Treatments for skin problems in older adults depend on the condition and cause.
The only proven treatment to reduce existing sun damage is a medicine called Tretinoin, which is applied to the skin. It thickens the outer skin layer. This can reduce uneven skin color and roughness.
Many other skin creams and lotions claim to help. But no strong research proves they work.
Below are some of the treatments for skin conditions that can occur in older adults.
Symptoms can be treated with special shampoos for the scalp and lotions for the face and body. Topical (applied to the skin) steroids may be needed for severe flare-ups.
Treatments include skin lotions and short-term use of antibiotics. Laser or intense light treatments can have longer-lasting results. Surgery may be used for the nose in some cases.
Mild topical steroids used for a short time can help with severe symptoms.
Ointments work best for dry skin because they contain more oil. But most people prefer creams or lotions, which have more water.
Other ways to manage dry skin include:
Treatment can include strong topical steroids (sometimes covered with plastic wrap or bandages), skin softeners (emollients), and changing habits to stop scratching.
Treatment involves controlling moisture with:
Barrier creams (like zinc oxide) and antifungal creams or powders (like miconazole or nystatin)
Placing cotton cloths or moisture-wicking fabric between skin folds
Letting skin air out, or carefully using a hair dryer on the affected area
Sometimes a very mild topical steroid is used for a short time
All treatments are off-label, meaning the FDA has not approved them for this specific use. A major complication is secondary infection, especially from bacteria or viruses like herpes.
Treatment focuses on finding and treating the cause of the itching.
Treatment is different for each person and weighs the risks and benefits carefully.
Topical steroids work best for mild cases. They should only be used for short periods.
If topical treatment does not work, phototherapy (light treatment) is an option for some people.
For widespread or hard-to-treat psoriasis, or for those with conditions like psoriatic arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, various systemic (whole-body) treatments are available. Traditional oral immunosuppressants or methotrexate can be used in some older adults, but carry risks.
Skin care includes using topical steroids and oil-based ointments (emollients).
Starting antiviral medicine within 72 hours of the rash appearing can shorten the illness and reduce pain.
The first FDA-approved treatment is a 5% permethrin cream applied from the neck to the toes and left on for 8 to 14 hours. A second treatment is needed 1 to 2 weeks later, after the mite eggs hatch. Oral medicines like ivermectin may be needed during severe outbreaks.
If they cause problems, thin growths can be removed by freezing (cryosurgery). Thick ones can be shaved off.
They are only removed if they cause problems.
These growths often appear before a cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment to prevent cancer includes freezing (cryotherapy). Topical treatments can also help, but some may make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Treatment can include removing the growth, radiation, or surgery.
Treatments include removing the cancer or freezing it (cryotherapy).
Treatment includes surgical removal. Chemotherapy or radiation may also be used.
Treatment is based on how aggressive the cancer is. Thinner melanomas generally have much better outcomes.
Treatment for all people is usually topical minoxidil (applied to the scalp). Men may also use oral finasteride.
Older adults may experience common and potentially life-threatening skin reactions to certain medicines.
Stopping the medicine right away, getting emergency treatment, and possibly going to a hospital or specialist are critical steps for severe reactions.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN): People with these symptoms need emergency care and transfer to a burn center.
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS): Steroids are a common treatment.
Angioedema: Treatment depends on how severe it is and may include airway support, antihistamines, epinephrine, and steroids.
Last Reviewed and Updated: October 2026
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers
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