New study reveals the benefits of daily sunscreen use.

A daily dose of sunscreen, combined with other protection such as a hat and a shirt, are just what the doctor is prescribing to keep seniors safe this summer. A study recently published in the American Medical Association's Archives of Dermatology (Vol. 139, No. 4) found that applying sunscreen every day could reduce the formation of actinic keratoses, a potential precursor to skin cancer, particularly in older Americans.

Seniors, who want to spend some of their summer and early fall days out and about in the sun, can benefit from following these recommendations, according to one of the nation's most respected dermatologists, 81-year-old Dr. Jerome Litt, author and frequent television talk show guest. "I tell people to slip, slap and slop: Slip on a shirt, slap on a hat and slop on some sunscreen," Litt said. "Commercial sunscreens, with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, filter out harmful and cancer-producing rays of the sun."

That's good news for this area's active seniors. "So many of the elderly love to be outdoors, walking, gardening, golfing and fishing," said Al Jensen, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office in Encino and Santa Clarita Valley. "Our CAREGivers are with elderly clients day in and day out. By educating our clients and their families about the importance of protecting themselves from the sun, we help ensure that seniors can continue to do what they've always loved to do outside," said Jensen, whose offices provides non-medical home care and companionship to this area's seniors.

Growing evidence through the years has linked the sun to dangers such as skin cancer, particularly for the elderly. According to the American Cancer Society, one risk factor for skin cancer--actinic keratoses (AKs)--occurs most often in those who are middle-aged or older with light skin who have been exposed to too much sun. Small, scaly patches on the face, ears, backs of the hands and arms characterize AKs.

The April 2003 Archives of Dermatology study found that survey participants who used sunscreen daily--even when they weren't planning to be outside for extended periods--had developed 24 percent fewer AKs than those people who used sunscreen at their own discretion. "This survey implies that even a quick trip, in and out of a vehicle, to places like the senior center or grocery store can be dangerous," Home Instead's Jensen said.

The results should offer sound advice for the elderly, particularly those who are on medications. "Many people who take certain medications develop itchy rashes when exposed to the sun," Litt said. "These are known as photosensitive reactions and are common after taking sulfa drugs, such as many high-blood pressure and oral antibiotic medications, in particular." Seniors taking these medications should be particularly diligent about use of sunscreen, he said.

But medications aren't the only issues. Characteristics of aging skin make it more susceptible to the sun. In his book, "Your Skin from A to Z" (Barricade Books, 2002), Litt explains the changes that aging causes in the skin's epidermis, which often lead to problems in the sun. For instance, an overall thinning of the epidermis because of reduced hormone levels results in the thin, shiny appearances of aged skin that is exposed to the sun. Also, aging brings about a decrease in the number of pigment cells in both exposed and non-exposed areas of the skin. "This results in the inability to tan as deeply or as evenly as in earlier years," Litt said.

"The statistics about skin cancer paint a sobering picture," Jensen said. "According to the American Cancer Society, more than one million Americans will discover skin cancers this year. Another 54,200 will get melanoma, the most deadly skin cancer. Thanks to advanced research and awareness, seniors can continue to play an active role outdoors, even on the brightest, sunniest days."

How You Can Protect Seniors from the Heat and the Sun

If you're a senior or family caregiver to an elderly individual, following are tips--from the Environmental Protection Agency and Home Instead Senior Care--to help avoid skin problems and dehydration from the sun:

* Whenever possible, seek shade.

* Minimize sun exposure at Standard Time (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

* Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher on exposed areas.

* Re-apply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or perspiring.

* Wear a wide-brimmed hat and clothing that covers your body.

* Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

* Wear UV-protective sunglasses.

* Drink plenty of fluids.

* Check the UV index daily.

* Check out the UV (Ultraviolet) Index.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Weather Service (NWS) provide a UV Index--a daily forecast of the expected intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation can cause immediate damage, such as sunburn, and long-term problems, such as skin cancer and cataracts. You can log in your ZIP code and get the current UV rating for your area, along with an explanation of what it means. For more information, log on to www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html

For more Information check out the American Academy of Dermatology Web site at www.aad.org lot more information about skirl cancer screening, or visit the American Cancel Society Web site at www.cancer.org (or call 1-800-227-2345) to learn more about skin cancer.

This article was provided by Home Instead Senior Care. For more information visit www.homeinstead.com.