{"id":8386,"date":"2017-07-06T21:02:38","date_gmt":"2017-07-06T21:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.salushomecare.com\/san-fernando-valley\/?p=8386"},"modified":"2020-08-20T21:27:32","modified_gmt":"2020-08-20T21:27:32","slug":"helping-seniors-stay-safe-in-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.salushomecare.com\/san-fernando-valley\/blog\/helping-seniors-stay-safe-in-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"Helping Seniors Stay Safe in the Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Skin Cancer Foundation<\/a> estimates some 87,000\u00a0people will be diagnosed with Melanoma this year. With that in mind, it is important to consider the serious risks that this form of cancer presents to our senior citizens. Keeping them safe involves taking measures to\u00a0protect the skin.<\/p>\n

Skin Cancer Causes<\/h2>\n

Skin cancer prevention begins by understanding the causes. This type of cancer begins when cells in the outer most layer of the skin start to mutate. Unprotected sun exposure and spending time in tanning beds are typically the biggest contributors. For a senior citizen, the risk of developing skin cancer is even higher than it is for a younger person. Here are a few reasons why.<\/p>\n

Medications<\/h2>\n

Many seniors take medications. Some make their skin more susceptible to sun damage. Common culprits include statins, antibiotics and diuretics. Discuss medications and their side effects with your doctor. Make note of any sun safety recommendations, and use precaution during exposure if necessary.<\/p>\n

Increased Risk Due to Burns as a Child<\/h2>\n

Our understanding of skin cancer risks was limited when many seniors were young children. As a result, few used sunscreen and many experienced sunburns. Suffering five or more sunburns as a child increases a person\u2019s risk of developing Melanoma by 80-percent. Therefore, it is important for seniors to get checked for indications of Melanoma frequently as early detection increases treatment options and survival rates.<\/p>\n

Thin Skin<\/h2>\n

Seniors also have thinner skin than younger adults. This puts them at risk of experiencing sunburns even after only a short period of time in the sun. Limit sun exposure, especially during peak hours in the afternoon, and use sunscreen when spending time outdoors to help stay protected.
\nWhen spending time outdoors, there are a few other steps seniors can take to protect their skin. These include:<\/p>\n