Elder Care in Irvine CA
A weakened immune system and slower movements are not the only things to expect because of aging. Skin conditions are also common among the elderly. Whether the senior smoked, got a lot of sun exposure, or had a poor diet for most of their adult life, these decisions will determine how well their skin ages.
Other reasons your aging parent may be at risk for a skin problem is because of the loss of fatty tissue between the muscles and skin. It is important that your loved one’s skin is frequently examined for any changes, including any new moles or spots. An elder care provider can help by checking the elderly adult’s skin when helping them get dressed or bathe.
There are a number of skin conditions your loved one may be at risk for, but here are the top 5.
- Wrinkles. The most evident sign of aging are usually wrinkles. These noticeable lines on the skin become even more prominent if the elder spends a great deal of time in the sun or if they smoke.
- Skin cancer. Another skin condition that can be caused by too much sun exposure is skin cancer. A million adults over the age of 65 develop skin cancer in America each year.
- Bedsores. If your loved one has mobility problems and spends most of their day in bed, bedsores can easily develop. These sores are skin ulcers caused by constant pressure to that part of the skin by laying or sitting too long. In order to prevent this from happening, a family member or elderly care provider should constantly reposition the elder so that they are not lying on the same spot all day.
- Dry, itchy skin. The skin of older adults can become dry and itchy due to the loss of oil glands. In some rare cases, this skin issue can also be a symptom of diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease.
- Age spots. These brown spots are very common among seniors and are usually found on the forearms, face, and hands, where they get the most sun exposure.
Prevention Tips
Some skin conditions are preventable, even if the elder has spent a great deal of time in the sun and not wearing sunblock or protective clothing. In order to reduce their risk of developing a skin problem, they should:
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when outdoors
- Wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, pants, and long-sleeved shirts in order to protect the skin outdoors
- Regularly check the skin for any new moles or spots that appear
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Irvine, CA, please contact the caring staff at Canaan Home Care today! 1-844-CANAAN-1 (1-844-226-2261)
Source: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/elderly-skin-conditions#1
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