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