As people age, their skin becomes dry and itchy. The areas that dry out due to aging are not limited to just the skin. According to the American health and medical media 'WebMD,' as people get older, seven body parts—including the skin, scalp and hair, eyes, lips, mouth, nails, and female genitalia—can become particularly dry. Additionally, conditions that cause such dryness include diabetes, kidney disease, anemia (iron deficiency), hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormones), and rheumatoid arthritis.

Older women particularly complain of dry skin. The symptoms of very dry and itchy skin are generally most severe in winter. Overheated indoor air, along with aging, causes a decline in activity of the sebaceous glands and sweat glands, which contribute to the problem. Both factors make it difficult to keep the skin moist. One simple solution is to drink plenty of water, which helps the skin recover more quickly. One in four women has dry, brittle nails that tend to break easily.

 

As you age, your fingernails become much thinner than your toenails, develop vertical cracks, and are more prone to peeling at the tips. Due to obsessive hygiene habits, washing and drying hands too frequently can negatively affect the nails. High heat and low humidity are similar factors. If you have problems with your nails, applying a moisturizer such as Vaseline before bed and wearing thin gloves can help protect your nails.

Aging, as well as diabetes, kidney disease, anemia, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and various dryness syndromes, cause these conditions.

 

 

As people age, tear glands may not function as well as they used to. As a result, dry eye syndrome can occur, causing a stinging sensation and discomfort as if sand has entered the eyes. Dry eye syndrome should be considered a normal part of aging. With the help of an ophthalmologist, eye drops, humidifiers or air purifiers, and special ointments that keep the eyes moist can be used. As people get older, dry mouth syndrome also tends to develop. These symptoms can also be seen in Sjögren's syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disease. If the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist, dry mouth syndrome occurs. This can lead to problems such as ulcers and cavities. Depending on the medical examination, medications, eye drops, or special rinses may be prescribed. Cold weather, dehydration, cosmetics, and medications can also cause lips to become dry and rough. Breathing through the nose instead of the mouth, avoiding licking the lips as much as possible, drinking plenty of water, using a humidifier, and covering the mouth with a scarf in cold weather are good ways to keep lips soft and healthy. Applying lip balm or cream along with sunscreen can also help.

 

Approximately 50% of women experience vaginal dryness after their menstrual cycle stops. The cause is a sudden decrease in female hormones (estrogen). Vaginal dryness tends to persist longer as the tissue in the affected area becomes thinner and less flexible. Regular sexual activity or stimulation can help maintain lubrication in the vagina. Using vaginal moisturizers is recommended.

Signs of aging caused by hormones can be easily observed on the head (hair and scalp). Gray hair may appear, and hair can become thinner. Over the years, decreased activity of the sebaceous glands can lead to dry hair. These symptoms can also occur if the hair is long or curly, or if the hair is dyed, straightened, or chemically treated. Dry hair usually requires less frequent washing, but those with dandruff who need to use special shampoos should pay attention when washing their hair.

Water, milk, melon, watermelon, celery, lettuce are beneficial for dry eyes... Coffee, alcohol, caffeinated drinks are harmful.

 

To protect dry and itchy skin, it is advisable to avoid sunlight. Staying in the shade allows the skin to recover on its own. Not only does the intense sunlight harm the skin, but harmful ultraviolet rays also penetrate through cloudy skies. Ultraviolet rays can also pass through water effectively. Be cautious of factors such as smoking, stress, and the use of antihistamines or chemotherapy drugs, which can dehydrate the skin. Otherwise, dry and itchy conditions are likely to appear on thin-skinned areas such as the elbows, shins, and arms.

Water, milk, melon, watermelon, celery, and lettuce help maintain hydration.

 

However, coffee, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages should be consumed as little as possible. Caffeine is a diuretic that promotes fluid loss. Fruit juices taste good but have high sugar content. There are also quite a few tips for good hydration. Taking light baths and showers with warm water and gentle cleansers, moisturizing with rich creams or ointments instead of lotions, and applying products containing olive oil are good for keeping the skin moist. Products that remove the skin's natural oils, such as alcohol-based toners, retinoids, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), should be avoided. Always wear gloves when doing activities that may get your hands wet, such as washing dishes or cleaning the toilet.

 

 

To alleviate various dryness symptoms, home remedies and new habits may be necessary. If the symptoms persist or do not go away, or if large areas of the body peel, develop scales, or if the skin becomes red and itchy, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Be careful not to scratch frequently when itchy, as this can cause wounds and infections.

 

 

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I can relate.

The area that becomes increasingly itchy with age

I think I am aging.

Why are my eyes so dry and uncomfortable today?