Having uncomfortable skin is more than uncomfortable; it can lead to other health issues or injuries. Whether it’s extremely dry skin, itchy skin, or injured skin, helping your loved one take care of her skin will make her more comfortable and avoid the complications that can stem from unhealthy skin. A personal care at home aide can watch for condition changes in their skin and help with the treatment and prevention of those conditions.
Common Skin Conditions in the Elderly
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Personal Care Suffolk County, NY – Skin Care Basics for Your Elderly Loved One Dry and Itchy Skin
As a person ages, the skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and less naturally moisturized. It’s not uncommon for areas such as the lower legs, elbows, and arms to become drier, and thus often result in more itchy skin. Itching the skin just makes it worse, despite the immediate relief it provides.
- Sunburn
That thinner skin is also more susceptible to sunburn if exposed to the sun’s rays for any length of time. Some medications that are common for the elderly to use can put them at an even higher risk of sunburn.
- Skin Cancer
Skin cancer occurs when the cells of the epidermis begin to grow out of control and form tumors. These tumors can look like moles that have had their appearance start to change or have newly formed.
- Shingles
Shingles is a virus that leads to an extremely painful skin rash. It often occurs in the elderly who have had chicken pox while younger and have carried the dormant virus for decades.
- Rosacea
Rosacea is a facial condition where the skin becomes inflamed and red, sometimes causing feelings of burning or tingling, and can get worse in the sun.
Four Skin Care Tips to Never Skip
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated can help skin stay moist and supple.
- Be gentle when cleaning. Have your loved one stay away from extremely hot water, harsh soaps, and vigorous scrubbing.
- Moisturize regularly. From head to toe, regular moisturizing can prevent painful cracking and reduce itchiness.
- Examine skin routinely. Your loved one should look for changes in her skin and report any she sees to her doctor to be reviewed.
Getting Help for the Skin Your Loved One Can’t Reach
The problem with skin is that it goes everywhere on the body, and then that creates issues because as a person gets older, they often lose the ability to reach or see all of those areas. That can lead to skin that doesn’t receive the care it needs to stay healthy. Your loved one may not be able to apply lotion or sunscreen to all parts of her body, or she might be able to see that a mole has started to change on the back of her shoulder.
Having a professional who offers personal care at home for seniors can be one way to help your loved one keep all parts of her skin in good shape and examine for changes. If reaching her feet is a problem, a personal care at home provider can help her with applying lotion and checking for any injuries. If the back or shoulders are a tough place for her to reach to apply sunscreen, a personal care at-home provider can help make sure she’s adequately covered to keep her skin protected and safe.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and the only one on the outside, so taking steps to help your loved one keep her skin healthy is an important part of the care you provide.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care Services in Suffolk County, NY, please contact the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call (631) 424-7827
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Long Island and NYC, including Dix Hills, Floral Park, Great Neck, Huntington, Manhasset, Massapequa, Northport, Plainview, Rockville Center, Stony Brook, Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Queens County.
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