Senior Skin Care Tips from Home & Hearth Caregivers
As we grow older, our skin turns drier and more delicate. According to Medscape, as many as 75% of the elderly deal with dry, flaky skin, which is not only easily injured (cut, scratched, or bruised), but also commonly includes uncomfortable itchiness.
The most common places for dry skin in older adults are the forearms, lower legs, and elbows. For seniors who are less mobile than they used to be, dry skin could also play a role in the development of pressure sores from staying in one position too long in either a bed or chair.
Dry skin can be caused by the loss of sweat and oil glands. If your senior loved one is encountering the irritation of overly dry skin, Home & Hearth Caregivers can assist! Try these senior skin care tips to help rehydrate skin:
- Avoid hot baths and showers. Warm water is less drying to the skin.
- Urge the individual to bathe less frequently if feasible. While cleanliness is necessary, the utilization of “dry baths” (with a moist towel) can be sufficient between baths and showers.
- Utilize mild soaps and shampoos on the person’s skin. If his/her skin or scalp is especially dry, there are special products, such as Nizoral, that could help.
- Moisturize the individual’s skin well, particularly after bathing or showering.
- Use products that are unscented, as perfumed products tend to further irritate the skin.
- Be sure the elderly person consumes ample liquids.
- Think about making use of a humidifier in the wintertime or in dry climates.
- If the person smokes, help him or her to quit.
- Integrate stress-reducing activities into the older person’s everyday schedule.
- Make certain that he or she uses sunscreen when going outdoors, and limit direct exposure to the sunlight.
It is a great idea to inspect your senior loved one’s skin on a regular basis to see if there are any signs of excessively dry skin, and seek medical care if necessary.
Serving La Grange, IL and the surrounding area, our skilled caregiving staff at Home & Hearth Caregivers can offer hourly or live-in care assistance with bathing and dressing, toileting or incontinence, and many other personal care tasks to help keep older adults safe and in good health at home. We also offer a complete range of in-home care La Grange, IL seniors need, like light housework, cooking, running errands, providing transportation, companionship, and so much more.
Contact us at 800-349-0663 today to schedule a free in-home assessment. Our dedicated in home caregivers can help you and your loved one determine what degree of care and services are best for his or her unique needs.