Why might older adult patients require minimal friction when applying topical medications?

Older adult patients often have skin that is thinner and more fragile due to the natural aging process. As people age, their skin loses collagen, fat, and moisture, leading to a decrease in skin integrity and resilience. This means that thin skin is more susceptible to damage, such as excoriation or tearing, when subjected to friction or aggressive application techniques.

Minimizing friction when applying topical medications to this demographic is crucial to prevent potential skin injuries. Thinner skin is also less capable of repairing itself quickly, making it important to handle it gently during applications. In contrast, factors such as oily skin, well-hydrated skin, or increased sensation do not typically characterize older adults and wouldn't generally necessitate careful application of topical treatments.