Cellulitis is a common infection that seniors get. Seniors tend to have thin skin that can crack or break when it gets dry. When bacteria enter any cracks, scratches, or breaks in the skin it can cause a cellulitis infection. The risk of cellulitis is one reason why seniors who are living independently should have personal care at home.
The best way to prevent cellulitis is to keep their skin clean, dry and moisturized. If your mom or dad has trouble showering or keeping up with hygiene tasks, personal care at home providers can help them shower safely and keep their skin moisturized.
If your mom or dad has personal care at home services, their care provider can also check your senior parent’s skin often for any of these signs of cellulitis. If a care provider notices any of these signs of cellulitis, they can get medical help for your mom or dad right away.
Redness and Swelling
Your mom or dad should be checked daily for red, swollen skin in any area of the body, especially around cuts or sores. The redness may spread fast and cover a larger area within hours. This redness is a sign that your body is trying to fight the infection, but it means the bacteria are active.
Often, a red line or streak will appear near the actual spot of infection. If you or a personal care at home provider notice creeping redness or a red line anywhere in your mom or dad’s skin, your parent needs immediate medical attention.
Skin Pain or Tenderness
Another sign of cellulitis is pain. The skin in the area of infection may feel sore or tender, even with a light touch. It may be hard to tell why it hurts, especially if your mom or dad doesn’t remember getting a scratch or cut. Pain is a key sign that something is wrong, and your mom or dad needs to see a doctor.
If your mom or dad has bruising that is causing pain, be sure to check the bruised area for any small punctures, tears, or scratches that could have allowed bacteria to get into their body. Seniors have very delicate skin that can easily tear.
Warm Skin
The skin over the infected area may feel warmer than the skin around it. This warmth can be a warning sign that there is inflammation under the skin. You may notice that your mom or dad has warmth in one area for a couple of days. If the warmth doesn’t go away, or if it gets worse, your mom or dad needs medical attention because they could have cellulitis.
Fever or Chills
A fever means the body is trying to fight off an infection. If cellulitis spreads or worsens, your senior parent might get a fever or chills. For seniors, even a low fever can be concerning, as it might show that the infection is affecting the body more deeply. Anytime your mom or dad has a fever they should see a doctor right away.
Blisters or Bumps
Sometimes, cellulitis causes small blisters or fluid-filled bumps on the skin. These blisters can be clear or yellowish. They may break open, leading to open sores. This can allow more bacteria to enter, making the infection worse. If you or their personal care at home provider see blisters or bumps on your mom or dad’s red or swollen skin, it’s a possible sign of a cellulitis infection.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home in Catonsville, MD, please contact the caring staff at A+ Personal Home Care. Call (443) 660-8757, After Hours: (443) 796-5241
A+ Personal Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving the Baltimore and DC Metro Area, with offices in Pikesville and Gaithersburg.
At A+ Personal Home Care, our mission has always been to provide exceptional care, compassion, and a nurturing environment for our beloved community members. Over the years, we have strived to create a place where individuals can find solace, engage in meaningful activities, and receive the highest quality of medical attention.
A+ Personal Home Care is always striving to improve and exceed expectations. We welcome feedback and suggestions from our clients and their families, as your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our care programs. We want to ensure that we continue to meet your needs and remain a trusted pillar of support within our community.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all the families who have placed their trust in us. Your support and loyalty inspire us to continue providing exceptional care every day. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere of love, respect, and dignity, and we consider it an honor to serve you and your loved ones.
Should you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our dedicated team. We are here to listen, assist, and ensure that your experience at A+ Personal Home Care remains fulfilling and positive.
Thank you once again for choosing A+ Personal Home Care as your partner in care. We look forward to sharing many more moments of joy, growth, and healing with you and your loved ones in the days to come.
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