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Skin Care for the Elderly
In a survey conducted by theDepartment of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, MA., two out of three seniors studied reported medical concerns regarding their skin.
Skin is often overlooked in discussions of care for the Alzheimer’s patient. While the disease itself may not cause skin problems, a person with Alzheimer’s, as well as the elderly in general, are more susceptible to skin problems, ranging from simple itchiness and dry skin, to more serious bacterial or fungal infections Unfortunately, a loved one with Alzheimer’s is not always able to express the discomfort he or she may be suffering and the caregiver fails to notice the signs of skin problems.
Our aging skin Wrinkles serve as proof that our skin changes as we age. Our skin thins and begins to sag, causing wrinkles. Other changes are less obvious, such as the skin losing its ability to moisturize itself. The normal aging process of skin is often compounded by medications, some of which can cause skin irritations, living conditions, such as dry homes, and changes in behavior. As a person with Alzheimer’s loses his ability to care for himself, his skin may suffer the consequences and the caregiver may not notice potential problems. What to do
Cleanliness Recommendation: Provon Bathing cloths Consider using pre-moistened, rinseless personal washcloths or other rinse-less body washes to keep the skin clean. This is especially important when daily bathing becomes difficult. Use the wipes or rinse-less soap to clean the skin. Don’t overlook the areas most susceptible to infection--- the armpits, the genital areas and the feet. Bathing
Recommendation: Provon Antibacterial Body Wash Bathing keeps us clean, but it also washes away essential oils in the skin, leaving the skin drier. Bathing in warm water--- avoid hot water--- and using mild soaps or washes with a conditioner to help maintain skin moisture. These washes are often enriched with skin conditioners such as aloe, vitamins A & E, and jojoba oil. A Bathless Bath Recommendation: Provon Antibacterial Body Wash A no rinse body wash, one that requires no rinsing, allows for easy cleaning in the dressing area or bedroom. This is particularly helpful if the person is being difficult. Simply apply and wipe the person clean. Incontinent Care
Recommendation: Provon Antibacterial Perineal Wash If the person is incontinent, it is essential to use a body wash that is formulated to remove urine and fecal matter, and conditions the skin. Not all washes do this; please check the label. A perineal wash should deodorize and kill germs that may cause odor; it also should prevent disease. Moisturizing
Recommendation: Provon Skin Moisturizer or Provon Perineal Skin Protectant As we age, the oil in our skin dries, causing itchiness and irritations. If left untreated, the condition worsens. Scratching the irritation compounds the problem. Regular use of skin moisturizers enriched with emollients reduces likelihood of irritations. For people with incontinence, a perineal moisturizer protects delicate skin from irritation and provides a barrier from urine and fecal matter. Helpful tips
Towels: Launder towels with fabric softener. Discard old and scratchy towels.
Toweling: Dry the loved one thoroughly, especially in those areas that you may be too embarrassed to dry. Dampness, under folds in breasts, around buttocks and genital areas and between toes encourages irritation and infections. Look for skin blemishes. Scratching may be the only way a person with Alzheimer’s signals some type of skin discomfort. As the person becomes less mobile, the likelihood of skin irritations increase. The caregiver should look for irritations, rashes, bumps and bruises on a regular basis and discuss any skin conditions with a doctor. Moisturize regularly. It is good practice to establish a daily ritual of moisturizing the skin. Apply lotions immediately after bathing; it helps lock in moisture in the skin. Product links
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