Dryness alert! How can the elderly avoid the spring "desert skin" dilemma?

Skin itching is one of the most common symptoms of skin diseases in the elderly, especially in the dry spring. It may not only cause long-term and recurrent itching and scratch-related skin lesions in the elderly, but also increase the probability of infection, affecting the quality of life of the elderly. Research data show that about 31.0% of the elderly over 60 years old in my country suffer from skin itching, and the incidence rate increases with age [1].

01 What causes dry skin in the elderly?

The root cause of skin itching in the elderly is the " lack of triple defense barriers + sensitive itch nerves ". The specific manifestations are:

(1) Decreased sebum secretion

After the age of 60, the function of the sebaceous glands of the elderly declines significantly, and the sebum membrane (the skin's natural protective layer) becomes thinner, resulting in a decrease in the skin's ability to lock in moisture and making it more susceptible to external stimuli.‌

(2) Decreased moisture in the stratum corneum

The stratum corneum of the skin of the elderly becomes thinner, the function of sweat glands decreases, sweat secretion decreases, and the skin cannot maintain a moist environment.

(3) Decreased collagen

The loss of collagen leads to the thinning of the dermis, the rupture of elastic fibers, the weakening of the skin barrier function, and susceptibility to stimulation such as mechanical friction and temperature changes.

(4) Increased sensitivity of nerve endings

Dry skin and barrier damage directly stimulate nerve endings, lowering the itch threshold; elderly people with concurrent chronic diseases have increased itch sensitivity.

Image source: AI generated

02 Daily care suggestions to help elderly people embrace a healthy spring

(1) Scientific washing and care

Sweating can induce or aggravate skin itching. Skin cleaning can not only remove sweat, but also remove dust, pollen and harmful microorganisms on the body surface, promoting comfort. Encourage the elderly to clean their faces after going out and take a bath regularly.

However, some elderly people have the habit of excessive cleaning, especially bathing with hot water, bathing for more than 15 minutes, or rubbing vigorously with alkaline soap, bath towels, etc., which may further damage the oil layer on the skin surface and even cause skin damage, leading to a vicious cycle over time.

It is recommended to use the following washing and care strategies to ensure that the elderly can wash safely and with peace of mind.

Image source: Zhang Yu

The "golden 3 minutes" after bathing is also very important, that is, applying moisturizer within 3 minutes after bathing will significantly improve the water-locking effect! It is recommended to choose moisturizer containing urea, vitamin E, silicone oil, petrolatum, glycerin, trilinoleylglycerol and ceramide, which can effectively reduce transepidermal water loss, reduce microcracks that expose skin nerve fibers, repair and improve skin barrier function, and can be used as an initial or maintenance treatment for senile pruritus.

Image source: Zhang Yu

At the same time, learn to apply it scientifically: It is recommended to moisturize the skin 2-3 times a day in spring, and the amount used each time should refer to the "fingertip unit" (the amount on the first joint of the index finger = applying on one side of the calf).

(2) Dress scientifically

Based on laboratory data of different fabric types (the lower the value, the more skin-friendly), you can give priority to pure cotton or silk materials to reduce direct contact of chemical fiber clothing with the skin; in spring, you can stack silk underwear + cotton and linen outerwear to increase breathability while reducing itching problems caused by static electricity and friction.

Image source: Zhang Yu

(3) Behavioral intervention: breaking the “itch-scratch” cycle

Elderly people who already have symptoms of skin itching should avoid destructive scratching as much as possible to avoid further damage to the skin barrier and the formation of a scratch-itch cycle. Simple and feasible non-drug treatments, such as breathing relaxation training, meditation, etc., can be used to relax, divert attention, and relieve negative emotions. Intermittent cold compresses can be applied to the itchy area (not for too long) and skin-safe behaviors such as rubbing, pressing, and patting with the fingertips can be used instead of scratching the skin with nails.

Image source: AI generated

(4) Family Action Checklist

Family members can also check the condition of the elderly's back, calves and other parts of their body that are prone to dryness every week, or install a mist humidifier with a constant temperature display at home, and regularly record the time, location, causes, temperature and humidity changes and symptoms of itching for the elderly, to help the elderly better adjust their coping measures.

Image source: Zhang Yu

Finally, please remember the spring protection tips and let us work together to protect the skin health of the elderly!

References:

[1] Expert consensus on diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of pruritus in the elderly (2025 edition), Chinese Journal of Dermatology, 2025, 58(01): 1-8

author:

Zhao Xia, deputy chief nurse, Department of Geriatrics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Zhang Yu, Head Nurse, Department of Geriatrics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Dong Xiaolan, deputy chief nurse of the Department of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Audit:

Kang LinChief Physician, Department of Geriatrics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Produced by: Science Popularization China

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