Final answer:
Elderly individuals are most at risk for skin injury when using heat and cold therapy due to their thinner skin, reduced sensation, less subcutaneous fat and potential medical conditions or medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of using heat & cold therapy, the population that is especially at risk for skin injury are d) Elderly individuals. Elderly individuals have thinner, more fragile skin, and may have reduced sensation, increasing the risk of unintentional burns or frostbite from heat & cold therapy. They also have less subcutaneous fat to insulate their skin from temperature extremes, and may have medical conditions or take medications that affect their body's response to temperature. Therefore, extreme caution should be used when applying heat or cold therapy in elderly individuals, and their skin should be checked frequently for any signs of damage.
Learn more about Heat & Cold Therapy Risks