Research shows that there are two major factors that impact aging - those caused by the genes we inherit and those changes caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to the sun's rays, illness or lack of personal hygiene. While little can be done to "fight" the natural aging process, there are numerous measures that can be taken to limit external factors that lead to the most prevalent skin conditions among the elderly.

Geriatricians like Barney Spivack, M.D., member of the American Geriatrics Society, advises older persons about ways to limit external factors that can lead to skin cancer, infection or debilitating skin irritation. "Older adults are at the greatest risk for developing skin cancer. It might be surprising but just minutes of sun exposure each day over the years can cause noticeable changes to the skin," states Dr. Spivack. Freckles, age spots, spider veins on the face, rough and leathery skin, fine wrinkles, loose skin and skin cancer can all be traced to sun exposure. But Dr. Spivack warns that skin cancer, while fairly common, isn't the only skin condition that seriously impacts seniors.

Dr. Spivack notes that seniors and their caregivers should consider the following:

Shingles: The "Chicken Pox" of the Elderly

While shingles can affect anyone at any age, they are more prominent in seniors and more painful. These painful lesions resemble those of chicken pox and are in fact caused by the same virus (herpes zoster). The healing process of this condition typically lasts several weeks; however, medical attention should be sought immediately, as the anti-viral medications used to treat shingles are most effective in the early phase.

Dry Skin: An Itch you Can't Scratch

It's common for skin to become dry as it ages. Typically flaky, itchy skin can be managed with moisturizers or by using mild soaps. However, if dry skin becomes so severe that the itch is no longer soothable, it's important to seek medical assistance. Some medications commonly used among seniors may cause itchiness as a side effect and severe flaky skin can also be a sign of a more serious problem, such as liver or kidney disease.

Skin Ulcers: A Silent Threat

Also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers, skin ulcers can be extremely painful, debilitating and can be a breeding ground for infection that can lead to serious medical problems and even death. But, there are ways to prevent these sores from occurring. Typically ulcers occur when the skin is deprived of an adequate blood supply and oxygen. By maintaining a proper general nutrition and skin care regimen, wearing cotton undergarments and socks, and limiting the amount of time spent in constricting positions or with limited mobility, the chance of developing a skin ulcer can be significantly decreased.

It’s important, also, to maintain awareness of the condition of the skin:

1. Examine your body front and back in the mirror, then look at the right and left sides with your arms raised.

2. Bend elbows and look carefully at forearms, upper underarms, and palms.

3. Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and on the sole.

4. Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part hair for a closer look.

5. Finally, check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.

6. If you find a spot look for things like:

- One half is unlike the other half.
- An irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border.
- It varies from one area to another; has shades of tan, brown, or black; is sometimes white, red, or blue.
- Melanomas usually are greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed,
but they can be smaller.
- A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.

If you see any changes or have questions, ask the primary care physician or dermatologist. Your Right At Home High Point care specialist can help you watch for changes in skin or skin issues.

Sources:

StressandWellness.blogspot.com
American Geriatrics

National Healthy Skin Month Tips from Right At Home High Point

Your skin is your body’s first defense against disease and infection, and protects internal organs from injuries. The largest organ in the body, skin helps regulate body temperature, prevents excess fluid loss, and it helps your body remove excess water and salt. There are a number of ways to keep your skin healthy, and many options available to treat skin problems. Consult a dermatologist if you feel skin treatment is necessary.

Some of the more common skin conditions and tips include:

1. Dry skin in the winter months. Lower air temperatures and humidity combined with forced hot-air heat can cause dryness. To help combat this drying, Dr. Memar recommends: (a) no hot showers or baths; (b) use of mild soaps, and (c)moisturizing your skin immediately after a shower or bath.

2. Acne. Small lesions, blackheads, and whiteheads can be controlled by (a) gently washing the affective area(s) with warm water and a mild soap twice a day to remove dead skin cells and excess oil, and (b) using a topical (applied to the skin) over-the-counter acne treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

3. Premature aging. Some signs of aging that appear on the skin indicate more than advancing years; they warn of an underlying medical condition. Changes that occur as we age also make us more susceptible to skin conditions, such as shingles and skin cancer. If you spot any of these changes, make an appointment to see a dermatologist. With early detection, many of these conditions are easily treated. If allowed to progress, some conditions can be difficult to control. Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, can be deadly without early treatment. In the United States alone, one person dies from melanoma about every 68 minutes.

4. Eczema. When it comes to treating atopic dermatitis, dermatologists consider moisturizing and gentle cleansing to be indispensable. Yet, a recent survey revealed that 23% of adults living with atopic dermatitis say they do not do not apply moisturizer and 29% do not use a cleanser. The researchers also found that most of the people who participated in the survey wanted more information about moisturizers and cleansers.

5. Skin Cancer. The facts say it all: (a) More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, (b) both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have a better than 95 percent five-year cure rate if detected and treated early, (c) 1 in 5 Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime, and (d) five or more sunburns double your risk of developing skin cancer.

6. Rosacea. An estimated 14 million people in the United States have this common skin condition. However, many are unaware that they have rosacea. Most people develop only a few of the signs and symptoms of rosacea, which include: (a) a tendency to blush or flush easily, redness may eventually last longer than 10 minutes; (b) persistent redness in the center of the face that may gradually affect the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose; (c) Dryness on the face. If you have any of these signs or symptoms, be sure to see a dermatologist. Repeatedly applying a topical steroid — the medication that many people use to calm red, swollen, or itchy skin — often aggravates rosacea.

Right At Home High Point is here to help you and your family all month long. Our care givers can help you look for skin changes to help prevent small issues from becoming big problems.

Source: CareFair.com