Managing eczema in older adults: A guide for primary care nurses

Eczema can affect any age group and can present in several forms some of which are seen in the older population. The condition can appear at various sites and sometimes affects a single area of the skin or the rash can be a problem at various sites. Ranging in severity from mild to severe, those with severe variants may find the condition more difficult to treat and in these cases the problem may be distressing and impact of quality of life.

This article will give an overview of eczema types seen among older adults, discuss underlying causes and treatment and management options, with the hope of giving nurses and non-medical prescribers more confidence in recognising and treating patients with this problem.