Written by Chad Birt on Mon Mar 01 2021.
If you care for someone who’s immobilized, it’s important to regularly monitor and protect their skin. Prolonged periods of sitting or lying down increase the risk of bed sores and irritation, which if left untreated, can lead to skin, blood, or bone infections.
There’s no way to prevent mobility-related skin problems entirely, but there are things you can do to minimize their impact and help your loved one live more comfortably. But before you dive in and develop a custom skin care regimen, you need to know what to look for.
The natural aging process causes your skin to become thinner, dryer, and more fragile. Extended periods of immobility can exacerbate these changes, resulting in potentially serious problems, including pressure injuries, diaper rashes, and yeast infections.
Pressure injuries, or bed sores, form after sitting or lying in a single position for too long. If someone is immobile, their blood fails to circulate properly. Without adequate blood flow to certain areas of the body, the surrounding tissues die and slow-healing wounds form. Pressure injuries can occur anywhere on the body, but they’re especially common on or near bony areas like the elbows, hips, ankles, and heels.
Common symptoms of pressure injuries include:
Unusual changes in skin color or texture
Swelling
Visible skin or tissue damage
A wound that oozes pus
Diaper rash commonly affects immobile adults who wear incontinence products. Although diapers and disposable briefs are designed with comfort in mind, they’re responsible for catching urine and feces. These substances increase the risk of skin irritation as well as fungal and bacterial infections.
Common symptoms of diaper rash include:
Pink or red patches of skin near the groin, buttocks, or thighs
Persistent itching
Small, red, raised bumps
A yeast infection occurs due to an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. Almost everyone carries around small amounts of Candida, but certain conditions can cause it to multiply rapidly. That’s especially true for people who are bed or wheelchair bound and wear incontinence products.
Common symptoms of a yeast infection include:
Red patches of irritated skin
Pink or red pustules
Intense itching
Cracked or peeling skin
Many mobility-related skin problems develop slowly, over an extended period. In order to catch them early, before they present more serious issues, it’s important to conduct regular inspections.
It’s easiest to observe your senior’s skin when helping them bathe or dress. When doing so, focus on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to pressure like the lower back, buttocks, inner knees, and heels.
If your loved one suffers from incontinence, inspect the skin around their groin, buttocks, and thighs during diaper changes. When you do, look for signs of redness, chafing, or irritation.
Explain what you’re doing during each skin-check, especially if you’re caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s. If they get frustrated or ask you to stop, take a time out and come back later.
The easiest way to keep your loved one’s skin healthy is to establish a preventive care routine. It’s important to tailor the program to your senior’s needs, but some activities to consider include:
Regular baths are one of the easiest ways to prevent bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms from collecting on the skin. When helping someone bathe, use warm water and gentle, scent-free soap. Thoroughly wash and rinse all areas of skin that come into contact with sweat, urine, or feces. When it’s time to get out, use a terry cloth towel and gently pat their skin dry.
The foods your loved one consumes directly affect the health and condition of their skin. It’s important they eat a balanced diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, and lean-proteins. If your senior has special dietary needs, ask their primary care physician how to incorporate skin-friendly foods that are safe.
Many seniors fail to drink enough water due to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Over time, lack of water causes the skin to lose its elasticity, making it more susceptible to cuts, wounds, and bruises. Specialty products like thick water can help your loved one stay hydrated.
Senior skin is very sensitive to many of the additives found in laundry soaps and fabric softeners. To lower the risk of an allergic reaction, consider washing your loved one’s clothing in a mild, scent-free detergent. You might also want to consider swapping out scratchy or itchy materials from their wardrobe with cotton substitutes.
At Carewell, we understand the importance of skin care, especially for those who are immobile. Below, we’ve listed 5 of our best-selling products:
TENA ProSkin Barrier Cream is a fragrance-free skin protectant specially formulated to help protect fragile skin from moisture that can cause irritation. It's ideal for individuals with incontinence or those who experience skin sensitivities. With dimethicone and a blend of natural oils, it absorbs easily to create a protective barrier without stressing delicate skin.
Key Benefits & Features:
Creates a barrier against moisture to help prevent irritation.
Suitable for sensitive skin.
Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
Price: $10.92 - $109.23
Prevail Premium Washcloths Adult Personal Wipes
If you regularly assist your senior with diaper changes, consider Prevail Premium Washcloths Adult Personal Wipes. These wipes are made from a soft, smart fabric that’s hypoallergenic and scent-free. Each wipe are infused with Vitamin E, chamomile and aloe to create a super soft and strong pre-moistened adult wipe that is gentle on delicate skin.
Key Benefits & Features:
Skin Smart Hypoallergenic Lotion for skin wellness
Alcohol free, latex free and clinically tested
Each cloth is 12 x 8 inches
Price: $3.99 - $35.90
DermaRite PeriGuard Ointment Skin Protectant
PeriGuard ointment is a petrolatum-based barrier ointment with zinc and vitamins A, D and E. PeriGuard leaves skin soft and supple. No heavy residue – it goes on clear and removes easily even from sensitive skin. Use to treat skin irritations associated with incontinence or as part of a comprehensive prevention program.
Key Benefits & Features:
Enriched with vitamins A, D, E, Aloe Vera & Zinc
Zinc Oxide Barrier provides effective protection while promoting a healthy skin barrier
Ideal for skin irritations related to incontinence and other conditions
Made without natural rubber latex
Price: $6.06 - $188.39
Thera antifungal body powder provides a safe and effective way to manage yeast infections like jock itch and ringworm. It contains miconazole nitrate which relieves scaling, cracking, redness, and discomfort while moisturizing the skin. Application is quick, hassle-free, and provides near-instant relief.
Key Benefits & Features:
Free of all allergens, including talc, rubber, and latex
Helps treat and prevent fungus and skin infections
Ideal for bariatric patients
Powder formula
Price: $8.98 - $64.07
If you care for someone who’s wheelchair bound or bedridden and you have specific questions regarding skincare, contact our friendly, compassionate Care Team. Reach out at any time by phone (800) 696-CARE or send an email to support@carewell.com.
Incontinence care requires more than routine changes, accident prevention, and emotional support. See how perineal cleansers can help!
Medically Reviewed by Kiera Powell, R.N.
Diaper rash cream is an essential supply if you have a baby or care for a loved one who wears incontinence products. With high-quality diaper rash cream, you can keep the skin healthy and reduce the risk of common problems like diaper rash, yeast infections, and contact dermatitis.
Read More >Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.