Although not as commonly discussed as other effects of aging, skin care issues in the elderly can cause great discomfort, particularly dryness and bruising. There are, however, some simple steps you can take to relieve and prevent these concerns from getting under the skin of your elderly loved ones.
Dryness
According to Medscape, the vast majority of seniors over age 65 suffer from dry, flaky, itchy skin due to loss of sweat and oil glands.
Simple solutions:
- Less frequent baths/showers with warm (not hot) water, and moisturize skin after bathing
- Try “dry bath” products to clean skin and hair without the use of water
- Use more mild soaps and shampoos, such as those with Nizoral for those with special skin conditions, and sunscreen when outside
- Drink plenty of fluids and use a humidifier to rehydrate the skin
- Avoid:
- Perfumes
- Smoking and stress
- Overexposure to the sun
Bruising
Bruising is more common in older adults, due to thinning skin and loss of fat and connective tissue that can weaken the support around blood vessels.
Simple solutions:
- To decrease inflammation and reduce the size of a bruise, apply a cold compress for about 20 minutes
- Keep bruised areas elevated as much as possible
- Get plenty of vitamin C to increase collagen
- Quit smoking, which decreases collagen production
The caregivers at Independence-4-Seniors are experienced in helping with skin care needs due to aging and are here to help your loved one with bathing/moisturizing, inspecting for changes, avoiding bed sores, and more. Call us today at 630-323-4665 or visit us online for more information.