Seniors and diabetics need to pay close attention to their skin! Even small wounds, if ignored, can develop into a serious condition. Anyone with circulation problems are particularly at-risk because blood-flow to a wound is what helps it to heal. Any problem with blood flow, or circulation, can translate into a "chronic wound". Wounds that don't heal quickly are called chronic wounds. Treatment for chronic wounds can easily cost one person over $100,000 in healthcare expenses - particularly if surgery is required to treat the wound. In the most serious of instances, chronic wounds can lead to amputation.
You are at-risk for developing a chronic wound if you:
Are diabetic
Have heart disease
Have circulation problems
Are elderly, receive home care, are in a nursing home, or have restricted mobility
Are elderly, receive home care, are in a nursing home, or have restricted mobility
Have been recently hospitalized
Have a dietary problem and/or special nutritional needs
Are suffering from other healthcare problems, such as cancer, that hinder the body's ability to heal
The most common areas for problems wounds are the feet and legs. It is important that you look at these areas every day, inspecting them for sores, cuts, bruises and other injury.
Preventing wounds and effectively treating wounds in their early stages is critically important!
The best way to keep your skin healthy is to protect it. Keep it clean, well-moisturized, protected from the sun, and well-nourished. A healthy diet, adequate sleep, proper hygiene, and limiting alcohol are good ways to keep your skin looking and functioning its best.
Protect your skin from cracking or tears - which can lead to problem wounds - by using an easily-applied lotion. Thick, greasy lotions are not adviseable.
Protect areas of the skin that experience a lot of pressure, like the buttocks, tip of the spine, heels of the feet and elbows.
Skin doesn't like prolonged exposure to water. Rashes, like heat rash, adult diaper rash, etc. are sometimes caused by too much moisture on the skin. Just ask someone who washes dishes a lot how much their hands burn and hurt. If a particular area on your body is at risk for moisture - for example, areas where you perspire a lot - keep it clean by using an anti-bacterial soap. Try using powder with cornstarch to keep it dry. If a rash appears, use a protective or barrier lotion. DO NOT USE GREASY OINTMENTS OR PETROLEUM PRODUCTS ON THESE AREAS.
If you wear adult briefs, use a good barrier lotion that protects the skin from moisture, medicates the affected area.
For routine skin care, stay away from products that work by burning or peeling away skin, such as wart removers, glycolic acids or salicylic acids.
Treat any cut, scrape or sore with a good cream or ointment.
Seek prompt medical attention if you have any loss of feeling in your extremities, loss of circulation, or have a skin problem that is not responding to treatment.