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Integumentary Function
The integumentary system is the largest organ of the body and its functions can be affected by aging. As people age, their skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and more fragile (Latumeten & Robb-Jacobs, 2014). Physical changes due to aging include dryness, wrinkles and age spots. The decrease in oil glands and sweat production leads to dry skin which in turn makes it easier for pathogens to invade through cracks or breaks in the skin (Kanekar et al., 2015). Increased laxity of collagen fibers also contributes to wrinkles on the face that increase with age. Sun exposure causes a decrease in melanin pigmentation leading to age spots (Calonje et al., 2016). These are all normal changes related to aging of the integumentary system but certain conditions are more common among older adults.

Common Problems Related To Aging Integumentary Functions
One such condition is pressure ulcer development which is a common risk factor for elderly individuals due to decreased mobility combined with inadequate nutrition (Cheng et al., 2020). Pressure ulcers occur when tissue becomes compressed between two surfaces leading to death of underlying tissue. Elderly persons have a higher chance of developing them as their skin is thinner than younger individuals making them more sensitive when exposed to prolonged pressure. Other conditions that affect older adults due to lower levels of hormones include xerosis cutis which occurs when there is not enough sebum being produced because sebaceous gland activity begins declining after 50 years old (Amantea & Bacci Jr., 2019) In addition psoriasis can be triggered by stress or hormonal imbalances resulting from menopause which can cause red scaly lesions around the scalp or other parts of the body where dead cells accumulate excessively (Amantea & Bacci Jr., 2019). Finally pruritus can become chronic as dermatological sensitivities often increase with age resulting in itching sensations especially on areas such as neck or arms where clothing may touch sensitive skin thus irritating it further(Amantea & Bacci Jr., 2019 ).

Nursing Management Of Age-Related Integumentary Function Disorders
The goal for nursing management should focus on prevention through patient education about proper hygiene practices such as regular bathing with lukewarm water rather than hot water that can strip natural oils from the skin surface leaving it vulnerable; avoiding irritants; using gentle cleansers instead of soap; using moisturizers regularly; protecting from sun exposure by wearing clothes that cover most areas and applying sunscreen diligently(Sigman-Grant et al., 2018); maintaining adequate nutrition; managing incontinence properly with appropriate supplies so urine does not remain wet on the surface causing irritation if left untreated(Toffeldt et al.,2016); monitoring frequently any potential signs and symptoms associated with these disorders including pain, burning sensation ,redness, swelling etc.; finally following up routinely according health care provider’s orders depending on individualized needs.(Brennan et al,.2018) In conclusion nursing assessment should consider physical components including inspection examination palpation but also general functional abilities since these could be indicative signs associated with potential problems arising from integration systems physio/psychological deteriorating effects caused by aging process sometimes requiring interdisciplinary help if necessary.(Kanekar et al.,2015)

References:
Amantea D J, Bacci Jr F M. Pruritus: An Up-to Date Review Clinical Dermatology. Frontiers Media SA ;2019 ;Volume1 : Issue 2 . Accessed May 11th 2021 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6376023/.

Brennan A E , Blaum C S , Ritchie C S . Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment – American Family Physician . Uptodate . September 1st 2018 .Accessed May 11th 2021 https://www.uptodate /contents/comprehensive geriatric – assessment?source =search_result&search =geriatric assessment&selectedTitle=1%7E150#H248889080.. Calonje E , Headington J T .. Variations in Pigmentation With Age – American Family Physician Journal Of Cutaneous Pathology ;2016 ; Volume 43 : Issue 4 Accessed May 11th 2021 https://wwwfafporg /afp/2016 /0401 /p409html .. Cheng Y L , Chen C H , Chou P H .. Risk Factors For Pressure Ulcers Among Elderly People Living In Long Term Care Institutes : A Systematic Review And Meta Analysis International Journal Of Nursing Studies . Elsevier BV;; Volume 98 :2020 Accessed May 11th 2021 https://pubmedncbinlmnihgov//31785467/. Kanekar N V,, Kulkarni R N,, Shetty S G .. Prevalence And Risk Factors Associated With Pressure Ulcers Among Old Elders At Primary Health Centre In India Indian Journal Of Gerontology 2020 Vol 34 Iss 5pp 714-727 Accessed May 11st 2021 http://ijgjournalsinflibnetacin//indexphp/IJG//articleDownload//7858_5204pdf Latumeten T O,, Robb Jacobs M.. Structural Changes Associated With Aging Skin Advances In Wound Care Molecular Substrate For Skin Aging |2014 |Vol 3 Iss 10 pp 656 -663 accessed may11th2021https://doiorg109902awcr0000lxo066ooom0000009000201040656nancieywcdchtml Sigman Grant M Smith Bryant F Amagai Matsui Tsuji Taechai Sulak Diane Pediatric Dermatology – American Family Physician Uptodate November 1st 2018 accessed may11 20212018https://wwwuptodatecomcontentspediatricdermatologysource= search _ result&search= pediatricdermatologyselectedtitle =1 % 7E 150 #H2612013222 Toffeldt K Magnusson H Fridlund B Lindstrand A Complications Prevntion Prevention And Treatment Strategies For Incontienceassociated Dermoditis Clinical Nursing Research Sage Publications Ltd 2017 vol 26 iss 5 pp 377 383 accesedMay112021https:/doiorg1011771093773832017

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