| Elderly people and their caregivers should | | | | is more thin, and more susceptible to |
| know about elderly skin care. It is important | | | | tearing. Which just leads to a bigger |
| to realize some of the common traits, | | | | problem. So, to reduce itchiness, try using a |
| problems and solutions. Elderly people will | | | | bathing oil after bathing. Be very careful to |
| have some specific issues that need to be | | | | avoid applying to hands and feet so the risk |
| recognized and treated effectively. This page | | | | of slipping is minimized. Apply talc to areas |
| will help you care best for elderly | | | | that sweat to minimize any fungal growth |
| skin.Elderly Skin TraitsThe most common | | | | which can lead to itching. And keeping |
| factor among elderly skin is the fact that it | | | | humidifiers in popular rooms will help |
| is usually always dry. This is because as we | | | | relieve itching.Keep An Eye On It: Elderly |
| age, our skin begins to thin. As it thins, it | | | | skin care should also always include routine |
| is less able to retain moisture, thus leading | | | | examinations of the skin for skin cancer and |
| to dry skin.Dry skin can lead to problems in | | | | other skin disorders. Look for moles that are |
| a younger person, but can cause even more | | | | changing shape (asymmetrical), color, or are |
| problems for the elderly. The thin skin is | | | | just looking different. Look for areas that |
| easier torn, and that lets bacteria get in. | | | | are peeling, red, irritated, chapped, cracked |
| The elderly have a harder time fighting | | | | or have severe itching. Keep an eye out for |
| bacteria off, so you don't want anything to | | | | new growths, sores that do not heal, the |
| increase their chances of infection.Treating | | | | appearance of new sores and pain. Knowing |
| Elderly SkinElderly skin care will always | | | | elderly skin care will help you recognize |
| include caring for dry skin. Treating dry | | | | these potential problems. If you notice any |
| skin is not hard; it just requires astute | | | | of these conditions, please see a |
| attention and getting in the habit of taking | | | | doctor.Don't Forget The Feet!As we focus on |
| care of it.Here's how you do it.Keep It | | | | elderly skin care, let's not forget one of |
| Clean: Always keep the skin clean. This | | | | the most important (yet often overlooked) |
| applies especially to the feet, groin, | | | | area of the body. The feet. The older a |
| underareas and armpits. Individuals who sweat | | | | person gets, the more prone the feet become |
| should wear loose, absorbent clothing that | | | | to problems. Corns, calluses, warts, dry |
| will wick the wetness away. If skin stays wet | | | | skin, fungal infections, ingrown toenails, |
| too long, it can become prone to fungal | | | | blisters and other foot |
| infection, rashes and even become extremely | | | | |
| dry.However, avoid hot baths or too frequent | | | | deformities are common. Proper care of your |
| showering/bathing. This will dry skin out | | | | feet, including |
| further. Warm water is the most | | | | |
| | | | regular checkups by a doctor, can alleviate |
| effective, and bathing every other day is | | | | most of these problems. The feet are also a |
| probably the most frequent to get.Cream based | | | | great way to tell if a person |
| cleansers for face and body are perfect. | | | | |
| Often, only localized areas need to be | | | | is at risk for diabetes.The Routine: Clean |
| soaped; the rest of the body can be flushed | | | | feet thoroughly with warm water, and dry them |
| with warm water. Avoid very bubbly products, | | | | completely. Remember to get between the toes! |
| as they usually contain harsh detergents that | | | | Thoroughly massage lotion or moisturizer into |
| dry out skin.Keep It Hydrated: Keeping dry | | | | the feet, avoided the spaces between toes. |
| skin hydrated is the best way to avoid | | | | Trim the nails straight across, and not right |
| potential problems like cracking, pain and | | | | next to the nailbed. Round sharp edges with a |
| itchiness (which we'll discuss below). After | | | | file.If the person is immobile, do daily foot |
| showering or bathing, lather all over with a | | | | exercises to get blood circulating.Always |
| thick hydrating cream. This will help seal in | | | | wear comfortable shoes, even around the |
| the body's natural moisture, and help skin be | | | | house. This is to protect the feet from |
| more comfortable.For the day, invest in a | | | | outside injury, as well as discomfort caused |
| heavy-duty moisturizer with sunscreen. At | | | | by inappropriate footwear.The Inspection: |
| night, use a hydrating night cream before | | | | Each day, inspect feet for a change in color, |
| going to bed.Keep It From Itching: Elderly | | | | dryness, swelling or tenderness. Check for |
| skin care is all about dry skin. But what | | | | any of the ailments listed above, from corns |
| makes skin dry? Well, as we age, our bodies | | | | to blisters. Be aware of any different |
| decrease their production of oily secretions, | | | | sensations, like tingling, numbness or pain. |
| which help keep skin soft, supple and | | | | Seek treatment if any of these signs are |
| hydrated. This decrease leads to drier skin, | | | | apparent.Now you know all you need to about |
| which can become itchy and uncomfortable. And | | | | elderly skin care. Go forth, be healthy, and |
| when our skin itches, we scratch it.This can | | | | enjoy these years. |
| be harmful for an older person, as their skin | | | | |