Skin alterations and diseases in advanced age

This article addresses the effect of ageing on skin functions with a particular focus on skin permeability, wound healing, angiogenesis, lipogenesis, sweat production, immune function and vitamin D synthesis. With increasing age skin functions deteriorate because of structural and morphological changes and skin is prone to the development of various benign and malignant diseases. As the population aged 80 and higher is expected to rise in the next decades, disease prevention will become an important issue.

Section editor:Michael Roberts – School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Australia