Caring For a Senior Parent With Eczema
That’s one of the reasons why it’s very important for seniors to take good care of their skin. If your parent has trouble with showering or other hygiene tasks because of an illness or trouble with mobility, personal care at home can help.
Personal care at home for seniors is dedicated help with hygiene and sensitive tasks like transferring in and out of bed. It’s done by trained professionals who have experience helping seniors take care of hygiene and personal care safely and effectively.
If your mom or dad doesn’t like to ask you for help with hygiene tasks, but they need help, personal care at home is a great option. Some other things that can help your mom or dad manage their eczema symptoms and prevent skin infections are:
Moisturize Daily
Keeping skin moisturized is one of the most effective ways to manage eczema. Dry skin can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of infections.
Get your mom or dad a fragrance-free, thick cream or ointment, such as petroleum jelly or a product specifically made for sensitive skin. Your senior parent or a care giver should apply moisturizer at least twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed.
Help Them Avoid Triggers
Certain triggers can make eczema worse. Common ones include scented soaps, harsh detergents, certain fabrics like wool, and allergens such as dust or pet dander. Switch your mom or dad to mild, hypoallergenic soaps and detergents, and encourage them to wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton.
You can also help by keeping their home environment clean to minimize allergens. If they’re unsure about what triggers their eczema, keeping a journal of their flare-ups can help identify patterns.
Encourage Proper Skin Hygiene
Maintaining good skin hygiene is essential for preventing infections. Encourage your parent to take short, lukewarm showers or baths instead of hot ones, as hot water can dry out and irritate their skin.
After bathing, they should pat their skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing it, which can irritate eczema-prone areas. Remind them to apply moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.
Remind Them Not to Scratch
Scratching itchy skin can worsen eczema and lead to open sores, which can become infected. Help your parent find ways to relieve itching without scratching.
This might include using a cool, damp cloth on itchy areas or applying over-the-counter anti-itch creams that are safe for sensitive skin. Keeping their nails trimmed short can also reduce the risk of skin damage if they scratch unconsciously, especially at night.
Monitor for Signs of Infection
Eczema can sometimes lead to infections if the skin becomes broken or inflamed. Help your parent recognize the signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, or pus around an eczema patch.
If you or a care provider notice any symptoms of infection get medical care for them right away. If left untreated, skin infections can become very serious and spread throughout the body.
If you or an aging loved one are considering personal care at home in Abilene, KS, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home Central Kansas today. Call 620-603-0685.
Touching Hearts at Home Central Kansas is a Trusted Home Care Agency Barton, Dickinson, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Great Bend, Hutchinson, Larned, Lyons, Marion, McPherson, Newton, Pawnee, Rice, Reno, Salina, Sedgwick, Stafford, and the surrounding areas.
You may also like:
Five Tips for Coping with an Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis
Alzheimer's Care in Hesston KS: It can be difficult to adjust to a new diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Incorporating these…
Making Safety Modifications to Age in Place Safely
Senior Home Care in Lyons KS: In order for your senior to age in place safely, some modifications may need…
Congratulations, Jada!
Congratulations to our amazing caregiver, Jada Pinkston! Jada’s name was drawn from those who took the time to complete our…
March Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Dawn Swenson-Boroff, our March Employee of the Month at Touching Hearts at Home of Central Kansas! Your dedication,…
Happy Easter From Our Touching Hearts Family
May you enjoy the special Blessings of the Easter Holiday filled with the peace of His presence, the joy of…
Home Care Assistance Supports Heart Health for Seniors
Keeping their hearts as healthy as possible does a lot to ensure that seniors can continue to enjoy their lives…