In the elderly, chafes can appear in any area of the body, but most often they appear in the places that are exposed to moisture – coming from urine (the crotch in people with urinary incontinence), sweat (armpits, feet, skin folds), secretions (around the mouth, neck – in people with facial nerves paralysis – leaking saliva from the mouth) and are kept warm. In obese people, chafing appears between skin folds. In women with large breasts who do not wear bras – under the breasts.
The first symptoms of chafing include:
Redness, swelling
Leaking of serous fluid from the surface of the chafing area
Burning and/or itching, pain
Areas affected by chafing are exposed to bacterial and/or fungal infections
Ways to prevent chafing:
Maintain the daily hygiene of the elderly person and take additional measures if needed
Make sure the person has no moist bed linen or underwear (due to sweating caused by fever, pain, stress, hormonal disorders, etc.)
When changing diapers, use sanitary inserts
Check if secretions (e.g. saliva) have accumulated on the skin or mucous membranes
Dry the skin after washing, especially in places where its surfaces come into contact
Use using lose, seamless underwear and clothing made of natural fabrics
Regularly monitor the areas particularly vulnerable to chafing: the area of the body under the breasts, abdomen, between the buttocks, around the groin, armpits, on the inner side of the thigh
Put on and frequently change diapers carefully. Change them when they are filled, minimum 2 times a day and after each stool
Let fresh air into the room where the elderly person is staying
Use protective creams to ensure effective prevention against chafing e.g. with zinc or talc
If chafing occurs:
Use preventative measures as described above
Organize medical check-up and urgent treatment
Provide access to air to the affected areas
If chafing appears between the skin folds, separate the folds with gauze. If the areas under the breasts develop chafes, you need to secure them with gauze and make sure the person puts on bra (adjust the straps so that the breasts do not hang down).
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