Why Your Senior Parent Needs Regular Skin Cancer Screenings
Did you know that most cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in seniors over the age of 70? As your mom or dad gets older their risk of developing skin cancer increases. That’s one of the reasons why it’s so important for your mom or dad to take care of their skin. If your mom or dad has a difficult time cleaning their skin or moisturizing after a shower because of mobility challenges personal care at home providers are a great solution.
Often seniors have a hard time taking care of their skin as they age. Seniors have very fragile skin that is prone to bruising and cracking because of age-related changes in the body. Personal care at home provides the extra support that seniors need to safely take care of hygiene tasks like showering, brushing their teeth, and taking care of their skin.
Regular skin cancer screenings can help your mom or dad’s doctor catch skin cancer while it’s still easy to treat, so make an appointment for your mom or dad if they haven’t had a skin cancer screening this year.
You should also take them for a screening if you notice any of these symptoms of skin cancer:
Unusual Moles or Spots
One of the biggest warning signs of skin cancer in seniors is a mole or spot that looks different from the others on the body. Most moles are harmless, but if a new mole appears or an existing one changes in size, shape, or color, it could be a sign of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
Sores That Don’t Heal
If a sore appears on your mom or dad’s skin and doesn’t heal within a few weeks, it may be a sign of skin cancer. Non-healing sores can be painful, bleed, or form a crust. Basal cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer, often appears as a sore that heals and then comes back. If your senior parent has a wound that won’t go away, it’s important to have it checked by a doctor.
Scaly or Rough Patches
Some types of skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, can cause rough, scaly patches on the skin. These patches may be red, dry, or feel like sandpaper. They might also become itchy or tender over time. While dry skin is common in seniors, patches that don’t improve with lotion or keep growing should be examined by a doctor.
Unusual Lumps or Growths
New lumps or bumps on the skin that don’t go away can also be a sign of skin cancer. Some may be shiny, firm, or have a waxy texture. Others might look like a wart or a pimple that won’t heal. If a growth keeps getting bigger, changes color or starts to bleed, it’s important to get it checked. Skin cancer can sometimes look harmless at first, so any new or growing lump should be examined by a medical professional.
Dark Streaks Under Nails
Many people don’t think about skin cancer affecting their nails, but melanoma can appear as a dark streak under a fingernail or toenail. It may look like a bruise but won’t go away over time. If your parent notices a dark line or spot under their nails that doesn’t grow out with the nail, they should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/research/many-older-adults-dont-protect-their-skin-from-the-sun.html
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home Services in Milledgeville GA, please contact the caring staff at Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services, Inc. today at 478-745-5111.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Macon, Warner Robins, Perry, Gray, Milledgeville, Forsyth, Cochran, Jeffersonville, Eastman, Fort Valley, and the surrounding areas.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare has been providing in-home care services since 2002 throughout the Macon and Middle Georgia Area.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services provides in-home care that improves the lives of the clients. Our services help them maintain the highest possible level of independent living. We provide In-home private duty care and care management services for seniors throughout the Middle Georgia area.
Our CNA (certified nursing aides), caregiver, and companion services allow our clients to age in the place where they feel most comfortable and secure - at home. Combine our Home Care Services, with our Geriatric Care Management component, and we provide the most comprehensive assistance for the Middle Georgia areas seniors.
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