As people age, their bodies change a lot. One thing that changes is their skin. Skin become thinner and more fragile with age. It may break easier, with just a little bump or even by scratching an itch. It also may be dryer and more prone to bruising. Since September is National Skin Care Awareness month, it’s a great month to focus more on the special care that senior needs. Below are three common skin problems for older adults and how home care can help to pamper and protect their skin.
#1 Dry, Itchy Skin
Senior skin may be dry for a lot of different reasons, such as:
Home care providers can assist seniors with applying moisturizes to dry skin. They can also adjust the water temperature of the bath or shower so that it is a little cooler since hot water can dry skin even more. A home care provider can also make sure the humidifier is turned on and add water to it as needed.
#2 Sun Damage
The sun can damage skin over time, but it is never too late to protect it. Exposure to the sun’s rays can make skin wrinkle more, develop age spots, and lead to skin cancer. Home care providers can help older adults to protect their skin from the sun by:
Because older adult skin is thinner, it often bruises more easily than it did when the person was younger. The bruises may heal more slowly, too. Because some illnesses or medications may lead to increased bruising, it’s important to report unusual bruising to a doctor. In addition, there are some ways a home care provider can help prevent bruising, such as:
#1 Dry, Itchy Skin
Senior skin may be dry for a lot of different reasons, such as:
- Not drinking enough throughout the day.
- Dry air.
- Smoking.
- Being outside in the sun too much.
- Fewer sweat and oil glands due to aging.
- Diabetes.
- Kidney disease.
- Medications.
Home care providers can assist seniors with applying moisturizes to dry skin. They can also adjust the water temperature of the bath or shower so that it is a little cooler since hot water can dry skin even more. A home care provider can also make sure the humidifier is turned on and add water to it as needed.
#2 Sun Damage
The sun can damage skin over time, but it is never too late to protect it. Exposure to the sun’s rays can make skin wrinkle more, develop age spots, and lead to skin cancer. Home care providers can help older adults to protect their skin from the sun by:
- Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to the senior’s skin.
- Finding shady places for the older adult to sit when they are outside.
- Helping the senior to choose clothing that will protect their skin when they are outside, including a wide brimmed hat.
Because older adult skin is thinner, it often bruises more easily than it did when the person was younger. The bruises may heal more slowly, too. Because some illnesses or medications may lead to increased bruising, it’s important to report unusual bruising to a doctor. In addition, there are some ways a home care provider can help prevent bruising, such as:
- Suggesting that the senior wear long sleeves or pants to help protect skin.
- Helping seniors with mobility problems to move safely around the house to prevent bumps and falls.
- Removing unnecessary clutter from the home that may cause tripping or stick out into walkways where the senior might bump into it.