In 2023, Thailand reached a significant demographic milestone, being classified as a 'fully aged' society, where individuals aged 60 and older comprise approximately 20% of the total population, which was recorded at 66 million as of December 2024. According to the Department of Provincial Administration, this translates to around 13.6 million senior citizens, thereby intensifying the challenges faced by an already strained public health system.

Amid this demographic shift, the issue of skin health among the elderly has gained critical attention.

While conditions such as mobility impairment and vision loss are frequently recognized, skin conditions tend to be overlooked.

Orawan Larpumnuayphol, General Manager of L'Oreal Dermatological Beauty (LDB) at L'Oreal Thailand, highlighted that the factors contributing to skin issues in older adults include adverse weather conditions, inadequate skin care practices, and the natural aging process.

Additionally, chronic health issues such as diabetes can exacerbate skin problems, leading to symptoms like dryness, itching, and rashes.

Unfortunately, dermatological concerns are often sidelined in medical treatment, with a focus primarily on the patient's primary health condition.

The access to dermatological care remains limited in Thailand, where an estimated 800 dermatologists were practicing as of last year, per data from the Medical Council of Thailand.

In response to the pressing need for improved skin care among the elderly, a public-private collaboration was formalized on February 28, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the 'Care For All by CeraVe' project.

Key stakeholders in this initiative include the Department of Older Persons, the Kenan Foundation Asia, and the CeraVe brand, a division of L'Oreal Thailand.

Thanasunthorn Swangsalee, Director-General of the Department of Older Persons, stated that the project is designed to increase awareness and knowledge among health volunteers and caregivers about the management of skin conditions prevalent in the elderly.

This collaboration aims to enhance access to dermatological advice, medical examinations, and treatment for vulnerable populations, particularly seniors.

Previously, the involved parties conducted a webinar in conjunction with the Dermatological Society of Thailand and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to educate general practitioners on the management of dermatological issues.

Additionally, on-site training sessions led by dermatologists have been organized for nurses and public health volunteers in Bangkok.

Piyabutr Cholvijarn, President of Kenan Foundation Asia, emphasized the foundation's role in facilitating cooperation among health workers, volunteers, and public sector representatives.

This includes coordinating training and webinars, as well as setting up mobile health services.

CeraVe recognizes the critical role that public health volunteers play in addressing health needs in Bangkok, where there are over 13,000 volunteers registered with the BMA.

The trained volunteers are expected to provide essential skin care and identify patients requiring specialist consultations.

This year, the project aims to provide training for an additional 360 health practitioners, which includes general practitioners, nurses, and public health volunteers.

In collaboration with the BMA, efforts are underway to deploy dermatologists in five pilot districts—Din Daeng, Ratchathewi, Khlong Toei, Khan Na Yao, and Prawet—to enhance support for vulnerable communities, particularly the elderly.

Dermatologists involved in the project will provide consultations and recommend effective skin care regimens, with the goal of helping 100 individuals in each district.

The initiative commenced on February 13 in Din Daeng district, where 171 individuals received evaluations and dermatological advice, exceeding the target.

Further expansions of the project are planned, including services at the Ban Bang Khae Social Welfare Development Center for Older Persons in Phasi Charoen district by the end of the second quarter.

Initially, the project will focus on the Bangkok area before extending its reach to other regions.

The importance of addressing skin care needs for the elderly within families and communities has been underscored, as many may hesitate to report skin problems due to concerns about burdening their caregivers or fear of stigma.

Without appropriate treatment, untreated dermatological conditions can lead to significant health challenges.

Proper education on skin care is expected to mitigate these risks, thereby improving the quality of life for both elderly patients and their caregivers.