Senior Beat
by Carol Higgins Taylor
Special to The Weekly
I don’t know about you, but lately I have become a sun worshiper. This is new behavior,
as I have always avoided UV rays, but I think it is because of the dastardly winter we endured.
While most likely harmless in very limited doses, this is not a good habit to foster. As the
sun gets stronger, we need to take precautions to protect our skin. Just as we do in the cold and
blustery months.
The National Institutes on Aging says that many seniors suffer from dry skin on their lower legs and arms, with elbows being a particular problem area. I would be willing to bet that feet are high on the list, too. Dry skin can be itchy and uncomfortable and has a variety of causes:
- Not drinking enough liquids.
- Staying out in the sun (remember the sunscreen).
- Being in very dry air.
- Smoking.
- Feeling stress.
- Some medicines which can make skin itchier. If your skin is newly very dry and itchy,
see your doctor.
- Losing sweat and oil glands (common with age).
Diabetes and kidney disease can contribute to dry skin as can using too much soap. In an
attempt to avoid cold and flu germs you are probable washing your hands constantly.
Hot water is a culprit, too, so stick with warm and rinse that soap off completely. If your skin feels tight or dry after washing then that is not the cleanser for you. Follow-up with the hand
cream you like best. And don’t ignore your cuticles which can get ragged and tear.
Take fewer baths, opt for quick showers instead. Shower chairs are available and give you the opportunity to pamper your legs and feet without the risk of falling.
Do not use bath oil in your tub. It is just dangerous. Find a sudsy shower gel and if you
want to feel really special, buy the matching lotion. It’s called fragrance layering and can lift
your spirits to new heights. That said, go easy on the amount used. Not everyone will share your
taste in fragrance.
Part of the problem with aging skin is that it becomes thin and can bruise and scratch easily which could lead to infection. I noticed a huge purple, angry looking bruise on my mother the other day. She can’t remember how she did it.
It’s another example of how delicate senior skin can be. So, if you are thinking about exfoliating, be careful of the scrubs with hard particles, such as plastic beads (yes, plastic) or ground up fruit pits. They can be way too rough and can also get into your eyes. This is a very dangerous and painful experience. Honestly, a washcloth is just as effective. You can make your own scrub using sugar and your favorite cleanser.
Most importantly, check your skin monthly for possible cancer. Have your healthcare provider watch any lesions, moles or changes that may have occurred since your last visit. Skin cancer can be treatable if caught early.
The NIA suggests looking for changes such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal or a
bleeding mole. They also recommend checking moles, birthmarks, or other parts of the skin for
the “ABCDE’s:”
- A = Asymmetry (one half of the growth looks different from the other half).
- B = Borders that are irregular.
- C = Color changes or more than one color.
- D = Diameter is greater than the size of a pencil eraser.
- E = Evolving; this means the growth changes in size, shape, symptoms (itching, tenderness),
surface (especially bleeding), or shades of color.
See your doctor immediately if you have any of these signs.
Baby the skin you’re in. It has to last a lifetime.
Carol Higgins Taylor is an advocate for seniors and owns Bryant Street Public Relations in Bangor. Email her at seniorbeat@gmail.com.