Basic and supplementary care for bedridden patients

Caring for bedridden, chronically ill or elderly patients is a huge responsibility and one of the most difficult experiences in life. Fortunately, there are many specialised skincare products designed for bedridden patients which make it easier to complete everyday tasks. Are you wondering which ones you should choose? Will basic products suffice? See for yourself!

People who remain in bed for long periods of time are prone to many dermatological problems. Due to its uninterrupted contact with fabric, the skin produces a lot of sweat, which is an ideal environment for fungi and bacteria to grow. This quickly results in irritation and even skin damage. Furthermore, if the body is exposed to prolonged pressure, blood circulation in the tissues is impaired, which results in the formation of painful bedsores. Therefore, it is crucial to properly care for chronically ill patients using the right products. 

Basic skincare in the bedridden, elderly and chronically ill patients – what does it involve?

Skincare in elderly, bedridden or chronically ill patients who remain in bed for long periods of time involves two basic steps – cleansing and protecting the skin. In this case, it is best to choose products with carefully developed formulas, such as:

• Seni Care conditioning and washing body foam for bedridden patients, which does not require water. This product is rich in beneficial ingredients, including the linseed biocomplex, panthenol, olive oil derivative and lactic acid, which help cleanse and protect the skin without damaging its hydrolipid barrier. This body foam keeps the skin clean, soft and healthy. In order to guarantee perfect safety, this product has been dermatologically tested – you can rest assured that it will not irritate the skin even if it is used daily and it will make it easier to maintain hygiene also in incontinent patients;
• Seni Care body care cream with arginine, which effectively prevents the formation of chafes and bedsores. It contains many ingredients which not only protect the epidermis from dermatological problems, but also nourish it, accelerate its regeneration and soothe irritation. The advantage of this product is its lightweight texture – it is quickly absorbed by the skin, so it does not accumulate in skin folds and facilitate bacterial growth. 

However, a basic skincare routine may not be enough, especially if you want to prevent serious skin problems.

Supplementary skincare in elderly and chronically ill patients – why should you follow it?

Even if you provide your patient with a regular skincare routine, sometimes their skin becomes uncomfortably tight, dry, itchy and flaky. These unpleasant symptoms develop particularly in those patients who remain in bed for long periods of time, who are unable to move and change position independently, as well as in elderly patients, whose skin becomes thin, sensitive and susceptible to damage over time. 

In such cases, you should introduce a supplementary skincare routine for chronically ill patients. We recommend products characterised by a rich formula, such as:

• Seni Care washing and oiling body lotion – the perfect answer to the question often asked by carers: what should I apply to the skin of a bedridden patient? This product contains precious plant-based butters and oils which act as emollients and help nourish and moisturise tight skin. They bring relief to the patient and alleviate persistent itching. Furthermore, these ingredients facilitate the replenishment of lipids and help restore good condition and a healthy appearance to the skin. This lotion also effectively reduces temporary skin problems which may arise e.g. at the beginning of the heating season or when air conditioning is first used in the room where the patient is staying,
• Seni Care cream for dry and calloused skin with 10% urea – despite your best efforts, you cannot always prevent excessive dryness of the skin, accompanied by flaking and keratinisation of the epidermis. If you have noticed such problems in your patient, a cream with 10% urea is the solution you are looking for. Due to its high concentration, urea not only moisturises and nourishes the skin, but in combination with other ingredients it also helps regulate the process of flaking. It leaves the skin feeling soft, elastic and smooth. This product is recommended for those patients who need a strong moisturiser and emollient. It also works well as a compress, e.g. for the feet. Simply apply a thick layer of the product in the evening, put on cotton socks and leave them on until morning to allow the ingredients to restore softness and elasticity to the skin. 

Taking proper care of the body and keeping it in good condition is very important in the patients who remain in bed for long periods of time. Products that complement the basic skincare routine can help restore the optimal condition and comfort to the skin, and consequently improve the patient's wellbeing. As a carer, you won't have to worry about recurring irritation or other complaints that can sometimes persist for months. 

Take care of your bedridden patient’s skin in the best possible way and the daily tasks will become much easier and more pleasant for both of you. Try to keep this in mind.