INTRODUCTION
The skin naturally atrophies with age, leading to fragility, poor wound healing, and an increased risk of skin tears.1 Skin aging is characterized by multiple features, including wrinkling and rough-textured appearance; a loss of contour, elasticity, and firmness; and an increase in laxity and crepiness.1-3 In addition, changes in skin pH to a more basic pH may have negative consequences for the acid mantle, skin microbiome, and skin barrier, while correcting the elevation may improve overall skin function.4,5 In older patients, xerosis (dry, scaly skin) can impair skin barrier function and has been associated with a higher incidence of pressure injuries.6
Dermatoporosis is a chronic condition of fragile, aging skin manifested by skin atrophy, senile purpura, and pseudoscars.7-9 The pathophysiology of this condition is not fully understood.10 Dermatoporosis is most commonly found on sun-exposed areas of skin.7,11 Early clinical manifestations of dermatoporosis have been reported as early as 40 to 60 years, although prevalence in this younger age group is not well characterized. Prevalence ranges from 27.0% to 37.5% in patients aged 60 years and older.12-14 While advanced age is the most prominent risk factor, other risk factors include chronic actinic damage, genetic susceptibility, long-term use of topical and systemic corticosteroids, chronic kidney disease, anticoagulant use, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, epidermal growth factor receptor use, and lack of exercise.11 In later stages, dermatoporosis can result in frequent skin tears, delayed wound healing, nonhealing atrophic ulcers, and dissecting hematomas.7-9
A healthy skin barrier protects against dehydration, microorganisms, allergens, irritants, reactive oxygen species, and ultraviolet radiation.15,16 Consistent skincare regimens
Dermatoporosis is a chronic condition of fragile, aging skin manifested by skin atrophy, senile purpura, and pseudoscars.7-9 The pathophysiology of this condition is not fully understood.10 Dermatoporosis is most commonly found on sun-exposed areas of skin.7,11 Early clinical manifestations of dermatoporosis have been reported as early as 40 to 60 years, although prevalence in this younger age group is not well characterized. Prevalence ranges from 27.0% to 37.5% in patients aged 60 years and older.12-14 While advanced age is the most prominent risk factor, other risk factors include chronic actinic damage, genetic susceptibility, long-term use of topical and systemic corticosteroids, chronic kidney disease, anticoagulant use, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, epidermal growth factor receptor use, and lack of exercise.11 In later stages, dermatoporosis can result in frequent skin tears, delayed wound healing, nonhealing atrophic ulcers, and dissecting hematomas.7-9
A healthy skin barrier protects against dehydration, microorganisms, allergens, irritants, reactive oxygen species, and ultraviolet radiation.15,16 Consistent skincare regimens
