Table 1.
Age-related changes in skin (http://www.merck.com/mkgr/mmg/sec15/ch122/ch122c.jsp)
| Physiologic Decrement | Clinical Consequence(s) |
|---|---|
| Barrier function | Dryness, ease of irritation |
| Cell replacement | Rough surface, delayed healing |
| DNA repair | Increased photocarcinogenesis |
| Elasticity | Lax skin |
| Immunologic responsiveness | Chronic low-grade skin infections |
| Inflammatory responsiveness | Inapparent injuries and infections |
| Mechanical protection Sensory perception | Frequent injuries Frequent injuries |
| Sweating | Tendency for hypothermia |
| Thermoregulation (vascular) | Vulnerability to heat and cold |
| Vitamin D production | Suboptimal vitamin D stores, osteomalacia, muscle weakness |
| Wound healing | Persistent wounds, weak scars |