OCHS DERMATOLOGY
Aging Hands
Aging Hands
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About
Aging Hands
While aging of the hands usually begins in the 40s or 50s with discoloration and age spots, hands can begin to show signs of aging earlier if they are repeatedly exposed to the sun without proper protection. By the 50s and 60s, people may begin to lose volume in their hands making prominent veins and tendons more noticeable.
Causes
Sun exposure, as well as the natural aging process can create pigment changes. As collagen and fat in the hands dissipate, veins and tendons can take on a pronounced appearance, making the hands look bony and unattractive.
Risk Factors
Most patients will experience aging of the hands.
Symptoms
Besides the face and neck, no area of the body shows the appearance of aging as clearly as the back of the hands. As we age, our hands tend to lose their firmness and volume causing the veins and tendons to become more pronounced. In addition, changes in texture where the skin appears crinkled or is marked with spots—commonly called ‘liver spots’ or ‘age spots’—are the symptoms of an aging hand.
Diagnosis
A dermatologist is able to diagnose and recommend a proper treatment for aging hands.
*Source:
American Academy of Dermatology American Society for Dermatologic SurgeryTreatment
Treatment
Treatments include laser treatments and skin care products to target pigment changes. Fat transfer and fillers can target volume loss. A dermatologist can perform these treatments in a medical office.
Prevention
Loss of smoothness and plumpness in the hands is a natural and unavoidable part of the aging process. Avoid sun overexposure and use sunscreen. Overexposure can hasten the process.
Remember to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher on the hands and reapply throughout the day, especially after frequent hand-washing.
Keep a tube of sunscreen in the car and apply before driving. Use a hand cream with added sunscreen to provide a base layer of protection to the hands.
Wear gloves when doing yard work or playing outdoor sports. Golfers should consider wearing a glove on each hand to cover the backs of the hands.
