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Review
. 2015 Feb;95(1):103-14.
doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2014.09.008. Epub 2014 Oct 18.

Management of the skin and soft tissue in the geriatric surgical patient

David G Greenhalgh  1
Affiliations
Review

Management of the skin and soft tissue in the geriatric surgical patient

David G Greenhalgh. Surg Clin North Am. 2015 Feb.

Abstract

Aging has significant effects on the healing ability of the geriatric population. When the elderly suffer injuries, they have a decreased metabolic reserve to handle the stress required to recover. Diseases of the elderly, such as malnutrition, diabetes mellitus, treatment of malignancies, and vascular disease, all impair tissue repair. The geriatric population is more prone to pressure ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, and other chronic wounds. This review discusses how changes in the elderly lead to impaired healing or chronic wounds. Prevention of these problems and their treatment are also discussed.

Keywords: Burns; Chronic wounds; Geriatric; Skin; Wound healing.

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