From the Cochrane library: Hygiene and emollient interventions for maintaining skin integrity in older people in hospital and residential care settings

Abstract

To the Editor: Given the rapidly growing aging population utilizing hospital and residential care settings, which is expected to quadruple over the next 40 years,1 interventions for maintaining skin integrity among older people are of increasing importance. Loss of collagen and elastin throughout aging causes increased rates of xerosis, skin fissuring, and pruritus, which diminish the quality of life and morbidity2; therefore, maintaining skin integrity in older people is essential for ensuring health and well-being, while preventing conditions such as pressure ulcers and avoiding extended wound care.