Your mom’s aging skin isn’t the same as it used to be. As you age, your collagen production declines and that can impact the health of your skin. Plus, aging skin is prone to certain skin issues. If she has elder care providers assisting her they may spot some of the conditions mentioned here.

Here are some of the common ones that you or her elder care aide may notice.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is more common than you might think. It affects 48% of older adults at some point, and it can spread to the toenails and cause toenail fungus. The fungus responsible for athlete’s foot thrives in warm, moist areas, making it easy to pick up at an indoor pool.

Cellulitis

If your mom has any areas on the skin that look inflamed or are warm to the touch, seek medical care. Cellulitis is an infection that often appears on the legs. If untreated, it can cause serious complications to your mom’s health, so it’s imperative that your mom sees a doctor.

Eczema

Eczema is extremely itchy and can be triggered by foods your mom eats or something more annoying like stress. If stress triggers your mom’s eczema, it can be harder to eliminate the red, itchy, or even scaly patches of skin.

Her doctor may recommend that she only washes her hair two days a week if her eczema is on her scalp. A tar-based shampoo may be recommended.

Liver Spots/Age Spots

Liver spots, also known as age spots, are prevalent in people with fair skin. They are flat brown or even blackish spots that often appear on the hands, face, arms, or shoulders. It’s important to have them looked at to make sure they’re not skin cancer.

Xerosis

If your mom’s skin is very dry and cracked, she could have xerosis. It’s most common on the lower legs and is caused by diminished collagen production and oil glands that no longer produce the skin oils they used to do.

Xerosis is a risky skin condition as the cracks can go deep enough to allow infection in. To prevent it, your mom should apply moisturizer regularly while her skin is still damp. She needs to avoid heavily perfumed soaps and very hot baths and showers.

Arrange to Have Elder Care Aides Help With Grooming and Hygiene

How do you help your mom deal with these skin issues? First, make an appointment with a dermatologist to have them properly diagnosed and discuss any possible treatment options. Second, make sure she’s taking care of her skin each day.

If she has a hard time with personal care and grooming, it’s time to address her need for elder care services. Hire caregivers to help her choose the right products when she’s shopping. At home, they’ll help her apply moisturizers and lotions that can help treat her skin conditions. Call our elder care agency to get started.

Sources: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/skin-problems-over-70.html

If you are considering hiring Elder Care Services in Willard OH, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161.  Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Ontario, Bucyrus, Mt. Vernon, Marion, Willard, and the surrounding areas.

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Stephen Sternbach

CEO at Central Star Home Health Services

With over 35 years of experience, Stephen Sternbach has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Star Multi Care Services since 1987. After the sale of the New York and New Jersey operations of Star Multi Care Services, Sternbach brought the company private where he remains President and CEO of this 40-million dollar company. With Sternbach at the helm, Star Multi Care Services employs more than 650 employees, in six offices throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.

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