Everyone has known the discomfort and irritation of a rash. A rash is a common occurrence, which usually signals that the skin has come in contact with some sort of irritation, that there is an underlying disease or infection, or some type of allergy is involved. There is generally a need for concern when a rash lasts longer than a few days.

Babies and senior citizens are particularly susceptible to getting rashes because of the delicateness of their skin. As humans age, our skin begins to thin out and lose some of its protective qualities, and naturally our immune systems aren’t as strong, so our bodies are more prone to skin irritations, diseases and infections. There are a number of skin rashes that often affect the elderly and can cause or be the sign of other more harmful illnesses – shingles, eczema, and psoriasis, to name a few. Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a skin condition common to senior citizens, which is the result of a reoccurrence of chicken pox in the latter years of life.

Shingles produces a painful, itchy rash of fluid-filled blisters that can be very uncomfortable, but usually lasts only a matter of days. Shingles may lead to another more long-term painful condition known as postherpetic neuralgia, which occurs when nerve fibers are damaged as a result of shingles.

Eczema is a common skin rash that affects millions, but xerotic eczema (also known as “winter itch”) tends to be more common in the elderly. Xerotic eczema is characterized by abnormally dry and itchy skin in the lower extremities and armpit area.

Another skin condition common to senior citizens is psoriasis, which is a chronic, autoimmune disease that causes an overproduction of itchy, flaky skin cells called scales to form on the surface of the skin. Though not contagious, psoriasis may denote an underlying heart condition or the onset of a heart attack in the elderly, and has been associated with diabetes and depression.

Seniors may also develop rashes and bed sores as a result of immobility, wearing soiled diapers, improper nutrition, or medication side effects.

The usual treatments for rashes are prescription and non-prescription topical agents, antiviral drugs, steroids, and over-the-counter pain medications, when necessary. However, in the case of the elderly, the first choice is generally a mild topical agent like over-the-counter itch creams, aloe, oatmeal baths, etc., since the health of a senior can be compromised with the slightest change or mix of medication. A holistic and lighter approach is needed to treat seniors whenever possible.