Foy White-Chu, MD, Geriatric Fellow, Division of Gerontology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
Madhuri Reddy, MD, MSc, Department of Medicine, Director of the Chronic Wound Healing Program, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center; Division of Gerontology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Director, Wound Healing Clinic, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA, USA.

The skin of older adults undergoes intrinsic aging and is susceptible to multiple ailments. Both comorbidities and environmental issues increase the risk for particular skin diseases among older adults who live in long-term care facilities. This article looks at four common skin conditions frequently found among older adults living in long-term care facilities, and reviews methods of treatment and prevention.
Key words: skin, wound, skin tear, scabies, incontinence dermatitis.

Chamandeep Thind, MRCP, Department of Dermatology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
Simone Laube, MD MRCP, Department of Dermatology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.

Skin and soft tissue infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Decreased immunity, changes in skin anatomy, and comorbidities contribute to an increased susceptibility to infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is an increasingly common problem in both the community as well as hospitals. Clinical features and management of some common skin infections encountered in this population are reviewed here. Local microbiological guidelines and drug susceptibilities should be taken into account in the treatment.
Key words: bacterial skin infections, cellulitis, MRSA, fungal infection, scabies.