Skin Care for the Elderly

Elderly patients are prone to skin tears, irritation and infection, especially if they are diabetic. In these cases, lack of proper skin care can result in gangrene, a serious infection that, in severe cases, results in amputation. When caring for an elderly patient, skin care is as important as assisting them with their everyday activities.

Bathing

• In many long term care nursing facilities, elderly patients are assigned one or two days a week for a bath or shower, and are washed up in their rooms twice a day on the days in between. The skin of an elderly patient does not contain as much oil as it once did, though, and therefore the temperature of the water should be warm rather than hot; if it's too warm, any oil left in their skin can be washed away, leaving their skin more susceptible to breaking open, which can lead to infection.

  You should also use a mild soap when washing them; this is not as harsh on their skin and helps prevent it from becoming dry. Some patients require the use of special soaps and shampoos such as Nizoral; this is made especially for those who suffer from specific skin conditions such as eczema.

Moisturize

• Due to the loss of natural oils in the skin, it is necessary to apply a moisturizing lotion after a bath and multiple times through the day. When an elder's skin becomes dry, it begins to itch. The more he scratches, the more likely his skin is to break open, leaving room for bacteria to move in and infection to take place. Using a moisturizer regularly helps reduce the itchiness, thus reducing the likelihood of infection.

Choose Loose Clothing

• This is especially helpful for elderly patients who are prone to excessive sweating. The loose clothing helps absorb the excess perspiration which reduces the chance of her developing a fungal infection. For diabetics, nylon stockings are generally not recommended; they can lead to a fungal infection of the feet which are a danger zone for those with diabetes. This condition makes it difficult for healing to take place and can result in a more serious infection such as gangrene.

Skin Care for the Bedridden

• It is not uncommon for some patients to be confined to their bed 24 hours a day. This is when skin care is vital, especially if they are incontinent of bowel and bladder.

  First, they should be checked a minimum of every two hours to ensure they are dry and clean. If they have soiled themselves, they need to be changed immediately. However it is necessary to wash his backside and groin area thoroughly, drying him completely before applying another attends. Urine is like acid, and if left on the skin, will lead to breakdown in these areas quickly. Drying the areas completely is necessary to reduce the risk of a fungal infection forming.

  Once this process has been performed, it is necessary to reposition him; this should also be done at least every two hours. The best routine is to place him on one side for two hours, on his back for two hours and the opposite side for two hours. This needs to be repeated throughout each shift and helps relieve pressure on all areas of the body.

Observe and Report

• As you are providing skin care, you need to be observant of any changes in your patient's skin. From moles that have changed shape to a new area that has broken down and torn apart, it all needs to be reported immediately. The sooner she receives treatment for her condition, the better her chances are for a complete recovery.