Skin Infections in Older Adults
Skin infections are a common problem among older adults. They are more prone to conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Age-related changes in the skin, such as thinning of the epidermis, loss of elasticity, and increased melanin production, contribute to this susceptibility. Additionally, aging affects the immune system, making it harder to fight off bacteria and fungi that cause infections.
The changing lifestyles of older adults, including increased technology use, also expose them to harmful bacteria and fungi, raising the risk of infections.
What is a Skin Infection?
Skin infections affect the skin, hair, and nails. Common types include acne, impetigo, cellulitis, and folliculitis. They can result from cuts, scrapes, bacteria, viruses, or allergies to materials like nickel or copper. These infections often cause redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, or pain in the affected area.
How to Prevent Skin Infections
The best way to prevent skin infections is to maintain good hygiene and healthy practices. Here are some tips:
- Wash hands frequently.
- Wear closed-toe shoes.
- Avoid contact with infected individuals.
- Use proper skincare products to maintain healthy skin.
- Practice a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular exercise.
Cleansing your skin and using anti-bacterial lotions can also help. Apply sunscreen, wear appropriate clothing, and promptly treat existing infections with over-the-counter or prescription medications if necessary. Consulting a dermatologist or general physician can provide additional guidance.
Common Types of Skin Infections in Older Adults
- Cellulitis: A bacterial infection that spreads quickly, typically affecting the lower extremities.
- Impetigo: Causes blisters and is common among older adults.
- Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome: A severe bacterial infection that enters through wounds, causing redness, tenderness, and pain.
Using dressings like Allevyn or Mepilex foam can help manage these infections. These dressings create a moist environment for faster healing and are easy to remove without causing trauma. Both products are available at Sky Medical Supplies, a leading provider of medical supplies in Denver.
Treating Skin Infections
Treating skin infections may involve:
- Antibiotics or topical remedies.
- Specialized dressings like Mepilex Foam to maintain a moist healing environment and provide thermal insulation.
- Frequent dressing changes to ensure cleanliness.
Sky Medical Supplies offers a variety of wound care options, including surgical masks, sterile gloves, and post-op Tegaderm transparent films.
Self-Care for an Aging Body
Skin infections can result from poor hygiene, damaged skin, or underlying conditions. Preventing infections involves:
- Maintaining a healthy diet.
- Exercising regularly.
- Using age-specific skincare products, such as moisturizers, cleansers, and serums.
Aging naturally makes the skin more fragile, so self-care is crucial. Drink plenty of water, exfoliate with natural remedies, use sunscreen daily, and avoid excessive sun exposure. Sky Medical Supplies provides wound care solutions like foam dressings and post-operative transparent films to support healthy aging.