Dermatologic Problems of Older Women

The 2006 document outlines a range of dermatologic conditions affecting older women, including dry skin, itching, keratoses, and the effects of intrinsic aging such as reduced skin thickness post-menopause. Treatments like hormone replacement therapy and topical estrogens are discussed for preserving skin thickness, with a caution on their potential side effects. The importance of moisturization and the impact of environmental factors on skin health are highlighted. It also covers eczematous dermatitis, drug eruptions, intertrigo, seborrheic dermatitis, herpes zoster, actinic keratosis, nonmelanoma skin cancer, malignant melanoma, solar purpura, and alopecia, providing insights into their prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment options. Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is noted as a common issue, with 2% topical minoxidil being the only FDA-approved treatment, and the document mentions the inefficacy of finasteride in postmenopausal women. Rosacea and its new classification system are also discussed, along with the importance of legal healthcare decisions for the elderly, emphasizing the need for an advance health care directive and Power of Attorney for Health Care.