Especially at night …
For many elderly people, it is a fatality: the skin scratches, especially at night, you have to do with it. But where do these skin itching come from? With age, active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, elastin and collagen which are responsible for maintaining water inside the dermis are scarce, which leads to a small sagging of the skin and a drop in hydration. The skin becomes (very) dry and pruritic. “Pruritus (or” itching “) in the elderly can also be linked to a stronger oxidation of the skin due to a less good synthesis of vitamin D. With age, we have less ease of making vitamin D and therefore, vitamins are less well integrated into the skin. Or, what is obeying” is irritated “ Recalls Dr. Paul Dupont, dermatologist.
Advanced in age is also associated with a drop in skin immunity. The natural flora is then replaced by pathogens that can cause local infections. “For example, too much proliferation of white staphylococci can be involved. This results in the appearance of itching plates. Some yeast infections can also develop, in particular Pityriasis versicolor in relation to vitamin B deficiency, and sometimes more aggressive mycoses such as dermatophytes, mycotic attacks that we catch in the feet between the toes and Nails.details the dermatologist.
Itching can also linked to liver and renal problems. “A malfunction of the liver can result in itching without necessarily hepatitis” underlines the specialist. As for the kidneys, a lack of hydration implies a less good elimination of acids. “In parallel, there may be an increase in the production of uric acid which can attack the skin”continues our interlocutor. Intestinal dysbiosis due to a lack of probiotics leads to poor assimilation of nutrients that are necessary for the skin. Result, itching may appear.
What to do? If it is a hydration problem, the specialist recommends supplementation in vitamin E and the use of creams based on hyaluronic acid and good quality fatty acids (omega 3 if possible). Some oils can also be offered (musk pink oil, hazelnut, carrot or sunflower oil), with other active ingredients such as St. John’s Wort. “”Internally, vegetarian collagen is useful for strengthening the dermis that is offset over time. Finally, it is necessary to avoid the shower gel which dries the skin. It is best to opt for shower oils or a liniment made from treating plants. If these are special areas that itch, a CEAT based on juniper can be used “concludes Dr. Paul Dupont.
Thank you to Dr Paul Dupont, dermatologist, author of free from psoriasis (Eyrolles editions).
