Like many other things, skin changes with age, leaving it more vulnerable to certain kinds of conditions. For seniors, keeping their skin healthy is essential for their overall health and well-being, as well as their appearance. With this in mind, it’s critical for seniors to understand common skin problems and how to prevent or treat them if they become an issue. The good news is that companion care at home is not only able to provide seniors with valuable information but also encourages them to talk with their medical team about any concerns. Some of the most common skin issues are explored below.

Dry Skin

Overview: Seniors frequently have dry skin thanks to a decreased production of natural oil as we age. Some of the signs include itchy and cracked skin or sharp, scaly areas.

Management and Prevention: Seniors should be encouraged to use gentle, scent-free soaps and lotions. Also, when they get out of the shower or tub, they should apply moisturizing lotion. Also, moisture can be added to the home through the use of a humidifier. Finally, companion care at home can encourage them to take shorter showers or baths to minimize the dryness of their skin.

Age Spots

Overview: Age spots, sometimes referred to as liver spots, are flat, brown, or black patches of skin that develop on parts of the body exposed to the sun, like the arms, hands, shoulders, and face.

Management and Prevention: To minimize the risk of sun spots, seniors should apply sunscreen when they leave the house with at least SPF 30. Also, companion care at home can encourage the use of hats and other protective clothing if seniors will be out in the sun for an extended period of time.

Skin Cancer

Overview: Aging also comes with an increased risk of skin cancer. Melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma are the most prevalent kinds. Signs of skin cancer might be newly formed moles or alterations to current ones, as well as sores that won’t quite heal.

Management and Prevention: Seniors should check their skin regularly for any changes, and as mentioned, always apply sunscreen when leaving the house. However, the best way to manage or prevent skin cancer is to regularly meet with a dermatologist, who can provide professional monitoring.

Shingles

Overview: Shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus reactivates. It causes a rash and pain that makes it hard for seniors to complete their daily tasks. Signs of shingles include burning or tingling skin, fluid-filled blisters, headaches, or fever.

Management and Prevention: The best way to prevent shingles is to talk with the medical team about the vaccination. However, if seniors are diagnosed with shingles, they will need to begin antiviral medication and ensure the rash stays dry and clean.

For seniors’ general health, comfort, and more, skin health must be maintained. Frequent skincare practices, sun protection, and quick detection of any changes in the skin can aid in the management and prevention of common skin disorders. Companion care at home can help seniors have healthier skin and a higher quality of life by encouraging them to take the best possible care of their skin.

Sources:
https://www.wederm.com/2020/11/21/8-common-skin-conditions-in-elderly-adults/
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/elderly-skin-conditions

Skin Diseases are Common in Older Adults

If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in Chevy Chase, MD, please contact the caring staff at Care At Home today. 301-970-9706

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Ann Smith RN

Owner at Care at Home

Ann Smith, RN, Realtor® Your local Home care and Home transition expert Ann is a Registered Nurse and a Realtor with a passion and dedication to serving her community. She has over twenty years of nursing experience in pediatric, geriatric, home health care, and care management. She founded Care at Home, a home care company, to provide seniors with services that promote independence and safe aging in place. Ann is dedicated to helping seniors achieve stress-free retirement living by providing comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's mother instilled in her the value of hard work, dedication, and service to others at a young age, which is now a driving force in her home care agency. Her caring and compassionate work with seniors began when she was just 17 years old. She was offered a job as a caregiver. Just as quickly, she instinctively knew that this would be her life's work. She soon became a nurse and has since helped many older adults transition seamlessly into a new phase of life. While helping seniors and individuals with their home care needs, it became apparent that part of the transition process often involved selling their current home for more suitable living arrangements. That's when Ann decided to add real estate services to alleviate stress and enhance her client's experience. It's also how she became known as the Home Transition Agent. Today, Ann helps her mature clients achieve stress-free retirement living by providing in-home care and comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's love for children and dedication to helping families caring for children with chronic health conditions inspired Pediatric Care at Home, a division of Care at Home that provides pediatric nursing care. Ann and her team are dedicated to providing compassionate care to all, from infants to older adults. When Ann isn't busy helping her patients and clients, she volunteers her time at women's shelters and fostering dogs. She and her veteran husband enjoy a simple life in the countryside, where farm animals and country life surround them. Ann also enjoys reading, photography, gardening, and nature walk with their dogs.

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