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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.
Take a picture of the redness and send it to her PCP or dermatologist, explaining it's been there for about 2 months inspite of wearing sunscreen.

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.
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Reply to Geaton777
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Check her medications for sensitivity to light. Make sure the sunscreen is a high SPF and is water and sweat proof. Get aloe lotion that’s fragrance free
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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Has she been introduced to a new med or change with an old one.

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.
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Sandra2424 11 hours ago
Very good point. I didn't think about meds, but they can make her more sensitive to sun and heat.
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Maybe her body can't take the heat. This sounds something like early sunstroke. Keep her hydrated and in the shade if she goes out. Many elderly cannot tolerate being in the heat, but don't seem to notice until their body can't tolerate anymore and they get symptoms of a fever, being red and flushed, profuse sweating causing loss of fluid and electrolytes, and possible loss of consciousness.
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.
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I’d go with the lotion as it’s easier to apply.
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