As we age, our skin becomes more delicate, more reactive, and often more prone to inflammation. For many older adults, dealing with a persistent skin rash can be more than a minor annoyance — it can be painful, embarrassing, and even emotionally draining.

Whether it’s caused by allergies, autoimmune disorders, or something as simple as heat or dry air, understanding chronic skin conditions is the first step toward finding relief. That’s why learning about the causes of skin rashes, what they look like, and how to treat them can make all the difference — especially when you’re searching for the best treatment for rashes or looking up a “dermatologist near me.”

Let’s explore the most common types of skin rashes that affect people over 60 — and what you can do about them.

Why Skin Rashes Happen
There isn’t just one cause of skin irritation. In fact, rashes come in many forms, and they’re triggered by all sorts of things — from environmental allergies and medications to autoimmune conditions and even emotional stress.

The body’s immune system, which naturally weakens with age, sometimes reacts in unpredictable ways. What might have been a mild reaction in your 40s could become something more uncomfortable in your 60s or 70s.

It’s important to recognize that not all rashes are dangerous. But they can still cause discomfort, self-consciousness, and confusion — especially when they seem to appear out of nowhere.

Because each rash is different, they need different types of care. Let’s look at the most common culprits behind itchy, irritated, or inflamed skin in older adults.

1. Atopic Dermatitis: When the Itch Never Quits