What Types of Damage Can the Sun Do to a Senior’s Skin?

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The sun can make your senior loved one feel good in the moment, but prolonged exposure may damage his or her skin. Here are some of the negative effects sun exposure can have on your loved one’s skin and how they can be prevented.  

Skin Cancer 

The older your loved one gets, the harder it may be for his or her immune system to recognize and kill abnormal cells caused by the sun. Instead, these cells turn into skin lesions that may be cancerous. The three main types of skin cancer that can result from sun damage are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. When left untreated, it can spread to other organs within the body. To prevent skin cancer, your loved one needs to limit his or her exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. 

Limiting sun exposure is just one way aging adults can preserve their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Phoenix Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Sunburn 

Overexposure to the sun can cause skin reddening that’s both irritating and painful. Sunburn is the most visible type of sun damage. If your loved one has severe sunburn, he or she will likely develop swelling and blisters. This condition can be taxing on your loved one’s body because it can be difficult to get rid of the damaged cells. To help your loved one prevent sunburn, make sure he or she doesn’t sit in the sun for long periods. Encourage your loved one to wear wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved clothing, and sunglasses to block the sun’s rays. 

A professional caregiver can ensure your loved one is protected against sun damage. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated homecare, you can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.

Age Spots 

If your loved one is overexposed to the sun, brown markings may begin to appear on various parts of his or her body, including the arms, hands, and face. The older your loved one gets, the more prevalent age spots may become. These markings are a result of the skin’s inability to fight off UV rays from the sun. To prevent age spots from occurring or enlarging and multiplying once they appear, make sure your loved one uses sunscreen when outdoors.  

Solar Elastosis 

When skin is exposed to sunlight, the elastic tissue may deteriorate, causing wrinkles. The ultraviolet radiation breaks down connective tissues that consist of elastin fibers and collagen. Without the support of these tissues, the skin goes limp, losing its strength and flexibility. The best way to help your loved one prevent solar elastosis is to protect his or her skin when outdoors. Wearing protective clothing and sunscreen are easy preventive measures.Preventing sun damage can help seniors remain healthy and boost their quality of life. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of at-home care Phoenix families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. Call us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.