Acne isn’t common among seniors, but it does occur. While having a few pimples is often little more than an aesthetic concern, acne vulgaris may indicate a larger underlying medical condition. Seniors and their caregivers should consult doctors to distinguish between mild breakouts and more serious skin issues.
What Is Acne Vulgaris?
Acne vulgaris manifests as breakouts across the face and various parts of the body and includes blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes larger cystic blemishes. The condition is caused by a significant spike in the production of androgen hormones that send the oil glands into overdrive. This causes the pores to fill with excess oil, sebum, and debris, ultimately resulting in unattractive and potentially painful acne.
The Difference between Acne Vulgaris & Pimples
Acne vulgaris is the outward sign of an underlying hormonal problem and is therefore unlikely to go away with topical treatments. It’s often widespread and may appear as breakouts on the chest, arms, buttocks, face, and back. Until sebum and oil production wane, the pores remain prone to blockage and outbreaks continue to occur.
However, pimples typically arise as the result of changes in a person’s self-care or beauty routine. These can be caused by makeup, oil-based moisturizers, irritants in soap or lotion, and other topical sources. Pimples are typically localized and often resolve on their own.
Seniors who need help caring for their skin can benefit from the help of professional caregivers. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of in-home care services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Preventing Adult Pimples
Aging adults should shop for gentle noncomedogenic products that are less likely to clog the pores or cause skin irritation. Keeping the hands away from the face to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria is also important. If pimples develop on the buttocks, chest, or back, it may indicate contact dermatitis rather than blocked pores.
Consult a dermatologist to identify the underlying causes of your loved one’s skin irritation and find the best solutions for him or her. Caregivers should also consider the products they’re using, such as certain laundry detergents, that may be impacting their loved ones’ health and skin.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Miami, FL, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Our home caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Managing Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris often occurs in women during perimenopause and immediately after the onset of menopause. The normal age-related decrease in estrogen levels can lead to dry, itchy, and irritated skin. However, excess stress, anxiety, and additional factors can result in increased production of cortisol and other stress hormones. These internal changes affect the body’s ability to naturally regulate menopause symptoms with estrogen-like chemicals produced by the adrenals. This in turn leads to higher levels of androgen hormones and problems like acne, moderate hair loss, mood fluctuations, and general discomfort.
All aging women who are experiencing severe menopause symptoms are advised to consult their doctors about treatments to alleviate the side effects of estrogen loss. Balancing the internal chemistry is the safest and most effective way to clear up acne breakouts affecting the face, décolletage, back, buttocks, arms, and legs.
While many seniors may be able to self-manage the prescribed treatment for conditions like acne, they may require assistance with addressing more serious conditions. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional home care. Miami families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Assisting Hands Home Care can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
