Why does an elderly person's skin become itchy, red, and hard after scratching, and what should be done about it?
Jun 01, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
Itchy skin in the elderly, followed by redness and hardening after scratching, may be caused by mosquito bites, eczema, urticaria, etc., and different treatments should be selected according to the specific cause. In addition, it could also result from prurigo nodularis, Malassezia folliculitis, or neurodermatitis. It is recommended that elderly individuals seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital for proper diagnosis and standardized treatment.
Itching in elderly individuals, followed by redness and hardening after scratching, may be caused by mosquito bites, eczema, urticaria, etc. Different treatments should be selected based on the specific underlying cause. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Mosquito bites
After a mosquito bite, skin irritation may occur, leading to obvious symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching. When elderly individuals scratch the affected area, it may cause secondary damage to the lesion and surrounding skin, worsening the itching and resulting in hardened lumps on the body. Patients may use medications such as calamine lotion or mometasone furoate cream under medical guidance.
2. Eczema
If an elderly person is allergic to certain substances produced within their own skin tissues or from materials they come into contact with, eczema may develop, causing skin itching and red, swollen patches after scratching. Patients may take medications such as levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets or transfer factor capsules as directed by a physician.
3. Urticaria
Typically, after stimulation from scratching, mast cells may be activated to release vasoactive mediators, leading to localized wheals that appear as streaks or patches. This manifests as widespread itching, with bumps appearing immediately upon scratching, accompanied by redness. Patients may use medications such as olopatadine hydrochloride tablets or dihydrochloride oxatomide tablets with medical supervision.
In addition, similar symptoms may also result from prurigo nodularis, Malassezia folliculitis, neurodermatitis, or other conditions. It is recommended that elderly individuals seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital for proper diagnosis and standardized treatment.
