With the UK population living longer, and with people over the
age of 70 presenting with at least one skin condition, there is an
increasing need to improve knowledge and management of skin
conditions affecting the older person. Assessment of the older
persons skin should be included in any nurse/patient consultation.
Clinicians are arguably best-placed to assess and plan appropriate
skin care for older patients and should consider the skin in
assessment or treatment, regardless of the referred condition
(Associate Parliamentary Group on Skin [APPGS], 2000; Norman,
2003; Courtenay and Carey, 2006; Wounds UK, 2007).
