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Ask Dr. Twaddle |
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My mother is homebound due to diabetes and has problems with chapping, very dry skin and itchiness. What can we do to keep her skin moisturized?
Dry skin and itchiness can be caused by natural changes that affect the skin with aging, such as a decrease in natural oils that help keep skin moisturized. Solving the problem and increasing your mom’s comfort level requires just a few simple changes in her daily hygiene regimen.
Although many of us routinely shower or bathe daily, this habit tends to deplete the skin of the natural oils that our bodies produce to keep our skin hydrated. Suggest that she bathe every other day or a few times a week to reduce dryness.
When she does bathe, she should be careful not to use water that is too hot or harsh soap, opting instead for warm water and mild soap or bathing gels for sensitive skin. After bathing, suggest that she use lotion, baby oil or even small portions of Vaseline before drying off, while her skin is still wet.
Adjusting home environment factors also can help with itchy dry skin. Lower the house temperature to reduce the hot, dry air that many heating systems produce; an extra sweater in the fall and winter months will help her stay warm. Use a humidifier in primary living areas such as the living room and bedroom. And as always, have her drink lots of water to keep hydrated. The skin depends on water to maintain balanced moisture. Wearing breathable cotton fabric also helps to avoid skin irritation.
It is important to make skin care a priority, particularly for diabetic patients. Severe dry skin and itchiness can cause chapping and if the skin is broken, infections that can lead to serious complications.
Because your mother is homebound you may want to consider Medical Home Visits, one of our Home Wellness programs. Medical Home Visits can provide primary care in your home and help to monitor her diabetes and dry skin to prevent infection and increase her comfort level.
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