As we age, our entire body goes through various metabolic changes; it should come as no surprise then, that our largest organ, the skin, has its own set of unique problems along the way. Elderly care in terms of skin in not the same as when we are young, specific issues need to be considered and treated, it therefore becomes essential that all family members, nurses and even friends whom we spend a lot of time with are aware of these requirements.
Let’s start with something that we all see, but may not be able to quantify. What are the traits of elderly skin:
- Our skin becomes thinner as we age, thereby losing its ability to hold as much moisture as before, elderly skin therefore is extremely dry, which can lead to a lot of complication in itself
- Once again, the thinning of the skin makes it weak; this combined with the dryness makes the skin extremely brittle and susceptible to damage. Thin skin tears much easier, occurring due to scrapes, cuts or even the friction between clothing or jewelry. Torn skin lets in bacteria and other germs, which can lead to infection. Special attention needs to be paid to torn skin, as the immune system is also weaker at an advanced age
However, we have all seen our elderly friends and know how their skin is slippery and weak, the question that arises therefore is; How do we take care of elderly skin?
Taking Care of Elderly Skin:
- KEEP IT CLEAN! This is the most important thing that cannot be emphasized enough. The skin of the elderly needs to be washed with clean water and a disinfectant to keep away any kinds of germs and infections. It is also advisable to go for elderly care services if required.
- Sweaty areas such as armpits, and groin should be kept clean so that sweat doesn’t accumulate and lead to a fungal infection, or even drier skin
- Avoid baths or showers that are too hot as this is very drying and their thin skin can’t handle the heat of the water as well as it used to
- Warm water is the best temperature for bathing in, and only wash their skin on alternate days, or even 2-3 times per week
- Use very mild, cream-based body cleansers which have added moisturizers to clean without harsh soaps
- Keep their skin hydrated to avoid the problems of cracking, splitting, painful or itchy skin
- After a bath or shower has been taken, the elderly adult should be covered from head to toe with a thick, very hydrating cream. This helps seal moisture in and skin becomes a lot more comfortable
- Skin may need to be hydrated again each night before bed. Being outside in a little bit of sun or wind can be very drying to their skin.
While these may seem like basic tasks that everybody can do, remember the elderly are not as flexible as you or their nurse. You can help by moisturizing their difficult to reach parts such as the feet and between the toes. Also and more importantly you can remind them of their daily stretches and exercises, as moving helps the circulation flow better in the body, nourishing the skin.
