Tara Linville, PA-C, who practices dermatology with Utica Park Clinic, shares skin safety tips for older adults as they embark on outdoor activities this spring and summer.
“As older adults get outside and have increased sun exposure, it is important to wear protective clothing, including a wide-brim hat and sunglasses,” Linville said. “They also need to apply sunscreen with a SPF 30 or above 30 minutes prior to exposure. Application needs to be repeated every two hours and sunscreen needs to be used even on cloudy days. Also, avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is most intense.”
Indicators of skin damage from sun exposure, according to Linville, are premature wrinkling, thinning of the skin, solar lentigo (sun spots), actinic keratosis, which are precancerous lesions, and, of course, skin cancers.
Linville advises everyone to have a baseline skin check and said if someone suspects they may have skin damage, it is important to see a dermatologist who specializes in detecting skin cancers. Those with significant sun damage or a history of skin cancer, yearly skin exams at minimum are recommended.
To schedule an appointment with Utica Park Clinic dermatology in Tulsa, call 918-492-8980.