Prevention Of Skin Infection Among The Elderly
Taking good care of the skin is a vital routine that has to be religiously followed by the elderly.
They are the ones who are prone to developing skin irritations and diseases brought about by the normal process of aging.
It has to be understood that as a person ages, so does the integument thereby becoming even dryer and more sensitive.
Seniors and the caregivers assigned to look after them must be watchful for initial signs of skin rashes or any kind of abnormality because of the fatality these may bring when unnoticed.
In the long run, prevention is ultimately better than cure especially when dealing with skin concerns among old people.
Avoiding frequent baths is perhaps the best way to avoid over-drying skin surface.
While it is true that bathing is the best way to clean the whole body, such activity must not be overdone among senior citizens.
Furthermore, scrubbing has to be eliminated during bath periods as this may cause unexpected blisters especially if carried out with a plastic scrubber or rough face towel.
Water temperature must be maintained to lukewarm to nearly cold but never hot as this could result to burning aside from its drying effect.
Using a mild soap, like that of a baby's, is another rule when caring for the elderly.
To keep away from the possibility of infection, wiping with cotton bamboo towels instead of the cheap cotton ones is by far the best tip.
Adding a layer of hypoallergenic lotion will help replenish the skin and gives it enough hydration as well.
There are actually variations to consider when dealing with the elderly.
There are those who are able to perform their activities of daily living with little or no help at all.
For them, guidance and health teachings must be imparted.
On the other hand, there are also those who need complete assistance because of inability to move alone or due to certain conditions prohibiting full body movement.
For situations like this, it is important to be vigilant about frequently changing the position on bed.
An interval of at least two hours between repositioning is advised in the clinical setting and must also be observed in home care.
For open lesions caused by skin to linen rubbing, the best resort would be to consult a physician in order to gain proper treatment methods for the wounds thereby decreasing the possibility of garnering infection.
They are the ones who are prone to developing skin irritations and diseases brought about by the normal process of aging.
It has to be understood that as a person ages, so does the integument thereby becoming even dryer and more sensitive.
Seniors and the caregivers assigned to look after them must be watchful for initial signs of skin rashes or any kind of abnormality because of the fatality these may bring when unnoticed.
In the long run, prevention is ultimately better than cure especially when dealing with skin concerns among old people.
Avoiding frequent baths is perhaps the best way to avoid over-drying skin surface.
While it is true that bathing is the best way to clean the whole body, such activity must not be overdone among senior citizens.
Furthermore, scrubbing has to be eliminated during bath periods as this may cause unexpected blisters especially if carried out with a plastic scrubber or rough face towel.
Water temperature must be maintained to lukewarm to nearly cold but never hot as this could result to burning aside from its drying effect.
Using a mild soap, like that of a baby's, is another rule when caring for the elderly.
To keep away from the possibility of infection, wiping with cotton bamboo towels instead of the cheap cotton ones is by far the best tip.
Adding a layer of hypoallergenic lotion will help replenish the skin and gives it enough hydration as well.
There are actually variations to consider when dealing with the elderly.
There are those who are able to perform their activities of daily living with little or no help at all.
For them, guidance and health teachings must be imparted.
On the other hand, there are also those who need complete assistance because of inability to move alone or due to certain conditions prohibiting full body movement.
For situations like this, it is important to be vigilant about frequently changing the position on bed.
An interval of at least two hours between repositioning is advised in the clinical setting and must also be observed in home care.
For open lesions caused by skin to linen rubbing, the best resort would be to consult a physician in order to gain proper treatment methods for the wounds thereby decreasing the possibility of garnering infection.
