Comprehensive Care for Aging Hands: Prevention, Treatment, and Rejuvenation Comprehensive Care for Aging Hands: Prevention, Treatment, and Rejuvenation The ageing process affects the hands significantly, manifesting through various changes in the skin, joints, and soft tissues. This involves: 1. Skin Changes: – Loss of Elasticity: Decreased collagen and elastin production leads to wrinkles and sagging skin. – Thinning of Skin: Reduced cell turnover and decreased dermal thickness make the skin more fragile. – Pigmentation: Age spots (lentigines) due to prolonged sun exposure and decreased melanocyte function. 2. Subcutaneous Fat Loss: – Volume Loss: Reduction in subcutaneous fat causes the hands to appear bony with visible veins and tendons. – Decreased Cushioning: Increased susceptibility to trauma and injury. 3. Musculoskeletal Changes: – Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of cartilage and joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and deformity (e.g., Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes). – Tendon and Ligament Changes: Reduced flexibility and strength. The ageing process affects the hands significantly, manifesting through various changes in the skin, joints, and soft tissues. This involves: 1. Skin Changes: – Loss of Elasticity: Decreased collagen and elastin production leads to wrinkles and sagging skin. – Thinning of Skin: Reduced cell turnover and decreased dermal thickness make the skin more fragile. – Pigmentation: Age spots (lentigines) due to prolonged sun exposure and decreased melanocyte function. 2. Subcutaneous Fat Loss: – Volume Loss: Reduction in subcutaneous fat causes the hands to appear bony with visible veins and tendons. – Decreased Cushioning: Increased susceptibility to trauma and injury. 3. Musculoskeletal Changes: – Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of cartilage and joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and deformity (e.g., Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes). – Tendon and Ligament Changes: Reduced flexibility and strength.