Elder Care: Your mom’s skin is getting extremely dry and flaky.
It’s becoming concerning as her clothing irritates her skin, and you worry about the dry skin on her feet cracking and leading to an infection. Why is this happening? Is there anything you or your elder care provider can do?
Talk to Her Doctor
Talk to your mom’s doctor to make certain skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis have been ruled out as a cause of her dry skin. Her skin health is likely due to aging, lower collagen stores, and declining oil gland production. But, it’s always good to ask for a professional opinion.
Check Her Shower and Bath Water Temperature
If your mom regularly bathes in water that’s too hot, it can dry out her skin. She needs to turn down the temperature and limit showers and baths to no more than 10 minutes. After bathing, she should apply moisturizer while her skin is still damp. Let her skin air dry before getting dressed.
Look for unscented creams or ointments that don’t have a lot of chemical ingredients, alcohol, and fragrances. Ideally, find creams that are approved by the American Academy of Dermatology. Aim for products that contain hyaluronic acid, lanolin, shea butter, jojoba oil, or lactic acid.
When applying moisturizers to the skin, don’t overlook areas like under the chin and neck, between the toes, and the heels. A lip ointment is necessary to prevent dry, chapped lips.
Make Sure She Stays Hydrated
If your mom is dehydrated, it can dry out her skin. Make sure she is drinking around two liters per day unless her doctor advises less. If she falls short of this, it’s okay if she’s eating water-rich fruits and vegetables like melon, oranges, berries, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
She may not love drinking water, but she could have smoothies made from water, frozen berries, and a little honey for sweetness. Herbal teas are also helpful in ensuring she drinks enough.
Eat the Right Foods
Your mom needs to ensure her diet includes foods that have plenty of antioxidants. Berries, leafy green vegetables, and nightshades like eggplant and tomato are great choices. She also wants to eat fish, nuts, and seeds that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Does your mom struggle with proper skincare due to her issues with mobility and flexibility? Hire elder care aides to help her with grooming and personal care. After her shower, she can have an elder care aide help her apply skin lotion to her hard-to-reach areas. Learn more by calling a specialist in elder care.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Elder Care in Jacksons Gap, AL, please contact the caring staff at Prime Home Health today. Caring for Our Friends and Neighbors in Tallapoosa, Chambers, Lee, Macon, and Russell Counties! Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! 334.745.7966
