Seniors can be prone to getting skin infections, especially in the warm summer weather. A skin infection can be quite serious for someone who is older, so if your senior parent does get one, it needs to be treated as soon as possible.
But it’s best to try and prevent your mom or dad from getting a skin infection in the first place. Skin infections are common in seniors because of the way that a senior’s skin changes as they age.
The skin thins out because the fat pad underneath disappears. As people age, their skin loses elasticity and firmness. Small scratches and punctures happen frequently when seniors scratch their skin, bump into things, or get bitten by insects. Bacteria can get into those openings in the skin and cause rashes and infections.
Some things that personal care at home and family caregivers can do to help seniors avoid getting skin infections are:
Personal Care At Home
Personal care at home is specialty care for seniors to help them with hygiene and showering. Regular showering is one way to prevent skin infections, but seniors may avoid showering because they are afraid of falling or they are embarrassed about needing help.
With personal care at home services, seniors get compassionate and experienced care with hygiene tasks from caregivers who know how to help seniors stay safe while showering.
Moisturize Regularly
Keeping the skin well-moisturized prevents dryness and cracking, which can be entry points for bacteria. Seniors should use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer daily. Because many seniors have sensitive skin, your mom or dad should avoid using products that have chemical scents. Simple and natural moisturizers are best. Try moisturizers and soaps made for babies because they are designed to be very gentle and they’re free from dyes and perfumes.
Inspect the Skin Daily
Regularly check for cuts, abrasions, or areas of irritation. Promptly treating minor skin issues can prevent them from becoming infected. This is especially important for seniors with diabetes. Diabetic seniors are prone to skin infections and trouble with their skin, so they need to be vigilant about examining their skin and getting treatment for infections that do occur.
Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet
Proper hydration and nutrition support overall skin health. Drinking enough water and consuming a diet rich in vitamins and minerals help maintain skin integrity and resilience. That way, if your mom or dad does get a skin infection, their immune system can help their body fight it off quickly.
Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing
Tight clothes that don’t allow for air circulation can mean that sweat sits on the skin all day. That can cause rashes, infections, and conditions like eczema. Seniors should wear clothing made from natural fibers like cotton to allow the skin to breathe and prevent irritation.
This is especially important in the summer months. As the temperature heats up seniors will sweat more. If they are not wearing clothing that is breathable they could end up overheating as well as sweating too much.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home in Sacramento, CA, please contact the caring staff at Health is Wealth Home Care Agency, LLC. (925) 446-4003
Health is Wealth Home Health Agency is a top provider of home health services in Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano, Sonoma, Napa, San Francisco, and Marin Counties, including the towns of Concord, Sacramento, Vacaville, Davis, Napa, Fairfield, Oakland, Martinez, Vallejo, and Walnut Creek.
