Older adults in Pacific Palisades, or other places, require the most sun protection. This is because they have had the most sun exposure and UV damage throughout their lives, and the skin grows thinner with age.
The loss of connective tissue and fat leaves the blood vessels exposed to injury, and so the skin becomes increasingly susceptible to damage and takes longer to heal. Sunburns damage the skin DNA and cause genetic defects that increase the risk of melanoma.
For this reason, caregivers should follow a strict skincare or sun protection routine for older people. They should use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor and labeled broad-spectrum (protection against both the harmful UVA and UVB). Senior Helpers Santa Monica can help with homecare to ensure the loved one is under round-the-clock care.
What to do When a Bad Sunburn Happens to a Senior
Severe sunburn is concerning on various levels. It can lead to cellular damage and, even worse, cause sun poisoning, usually accompanied by systemic symptoms.
Besides the burn, the poisoning can feel much like the flu. There can be exhaustion, vomiting, nausea, chills, fever, and fainting spells, depending on the severity, lasting between a few hours and several days.
With a severe sunburn, the affected area becomes inflamed. But there are situations where it's so bad that it triggers a whole-body inflammation.
Even with the precautions, an older person may get a severe sunburn. Here is what to do if that takes place:
Identify the Sunburn
Ordinary sunburns will often have pain that ranges from mild to severe. But sun poisoning will not feel like usual sunburn, and its side effects make the person feel sick like they are down with the flu.
The older adult may have an itchy sun rash that develops into blisters. It is not always that sun poisoning causes Polymorphous light eruption or PMLE with flu-like symptoms. Some will have a sudden reaction that disappears within minutes.
Often, severe sunburn will have a large area of a rash and blistered skin. This can be extremely painful and itchy. The affected individual will experience discomfort in the area even when a piece of cloth passes over the skin.
Keep Them Out of the Sun
Keep the affected older adult out of the Los Angeles sun, and not just for a short while, they should avoid the sun for the next couple of days. Further exposure to the sun can exacerbate the situation.
Cool the Skin
Cool their skin with a cool compress, or help them take a cool bath. An over-the-counter aloe gel or steroid will help with the inflammation.
Ensure the older adult is well hydrated.
Give them an Anti-Inflammatory
A health professional may recommend an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen to hasten the healing process. Painkillers such as aspirin may also be necessary to reduce the discomfort.
Call a Doctor
In most cases, severe sunburns can be handled within the in-home senior care at your Marina del Rey home. If the older person is already experiencing chills, fever, and vomiting, you may need to call a doctor. Severe sunburns can cause severe dehydration that requires the attention of a medical professional.
The caregivers at Senior Helpers Santa Monica can assist with home care for the older adults and ensure some crucial things necessary to their care are not forgotten. The goal is to bring affordable and dependable older adult care to Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, and Marina del Rey. Contact us today.