Caution for the Elderly

The elderly are more likely to suffer from dry, itchy skin because our skins lose oil-producing glands and are less able to hold moisture, as we get older. Using moisturising therapies can combat this.

Advice

Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy areas and keep the finger nails short to prevent damage due to unconscious scratching. Avoid wearing rough fibres such as wool over an itchy area. Keep the bedroom cool and ventilated and use loose, light bedclothes.

Excessive washing can dry out skin and aggravate pruritis. Usually one shower a day is sufficient and frequent long baths should be avoided. Also, use lukewarm rather than hot water when taking a bath. Minimize the use of soaps and use a mild soap with a skin-friendly pH value. When drying, use a soft towel and gently dry the skin by padding rather than rubbing.

Additive free oils and emollients can be used in the bath. Additive free moisturizers should be used while the skin is still a little damp. Aqueous cream is a soap-free product, which can be used for both washing and moisturizing. Avoid exposure to excessive heat and humidity.

It is important to eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water each day - a minimum of eight glasses a day is recommended. If certain food types are causing allergies, it is important to identify what these are and avoid them.

Cold compresses can be applied to the itchy area. Oral antihistamines, calamine lotion and various anti-pruritic creams can be used to help reduce itching. Care should be taken to avoid broken skin when using topical agents. If the itching has coincided with prescribed medication, then refer the matter to the doctor who prescribed it.

Treatment

Moisturizers

Emollients

Bath oils

Aqueous cream

Skin friendly soaps

Sunscreens

After sun

Humidifiers

Calamine lotion

Anti-histamines

Anti-pruritic agents

Nutritional supplements

Herbal and homeopathic remedies

Dr. A. Bose
© allcures.com September 2002