too frequent water treatments for the body.

Try to use mild soap (baby soap, glycerin soap) or not use it at all. Avoid rubbing your skin with alcohol or cologne.

After a bath and shower, use moisturizing creams. Adjust your diet by introducing more foods rich in vitamin E into your diet.

Video: Itchy skin

noalone.ru

Elderly people in our country make up a rapidly growing part of the population. In this category of citizens, one of the most common skin problems is senile itching. With age, a large number of different changes occur in the body. Elimination of senile skin itching is a pressing therapeutic problem of our time. The etiology of this disease is very diverse. This article will help you navigate the causes of senile skin itching and how to treat it.

At what age does senile skin itching occur?

Senile itching of the skin is increasingly being discussed in medical circles as an independent pathology that deserves attention. The fact is that this is a common disease, and there are still no effective treatments for it. This problem mainly appears in people aged 50-70 years, and men suffer from it much more. Often irritation overcomes an elderly person in the form of severe attacks at night, although outbreaks of the disease are also observed during the daytime.

The origin of senile skin itching is inextricably linked with age-related changes in the body. All life support systems undergo restructuring: hormonal, circulatory, peripheral nervous, gastrointestinal tract. The consequences of these changes often appear on the skin in the form of unbearable itching and various types of rashes. A person feels severe discomfort, his life habits are disrupted.

Patients with senile itchy skin often experience insomnia and a decrease in general emotional background. They have difficulties in communication, work and social activities. This disease can be a harbinger of developing psychosomatic disorders or mental disorders of various kinds. This is more than a serious justification for attracting the attention of the medical community to the study of the causes, treatment and prevention of senile skin itching.

How does senile skin itching manifest?

Itchy skin in older people can be caused by many reasons. This depends on the individual characteristics of each patient, on the condition of the skin, previous and current diseases. However, there are signs that are common to all patients:

1. Wave-like current.

Attacks of itching occur in periods throughout the day, sometimes increasing and sometimes subsiding. Particularly acute outbreaks occur more often at night, when the itching becomes unbearable, leading the patient to extreme agitation. The undulating course can manifest itself in long periods of exacerbation and then a lull, that is, a complete absence of signs of the disease, a state of remission.

2. No scratches or scratches.

In other diseases with similar symptoms, wounds from scratching, scratching, and chafing are common. In patients with senile skin itching, these signs are rare; only constant scratching causes polished, very smooth areas to appear on the nails.

3. Dryness and other skin defects.

Itching is usually accompanied by various symptoms that appear on the skin: dryness, flaking. The epidermis can be disturbed by rashes related in origin to eczema or herpes. Erythema may form in the form of redness, swelling, and irritation. Senile itching is often accompanied by boils and age spots. All these signs indicate unsatisfactory skin condition and serious disorders in the body.

Read the material

Senile itching – this diagnosis is often given to people over 65 years of age. A number of researchers claim that every second person who has reached a certain age encounters this phenomenon. It has been noticed that men are more likely to encounter this problem. It is difficult to accurately assess the prevalence of the problem due to the fact that people who encounter it do not always seek medical help. In addition, itching in many cases is a symptom of other diseases or a side effect of taking medications, and not an independent pathology.

When skin itching occurs in older people, its causes may be associated with skin diseases or pathology of internal organs, as well as with age-related changes in the skin, blood vessels, and nervous system. Of course, with age, the number of diseases and medications taken increases. But not in all situations it is possible to determine the connection between itching and a particular factor or disease. In fact, senile itch is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is indicated if the examination does not find a specific cause of itching.

Pathophysiology and causes of senile itching

Scientists attribute itching in the elderly to the influence of several factors, each of which can be expressed to a lesser or greater extent in different people. The age-related characteristics of the skin are of greatest importance: it is usually dry and thinned, with reduced turgor, the healing and renewal processes of the skin are slow. It is not only the skin’s insufficient moisture retention that matters, but also the reduction in the amount of secretion from the sweat and sebaceous glands. All this is largely due to atrophic changes, both in the dermis itself and in the small blood vessels and nerve fibers approaching it.

