In the autumn and winter seasons, skin itching always comes on time, especially when the heating is turned on, the itching becomes more frequent. No matter how many medicines you take or methods you try, it doesn't get better. So, what should be done for elderly skin itching?
What are the symptoms of elderly skin itching?
Elderly skin itching often occurs before sleep, during emotional changes, after exposure to heat, during climate changes, after drinking alcohol or eating spicy and irritating food, or after eating fishy foods. It is more common in winter, especially when the temperature drops suddenly. It usually improves during the warm spring season.
Treatment methods for elderly skin itching
1. Traditional Chinese medicine internal and external treatment
First, regular physical examinations should be conducted to rule out chronic diseases that may cause itching, such as tumors, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid diseases.
For elderly people living in collective environments such as nursing homes, it is also important to rule out any infectious factors such as scabies, lice, or other mites.
If any of the above problems are found, the underlying diseases should be actively treated.
Traditional Chinese medicine internal treatment focuses on nourishing blood and moisturizing the skin, as well as dispersing wind and relieving itching. Commonly used formulas include Angelica sinensis decoction and blood-nourishing and skin-moisturizing decoction.
Traditional Chinese medicine external treatment methods include traditional Chinese medicine baths, fumigation, and steam treatment, which can also help to alleviate itching.
For example, a combination of drying and dampness-killing and itching-relieving drugs such as Sophora flavescens, Cortex Phellodendri, Centipeda minima, Cnidium monnieri, Herba Houttuyniae, and Szechuan pepper can be used in combination with blood-nourishing and skin-moisturizing drugs such as Angelica sinensis, Tinospora sagittata, and Artemisia argyi to make a decoction for whole-body bathing or steam fumigation.
It is important to note that moisturizers should be applied immediately after bathing.
In addition, traditional Chinese medicine ointments and medicated wines can also be applied externally to relieve itching.
2. Daily care methods
1. Avoid local skin irritation
Scratching, friction, hot water washing, or using strongly alkaline soaps are not recommended.
It is recommended to take warm baths and use skincare products that contain nourishing ingredients and mild surfactants.
The frequency of bathing in winter can be limited to 1-2 times per week, and after bathing, gently pat dry with a towel instead of rubbing vigorously.
Apply moisturizing lotion immediately after bathing.
2. Choose suitable moisturizers
Elderly patients with skin itching should use moisturizers daily, and increase usage to twice a day during dry periods.
When purchasing skincare products, check the ingredient list. Ingredients such as cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids can help repair the lipid barrier. Skincare products that contain more amino acids, lactates, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid sodium salt, and urea are more beneficial for moisturizing.
However, avoid using highly irritating topical medications.
3. Avoid emotional stimulation and enhance nutrition
Negative emotions can worsen itching, so it is important to maintain a positive mood and avoid excessive stress, anxiety, and anger.
Maintain regular sleep patterns to ensure sufficient rest.
Avoid spicy and stimulating foods such as alcohol, chili peppers, seafood, strong tea, and coffee.
Pay attention to a diverse diet and consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to ensure an adequate intake of vitamins.
Consume an appropriate amount of meat, eggs, dairy products, and soy products to ensure intake of fats and proteins.
It is also beneficial to consume nuts, dates, Chinese yam, lily bulbs, and goji berries to nourish blood and moisturize the skin. Traditional winter solstice porridge is also a good skincare food.
Warm tips:
Wear soft and loose underwear in autumn and winter, preferably made of cotton or silk rather than wool.
Maintain a suitable temperature and humidity in the living environment, as extreme cold, heat, dryness, or humidity can worsen itching.
