This past year, people have increased their handwashing and use of antibacterial products to an all-time high due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The alcohol content in the hand sanitizer can sometimes cause mild skin irritation and drying of the skin that can lead to cracks and bleeding.

While this can be irritating for most, seniors are more susceptible to serious issues because of aging, which causes the skin to lose its elasticity. With the senior's skin becoming more fragile over time, a simple bump or fall could cause severe tissue damage.

This can cause seniors to suffer lacerations that are called skin tears, which are commonly seen in senior adults. According to LeBlanc K., Baranoski S. (2009) Prevention and management of skin tears. Adv Skin Wound Care (7) 325-332, nearly 1.5 million skin tears occur each year in older adults that are hospitalized or living in senior care facilities.

What can you do to help avoid skin damage and keep your senior loved ones free of dry cracked skin or tears? The National Institute of Aging recommends following these simple steps.

• Use moisturizers, like lotions, creams, or ointments, every day.
• Take fewer baths or showers and use milder soap. Warm water is less drying than hot water. Don't add bath oil to your water. It can make the tub too slippery.
• Try using a humidifier, an appliance that adds moisture to a room.

Cascade offers many options for seniors that want to keep healthier skin, here are a few that are bestsellers. And before using any skincare products, please chat with your family care provider or medical professional.

Skin Care Products

From soaps to lotions to antibacterial wipes, Cascade Healthcare Solutions has a catalog of nearly 100,000 products that can be shipped directly to your home or facility in an average of 1-3 business days.