Managing the Unique Risks for Skin Cancer in Older Adults

Like everything else, your skin changes with age. These changes significantly increase your risk of skin cancer. The intense Texas sun is extra challenging for local seniors.

At Pure Heals Adult Medical Complex in Amarillo, Texas, our team focuses on supporting senior health year-round. Here’s what they want you to know about protecting older skin and why it's essential.

Why older skin is more vulnerable

The skin damage you receive in your youth builds up, which is why skin cancer frequently appears later in life. More than half of all skin cancer-related deaths occur in those over the age of 65. 

With age, your skin also naturally becomes thinner and loses some of its ability to repair itself. The immune system slows down, too, so your body is less able to fight off abnormal cell growth as easily as it used to.

Identifying common signs and types of skin cancer

Knowing what to look for can save your life.  With early detection, skin cancer is highly treatable. Seniors should have their skin checked regularly for any new or changing spots. There are three primary types of skin cancer that our specialists monitor during routine health exams.

• Basal cell carcinoma: which often appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat flesh-colored lesion, or a bleeding sore that heals and recurs.

• Squamous cell carcinoma: which typically appears as a firm red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly or crusted surface.

• Melanoma is the most serious form and usually presents as a large brownish spot with darker speckles, or a mole that changes in color, size, or feel.

We use the ABCDE method to check moles. Look for asymmetry, irregular borders, changes in color, a diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and any evolving traits, such as itching or bleeding.

Skin protection tips for older adults

Protecting aging skin requires more than just applying a standard sunscreen before heading outdoors. As skin thins over the years, its natural barrier weakens, making it more susceptible to tearing, bruising, and environmental damage. 

To counter these changes, we recommend using a heavy, fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in moisture and strengthen your skin's outer layer. 

Dry skin cracks easily, and these tiny tears can allow harmful elements to penetrate deeper. When you select a sunscreen, choose a physical formula containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these ingredients sit on the skin's surface and reflect harmful rays without causing the irritation that chemical sunscreens sometimes trigger on sensitive senior skin.

Other preventive steps:

• Check your prescription medications: Our team can help with this, as many common drugs for blood pressure, heart conditions, and diabetes can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help maintain skin elasticity and support your body's natural healing processes.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat: One with at least 3 inches of brim all the way around to shield your ears, neck, and face from overhead rays.
• Choose tightly woven fabrics: When outdoors, wear unbleached cotton or specialized sun-protective garments that carry an Ultraviolet Protection Factor rating.
• Stay indoors during peak daylight hours: Avoid the outdoors when the sun's rays are most intense, between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Install UV-blocking window films: This can be affixed to your car windows and the windows of your home that receive direct sunlight. Harmful UVA rays can pass through standard glass.

If you aren't sure whether your current routine provides enough defense, the experts at Pure Heals Adult Medical Complex in Amarillo, Texas, can help. To learn more about our services and compassionate care, call us at 806-437-1404 or request an appointment online.