Fragile skin, poor circulation, and a decreased ability to sense heat and cold are the main aging changes that increase burn risk. Because the skin has fewer nerve endings, older persons may not feel when a heat source is too hot, and their thin, easily injured skin is more vulnerable to burn damage.

The chapter on the integumentary system states that as skin ages, it becomes less elastic, loses strength, thins, sags, and is fragile and easily injured. The skin also has fewer blood vessels and fewer nerve endings, which reduces the ability to sense heat, cold, pressure, and pain. The text specifically says that fragile skin, poor circulation, and a decreased ability to sense heat and cold increase the risk of burns. Because of this, older persons may not perceive that a heating pad, hot water bottle, or hot bath is too hot, and their fragile skin is more easily burned. The chapter therefore warns against using hot water bottles and heating pads for older persons.

Key points

Skin thins, becomes less elastic, and is fragile, making it easily injured by burns.
Fewer nerve endings reduce the sense of heat, cold, pressure, and pain.
Fragile skin and poor circulation are identified as direct burn risk factors.
Decreased ability to sense heat and cold can prevent an older person from noticing dangerous heat.

What are the normal aging changes in the integumentary system that increase the risk of burns in older persons?