Skin problems of Senior Citizens

Skin problems of Senior Citizens

I participated in a meeting conducted by Senior Citizens Association of Marredpally, Secunderabad. This SCA has 320 members on its role. They meet regularly every month having lecture meetings, Birthday celebrations etc. They also go on trips and tours. I was told that a theertha yatra to Shiridi is planned in September. A spacious community hall (nearing completion) of GHMC opposite to Marredpally Park is available for their meetings.

The association collects Rs 500 as one time membership enrolment fee and Rs Thirty per month towards running expenses. Nearly 8 to 10 members whose birthday falls in that month donate about Rs 1000 each which is used to felicitate them and a sumptuous high tea is provided to participants. About 60-70 persons attend birthday meetings.  Lecture Meetings, (when after the lecture, tea and biscuits are offered) are attended by about 45 persons.

There was a talk by Dr Kamal  K Jhamnani, Dermatologist. He spoke on common skin problems affecting the elderly.  He said itching is most common. Dryness of the skin is the important cause.  It could also be due to allergy to certain food items or drugs. Poly therapy involving use of man medicines for multiple diseases usually causes drug interactions that are harmful. Itching could be due to poly therapy side effect also.

Itching may be prevented by keeping the skin moisturized. Smearing simple coconut oil after bath will be very beneficial. Costly lotions / moisturizers are not necessary. Fungal infection of scratched area leads pain, swelling, hotness and at times pus formation. Simple treatment with antibiotics, application of mild corticosteroids would help. Using steroids helps quick healing. But it suppresses fungal infection that will recur once steroids are stopped. Continuous use of steroids only drives infection deep inside.

Herpes is a viral infection at the tip of a nerve ending. It will be very painful. If an anti-viral infection is administered within 24 hours further complications can be avoided and herpes cured. The problem is most people cannot detect it so quickly.

Fungal infections occur in places that are likely to accumulate moisture like inner thighs, between toes, armpit etc. Ring guard and similar preparations are useful. Keeping area dry with dusting powder will help.

Vitiligo can be completely cured but treatment takes time. Ayurvedic and Homeopathic drugs are more useful in many skin diseases. But one should be wary of corporate centers which fleece and dupe patients.

He answered many questions relating to eczema, warts, leprosy, white patches (vitiligo), vestibular infection near jaw etc. When asked about role of turmeric in skin diseases he said that turmeric positively helps.  Drinking a pinch of good quality turmeric powder mixed with half a glass of hot milk every night prior to bed time is very useful. It also helps preservation of memory, he told us. Turmeric paste and similar preparations are good for skin problems as a whole.

Dr Kamal spoke in simple words avoiding jargon with an assuring voice, in a patient-centric manner. He  was felicitated with a shawl towards the end of the meeting.