LiVe Well Senior's Health A NEWSLETTER WITH IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION FOR SENIORS Summer Skin Care The most common complaint that Seniors have with their skin is that it is dry and itchy. As we age, our skin begins to thin. As it thins, it is less able to retain moisture, loss of oil glands (which keeps the skin soft) is the main cause of dry skin. Dry flaking skin is by far the most common skin problem in the elderly, affecting 75% of people over the age of 65. Treating dry skin is not hard; it just requires regular attention. Keep it clean. Use cleansing soap that has a moisturizer or is formulated for dry skin. Be liberal with body lotion and apply it right after bathing to lock in the moisture. Check water temperature, water that is too hot can dry out your skin. It is not necessary to bath every day, if your skin is extremely dry opt for every other day shower or bath. Pat the skin dry with a towel after bathing to remove excess water. At night, use a hydrating night cream before going to bed. Drink more water. Increase your water consumption to keep the skin hydrated. If the air is dry it can make dry skin worse. Increase humidity using a humidifier, relative humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent are ideal. Avoid scratching. Thin skin is more susceptible to tearing which can lead to a bigger problem of potential bacterial infection. Keep an eye out for areas that are red, peeling, sores that do not heal, the appearance of new sores and painful areas. If you notice any of these conditions, please see a doctor. Don't forget your feet. Clean feet thoroughly with warm water and dry them completely. July 2013 Don't forget to wash between the toes. Rub a foot lotion or moisturizer into the feet, do not put lotion between the toes. Trim the nails straight across and not right next to the nail bed. Round sharp edges with a file. Cover feet with socks or slippers. Everyone enjoys a little sunshine but most people do not do enough to protect their aging skin. You should apply plenty (more than a dab) of sunscreen 30 minutes before going out into the sun. If you are swirnming or sweating remember to reapply every 2 hours. Look for sunscreen that is water-resistance, broad spectrum product that protects against both UVA ( ultraviolet short-wave) and UVB (ultraviolet longwave) rays, with a SPF or sun protection factor of 30 or higher. Check the useby date listed on the bottle, out of date sunscreens are not as effective for sun protection. Pay attention to the hands, feet, and any bald spots on the top of the head. Lip balm with SPF of 30 should be used and reapplied after eating. Special clothing is available with UV protection. It is made for gardening, swiinming, and leisure wear. It should have a UVP or ultraviolet protection above 30 (by comparison an ordinary t-shirt only has a UVP factor of 6) according to Doctor Arielle Kauvar, a New York dermatologist. Top off the outfit with.a broad-brimmed hat and dark sunglasses, and you are ready for your place in the sun! Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital Center 61