FRAGILE SENIOR SKIN

Fragile Skin

Looking at our senior loved ones, we can see how their skin has changed and continues to change with each passing year.
The more fragile their skin becomes, the greater the risk for getting what is known as skin tears.

Skin tears are annoying and very painful areas where the skin essentially peels back after a loved one bumps it or moves certain ways, even from a wheelchair to the bed.
Skin tears can be scary to both you and your senior loved one.

There are things we can do to help prevent skin tears and the pain associated with them.
The skin of many older adults begins to look like tissue paper as they age. It becomes very thin and fragile, such that we can see each blood vessel coursing through their bodies.
This thinning skin is a result of changes in the layers of the skin as we age and as a result of other factors as well.

"Many seniors have bruises that seem to pop up overnight and tears that are unexplained. 80% of skin tears occur on our senior’s hands and arms. If they get a skin tear where the skin is flapping but still holding firm, clean the wound and then replace the skin over the open area before covering it. Avoid pulling it open again when changing the dressing. This loose skin will heal better if not removed."

Replaced skin over open area

 Use non-stick pads.  3M Coban, is the best self adhesive wrap to keep the non-stick pads in place.  http://www.amazon.com/Coban-Self-Adherent-Wrap-yd-Box/dp/B00112RP2C

Coban comes in delightful colors

Once the skin is damaged, it takes an older person longer to heal, too, which can lead to pain and potential infection of the affected site of the wound and cellulitis, although this is not as common as one would imagine.
Ways Seniors Get Skin Tears
There are many ways that seniors can get a skin tear, including bumping on something when they walk in the home or outside, hitting a wheelchair, transferring from one place to another, and falls or a strong grip from a care giver.

Skin Tear Prevention Strategies
There are some things that can help our senior’s skin withstand bumps and bangs.
    •    Wear long sleeves and long pants to protect them when they bump as much as possible
    •    Be careful removing any adhesives, like band-aids or tapes, from their skin
    •    When they’re sitting in their favorite chair, pad them with pillows
    •    Upholster any sharp edges in the home (some child safety interventions can work in this application as well)
    •    Moisturize their skin daily with emollient lotions; especially helpful are those that contain nourishing ingredients such as vitamins, fatty acids like omega 3s, and antioxidants
    •    Drinking plenty of fluids
    •    Observe for and control pain (especially if they can’t express it)
    •    When moving or transferring, handle them carefully
    •    Cleanse skin with pH balanced soaps but don’t scrub or use hot water; use only lukewarm water on tender skin
    •    Unclutter the living environment to prevent bumping
    •    Ensure adequate lighting so they don’t hit something they can’t see
    •    Use elastic sleeves, called geri-sleeves , that give more protection; cover wrists including thumb hole
    •    Reposition so that they are not putting pressure on sensitive areas
    •    Use heel or elbow protectors
    •    Wear proper foot covering in house too
(Some of the above information was gleaned from several web-sites as well as first hand experience in my present and past experiences in care giving.--rJs.)

Isaiah 41:13 - For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.