This frequently occurs in perimenopausal and menopausal women because skin loses collagen as oestrogen levels fall. Studies show that 30% of collagen is lost from the skin during the first five years of menopause! As collagen levels fall, skin loses it elasticity and begins to sag and wrinkle. Howev...

As we age, our skin becomes drier because of a decrease in the natural lipid and water content. This is indeed compounded by the menopause due to a fall in the levels of "skin friendly" oestrogen. I would recommend a dermatological grade moisturiser that contains urea (at least 10%), which...

Skin bruises more easily as we age because the structure of the skin becomes less robust and thinner. This renders the skin fragile and susceptible to even minor injuries, particularly on the lower legs. Easy bruising is more common in patients who take blood thinning medications or oral steroids. T...

There are many over the counter retinoid ("retinol") creams. I would recommend a gentle low strength one to begin with (0.3%), as your skin has to develop tolerance to the dryness that most retinoids cause. Start by using twice weekly at bedtime, then gradually increase to every bedtime. I...

Eczema can occur in adulthood for the first time and is worse in people who have generally dry skin, which is more common in older people due to a reduction in the amount of natural moisturisers within the skin. Eczema on the lower legs is sometimes precipitated by poor circulation or varicose veins...

Your description would fit with eczema, which can present as recurrent dry and itchy patches. Eczema can occur in adulthood for the first time and is worse in people who have generally dry skin. I would recommend that you see your GP to get a short course of topical steroid to specifically treat the...

It sounds as if you are suffering from a condition called candidal intertrigo, a yeast infection that commonly occurs at this site in older women. Management of intertrigo includes 2% ketoconazole shampoo to wash skin for four weeks, then once weekly as maintenance (leave on for 5 minutes then wash ...

As we age, our skin becomes drier because of a decrease in the natural lipid and water content. I would recommend a dermatological grade moisturiser that contains urea (at least 10%), which is highly moisturising. You should moisturise at least twice a day. You should also use a soap substitute or f...

Itchy skin without a visible rash can have several causes, including thyroid problems or iron deficiency, but dry skin is the most common cause of itching without rash in the older population. Xerosis is the medical name for dry skin and by the age of 70 years nearly all adults are affected. Studies...

These lesions sound very much like seborrhoeic keratoses based on your description. These are benign warty lesions that increase in number as you get older. Sometimes they can become itchy, inflamed or catch on clothing. I would recommend that you visit your GP just to make sure that the bleeding le...