Rosacea is one of the most common skin diseases and can develop in people of all ages and skin types. Elderly adults are among the most likely to be affected with the most severe symptoms. Facial redness, bumps, thickened skin, inflamed skin, and burning and itching are the most common symptoms of rosacea. If you are a family caregiver with an aging relative diagnosed with rosacea, you may be wondering what you can do to help them cope.

Now isa good time to gather information about the symptoms and treatments that may affect your loved one. While the cause of rosacea is not known and there is no cure, there are lots of things that you can do to minimize symptoms and avoid flair-ups of the condition. Once you learn some tips and techniques on how to best care for skin affected with rosacea, you can also educate other family members and senior care aides on how to help.

  • Avoid sun exposure. Rosacea can flair up when the skin is truck with harmful UV rays. Elderly adults should always wear sunscreen that is at least an SPF of 15 or higher. Senior care assistants can also help seniors wear brimmed hats and seek out the shade when they are sitting outside.
  • Cover up in cold or strong wind. Dry, cold air can be one of the worst things for rosacea. Thats why senior care aides should cover elderly adults up on windy winter days with scarves and hats.
  • Apply dermatologist-approved moisturizer. Its easy for an elderly persons skin to dry out quickly, but especially when they are suffering from rosacea. Senior care assistants should apply the moisturizer after bathing or showering and throughout the day as needed.
  • Use lukewarm water to bathe. Hot water can aggravate rosacea, so family caregivers and senior care assistants should use lukewarm water when they are helping the aging adult get clean. Its also important to blot the skin dry with a thick towel instead of scrubbing the skin.
  • Stay away from spicy food. In some elderly adults with rosacea, eating spicy food triggers the condition. The spices cause the blood vessels to enlarge, rushing more blood to the face and aggravating the skin.
  • Monitor alcohol and caffeine consumption. Just like spicy food, alcohol and caffeine make blood vessels dilate, which increases redness, flushing and inflammation.
  • Stay current on medications. A doctor can prescribe some medication that may help with the symptoms of rosacea. Topical creams can lessen redness and reduce the red bumps, while oral medicines like anti-inflammatories and antibiotics may help with inflammation and swelling.
  • Be careful with makeup and skin care products. Certain makeup and skin care products may cause irritation to an elderly womans already sensitive skin. A dermatologist may be able to steer them toward products that are least likely to cause problems with the rosacea.

You may feel overwhelmed at all the responsibilities associated with caring for someone with rosacea. However, with education and information readily available and help from a professional senior care aide, you can make sure your aging loved one is as comfortable and healthy as possible.

Source:

https://www.rosacea.org/rr/2000/fall/article_2.php

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Eagan, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.