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.