This is my mom's first summer at her assisted living facility. She is spending a fair amount of time outside with the other residents. Staff tells me she wears her sun hat and does apply sunscreen. The last month or two her face, neck, and chest are quite red. It doesn't look like sun burn and there's no peeling. She says it doesn't hurt. But it looks like she just finished running a marathon. Maybe 'flushed' is a good word. Her skin is a bit sensitive to fragrances. She only takes 2 or 3 medications. She also hasn't spent much time outside the last couple of years. She loves to sit outside, and I'd hate to have her stay inside all day. AL is asking me to bring her some aloe vera for use at bedtime. Any thoughts on why she is so red? Should I buy pure aloe vera or a lotion with aloe vera? Thanks for your thoughts.
I would not put anything else on it -- not even aloe vera -- without talking to her doctor first.
In the meantime if she does need to use sunscreen, use a mineral-based one, like Blue Lizard, since regular sunscreens themselves can irritate sensitive skin.
Is she on a water pill like Lasix? You are not suppose sit in the Sun when taking a diuretic. My Dad was a gardener and found this out. If he went out, he had to cover up completely. A hat, long sleeves. It does itch too. If you find out its the diuretic ask her doctor if there is anything that can be used on it. Dad went for years not knowing this. It was his Cardiologist, years later, that told him the cause.
If she is not on a diuretic, check her meds to see if sun exposure should be kept at a minimum.
Since she is in AL, she can probably go out independently, so someone needs to keep an eye on her. This could be a serious reaction to the heat.