Taking Care of Older Skin

November is National Healthy Skin Month. Our skin provides a number of important functions for our body, protecting us from diseases, regulating body temperature and allowing us to feel sensations. As we age, our skin needs some extra loving care to help it be able to maintain these functions. Protecting your older loved one’s skin is very important to their overall health.

How to protect older skin

Wrinkles aren’t the only concern when it comes to aging skin. Older people may face problems with dry skin, itching and bruising. Older skin can also become more sensitive to irritants such as dyes and detergents.  

There are number of ways to help maintain the health of your loved one’s skin:

• To combat dry skin, make sure your older loved one is drinking enough water, not taking extremely hot baths or using too much soap, antiperspirant or perfume. Make sure that they use a lotion or ointment to help replace lost moisture.
• When going out in the sun, it is very important that older people wear sunscreen. This protects the skin from any further sun damage and from painful sunburn.
• Years of sun exposure can add up. Have your loved one visit a dermatologist to get any moles or bumps examined for pre-cancerous or cancerous cells.
• Seniors are more prone to bruising as skin naturally becomes thinner with age. Additionally, some medications and illnesses can cause delicate skin to bruise more easily. Speak with your loved one’s physician if you notice bruising that causes you concern.
• If your loved one is in a wheelchair or confined to bed make sure that they periodically move positions to help prevent pressure sores.

Helping your older loved one take care of their skin can help prevent other health problems down the road.

If you need more information about caring for your older loved one, please call Abramson Care Advisors free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 888-340-0080.