The ageing process produces multiple changes in the skin and underlying tissues that render elderly persons more susceptible to injury and less able to heal. Clinical management of a wound in a geriatric patient requires an understanding of age-related changes in the skin and the knowledge to make appropriate treatment choices. Geriatric trauma is increasing both in absolute number and as a proportion of annual volume presenting to trauma centres Aging affects all stages of wound healing; the rate of cell proliferation, wound tensile strength, collagen deposition, wound contraction, and healing of blisters declines through the years.
Although physiologic skin changes play a key role, healing also may be complicated by other problems commonly associated with aging, such as poor nutrition and hydration. Research studies have documented a decline in the number of mast cells and compromised…
