As your senior gets older, her skin isn’t producing as much oil any longer to keep it protected and healthy. She may even find that her skin is feeling dry and itchy a lot more often than it used to. Left unchecked, dry and itchy skin can actually become a health problem. Scratching at irritated skin can cause sores that can become infected. Avoiding that is incredibly important.
Causes of Dry, Itchy Skin
Lots of factors can contribute to dry skin, including health issues. Kidney disease, thyroid issues, and diabetes are just a few of the health problems that can make dry skin worse. But there are environmental factors, too, like if your senior isn’t hydrating well or if she’s feeling extremely stressed. If your elderly family member spends a lot of time outside, wind and sun can be drying, too.
Use Mild Soap
It’s important not to add to the dry, itchy skin issues if possible, so you might want to consider switching your senior to a mild soap without a lot of fragrances and additives. Milder soap tends to rinse off more completely, which can help with skin irritation. A caregiver can help your senior with bathing and other skin care regimens when you can’t be there to help.
Take Fewer Baths and Showers
On the subject of baths and showers, it’s possible that your senior doesn’t need to bathe every single day. Taking fewer showers and baths can help her to avoid potential irritants. Watch water temperature, too, because water that is too hot is exceptionally drying.
Use Moisturizers Every Day
Moisturizers and lotions every day help to lock moisture into your senior’s skin. Make sure to choose ones that don’t have a lot of added fragrances and ingredients that could be drying, like alcohol. If your elderly family member has cracked skin, moisturizers and lotions might be even more irritating. Talk to her doctor about how to handle broken skin issues.
Check Humidity Levels
If the humidity levels in your senior’s home are too low, her skin is likely to stay dry and itchy. Using a humidifier, or even putting bowls of water out on flat surfaces, can help more than you might think. You might want to consider using an inexpensive humidity monitor that allows you to see humidity levels at a glance.
Your senior may have difficulty keeping up with skincare as she grows older. If you’re not able to be there to help her, she may find that it’s very helpful to have a caregiver there to help with tasks like bathing, skincare, and getting dressed.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Caregivers in St. Pete Beach, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
Latest posts by Becky Moultrie (see all)
- Five Things You Should Know About In-Home Care - April 7, 2023
- Are There Healthy Alternatives to Caffeine for Seniors? - March 31, 2023
- Home Care Assistance Covers a Range of Services and Support - March 24, 2023
Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