Other factors, both external and internal, can also influence the occurrence of itching:

• Increased production of histamine, cytokines and other substances or increased skin sensitivity to them.
• Disruption of keratinization processes in the skin.
• Degeneration of nerve endings.
• Atherosclerosis of blood vessels supplying the skin.
• Hypotrophy of the endocrine glands, in particular the thyroid and reproductive glands.
• Atrophic processes in the intestinal mucosa with impaired digestion and absorption.
• Prostate hypertrophy.
• Depressive state.
• Insufficient intake of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
• Cerebral atrophy, subclinical cerebral infarctions.
• Overheating due to excess clothing that does not correspond to the ambient temperature, dry room air.
• Frequent bathing with soaps and detergents that have an irritating or drying effect.

Symptoms of senile itching

Such itching is usually generalized, as it is felt throughout the body. Often starting from a certain area, it quickly spreads to other areas. Usually, unpleasant sensations appear in the evening and continue at night. Sometimes itching begins to bother you after washing. Often the manifestations of the disease intensify during the cold season. Upon examination, you can detect thinning and polished edges of the nail plates. At the same time, there may be few scratches and pustules at the beginning of the disease, which is explained by a decrease in skin turgor and elasticity. With long-standing itching, multiple excoriations are detected, which can ultimately result in infiltration and thickening of the skin, symptoms of neurodermatitis. Despite the presence of painful attacks, itching does not usually lead to insomnia.

Treatment

After the diagnosis of senile itching is established, treatment is selected individually, taking into account all the characteristics of the individual patient’s body. The use of medications for senile itching is limited for a number of reasons:

• With age, the functional activity of the liver and kidneys decreases. Therefore, the half-life of drugs increases, and their use in therapeutic doses can lead to significant side effects.
• Local treatment is safer, but in some patients it is difficult due to physical and cognitive impairment.
• The multiplicity of causes leading to the development of senile itching makes it difficult to choose a drug that will be effective in each specific case.

Systemic treatment

Depending on the detected changes in the functioning of organs and systems, the following medications may be prescribed:

• Sedatives (sodium bromide, valerian rhizome preparations, bromocamphor).
• Tranquilizers (Elenium, Tazepam).
• Novocaine blockade according to a certain scheme.
• Methyluracil to improve tissue regeneration.
• Biostimulants and immunomodulators – splenin, placenta extract, tactivin.
• Hepatoprotectors (karsil, silibor).
• Angioprotectors (Actovegin, Trental, Teonicol).
• Anti-sclerotic agents (linetol, lovastatin, lipostabil).
• Multivitamins, aevit, complexes of omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids.

The use of systemic corticosteroids and antihistamines for itching in the elderly is not advisable.

Local treatment

For senile itching, local therapy also has its own characteristics. You should not overdry the skin, so fatty creams, pharmacy moisturizers, and, in rare cases, ointments with corticosteroids are recommended. Avoid products containing mineral oils as they can clog skin pores. Before going to bed, you can take a warm bath with bran, herbal decoctions (chamomile, sage, elecampane, mint), starch, non-acidic whey or milk. In some cases, a contrast shower, rubbing with pieces of ice from chamomile or calendula decoctions, dousing with a solution of sea salt (a tablespoon per 5 liters of water) helps reduce itching. For those who experience painful itching after taking a shower, you can try a simple method - lubricate the body with olive or peach oil before bathing.

A good effect can be obtained by performing physical therapy - acupuncture, inductothermy of the adrenal gland area, electrophoresis with calcium chloride.

Mode and nutrition

To reduce the intensity of itching, compliance with recommendations regarding diet and nutrition is of particular importance.

Itching often occurs in areas of friction, so clothing should be comfortable, loose, made from natural fabrics, appropriate for the temperature. It is recommended to get enough sleep, stay in the fresh air, ventilate the room, and sufficient physical activity whenever possible.

The diet should limit or exclude spicy foods, marinades, pickles, smoked foods, and fried foods. You should limit your consumption of chocolate, citrus fruits, coffee and strong tea. You need to completely give up alcohol. At the same time, nutrition should be complete, varied and include all the necessary nutrients. It is recommended to monitor the reaction to certain foods and adjust your diet if the itching increases.

In old age, against the background of many health problems, daily itching can be especially painful. Therefore, the support of loved ones, the attentive attitude of doctors and the provision of adequate assistance are so important. It is necessary to reassure the person, explain to him how he can reduce the manifestations of the disease, support him - and the treatment will certainly give positive results.