Winter Weather Causing Dry Skin? Here’s How to Help
Megan’s mom, Sharon, loved to knit. Each day when Megan came by on her lunch break to check on Sharon, she found her sitting in her favorite chair watching her daytime programs and knitting. Thanks to Sharon, there was no shortage of warm hats and mittens in the family. In fact, everyone could be sure of getting a new pair of hand knitted mittens each year during the holidays. Lately, though, Megan noticed that Sharon wasn’t knitting as much. When she asked her mother how her holiday gifts were coming along, Sharon complained that the yarn was hurting her hands. Megan looked at her hands and noticed they were extremely dry and there were deep cracks on some of Sharon’s fingers. The dry winter weather was taking its toll.
Homecare in Mason OH: Weather Causing Dry Skin
It’s not uncommon for older adults to suffer from dry, itchy skin. The problem is often worse during the winter when the cold, dry weather seems to suck the moisture from everything it touches—including skin. Fortunately, there are ways you can help your aging relative to prevent and treat dry skin. Here are some things you can do.
Adjust the Way the Senior Bathes
The American Academy of Dermatology says that just changing some things about the way a person bathes can relieve and prevent dry skin. Some tips they offer are:
- Keep the bathroom door closed to trap moisture in the room.
- Take shorter showers, just 5 to 10 minutes.
- Avoid hot water. Use warm instead.
- Use mild soaps without fragrances.
- Blot skin to dry it instead of rubbing.
Elder care providers can assist seniors to shower and bathe safely while also looking out for their skin. They can test the temperature of the water to make sure it’s not too hot.
Drink More Liquids
Skin needs water to stay hydrated, so not drinking enough can cause it to dry out. An elder care provider can offer the senior plenty of liquids throughout the day. One way to do that is to keep a refillable water bottle close by at all times.
Use Moisturizers
Apply moisturizers at least a couple of times each day. Putting some on immediately after bathing or showering will trap some of the moisture. There are lots of options available in stores for dry skin relief. You can also use petroleum jelly to soothe cracked feet or hands.
An elder care provider can help your aging relative to apply moisturizers to areas of their body that are hard for them to reach, like their feet.
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Homecare in Mason, OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.
Sources
Michele Vollmer is a visionary leader who is perpetually searching for ways to improve, so to remain at the leading edge of the home care industry.She has served in the healthcare industry since 1989, including pharmaceutical and home health sales, as well as hospice sales and sales management.
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