The skin helps to protect the body in many ways, as it acts as the body’s first line of defense against bacteria and other environmental hazards that can cause illness. As the human body ages, skin can become thinner and lose fat, which can cause the body to be at a higher risk for infection, as unhealthy skin can cause delays in healing from scratches and cuts, and can expose the body’s veins and bones. Do you or your senior parent experience the following signs and symptoms of unhealthy skin?
Dry Skin and Itching
Seniors often suffer from dry spots and itching, which can be caused by dehydration, dry air, sun exposure, smoking, stress, and the loss of sweat and oil glands. Dry skin can also be caused by health problems – such as diabetes or kidney disease – and medications.
Bruises
Certain medications or illnesses may cause bruising. Talk to your or your senior parent’s doctor if you see bruises and don’t know where they came from.
Wrinkles
Wrinkles can be caused by environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, which can make the skin less elastic, and gravity. Additionally, habits such as smoking can wrinkle the skin.
Age Spots and Skin Tags
“Age spots, once called ‘liver spots,’ are flat, brown spots often caused by years in the sun. They are bigger than freckles and commonly show up on areas like the face, hands, arms, back, and feet,” according to the National Institute on Aging. “Skin tags are small, usually flesh-colored growths of skin that have a raised surface. They become common as people age, especially for women. They are most often found on the eyelids, neck, and body folds such as the armpit, chest, and groin.” Talk to your or your senior parent’s doctor if you’d like your age spots or skin tags removed.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The most preventable cause of skin cancer is overexposure to UV light from the sun or from artificial sources like tanning beds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People at a greater risk for skin cancer tend to 1) have skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun, 2) have blue or green eyes, 3) have blonde or red hair, 4) have certain types and a large number of moles, 5) have a family history of skin cancer, and 6) have a personal history of skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Practicing good skin health habits can help you and your senior parent delay or prevent dry skin, wrinkles, bruises, age spots, and skin cancer. Help keep your aging loved one’s skin healthy with the following tips, provided by the Mayo Clinic.
- Protect from the sun. Use sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing.
- Don’t’ smoke. “Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles,” according to the Mayo Clinic. “Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow and makes skin paler. This also depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin – the fibers that give your skin strength and elasticity.”
- Treat your skin gently. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit bath time and use warm water. Avoid harsh soaps and detergents, shave carefully, and moisturize your skin with a lotion that contains SPF.
- Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps promote younger looking skin. Drinking plenty of water helps the skin stay hydrated.
- Manage stress. Get enough sleep, set reasonable expectations and limits, and make time to enjoy the things you love.
If your aging parent lives alone and struggles to maintain a healthy lifestyle, call SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills. SYNERGY’s in-home caregivers can help your senior parent live a healthy, independent lifestyle. Our in-home caregivers offer many convenient home care services, such as:
- Errands and transportation services: Driving to the doctor’s office or an appointment, picking up prescriptions, going grocery shopping, etc.
- Meal assistance: Complete and nutritious meal planning, preparing, and cleanup.
- Light housekeeping services: Assistance with laundry, ironing, changing linens, kitchen/bathroom cleaning, and organizing, etc.
- Companionship: Encouraging friendly and supportive conversation, active thinking (structuring pastimes, hobbies and games), light exercise, etc.
About SYNERGY HomeCare of Anaheim Hills
SYNERGY HomeCare of Anaheim Hills is the name you can trust in Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda, Tustin, Santa Ana, Orange and Placentia for personal home care. SYNERGY HomeCare of Anaheim Hills is part of a national franchise of non-medical home care offices dedicated to providing exceptional and affordable service to anyone of any age. SYNERGY HomeCare caregivers are available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, to those in need – including seniors, expectant moms, those suffering from sports injuries and debilitating illnesses, and more. SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona & Riverside can be found online at http://www.synergyhomecare.com/agencies/ca/anaheim-hills/ca25. The location also hosts active social media pages on Facebook and Twitter. Ken and Anna can be reached at 714- 706-1613 and [email protected].
