Can anyone suggest an easy to use, not too tight, forearm and elbow protector that could be worn comfortably most of the day. My (81) year old wife , with Alzheimer’s, has skin in this area that is tissue paper thin. More than once, it has rubbed against something, sometimes me, and the top layer just peels off. VERY slow to heal after such occurrences.
The person that said long sleeve shirts might only hide the problem is absolutely correct. My wife’s latest tear occurred during the course of her day and we didn’t see it until getting her ready for bed that night.
But she does wear long sleeves anyway-for one, she always preferred long sleeves so I keep it that way, and two, we use loose fitting polyester moisture wicking athletic tee shirts from JoesUSA.com and they aren’t hot even here in Houston.
I followed the advice to use thick cotton tube socks with the toe cut out, at least temporarily, until I can check out the Posey Arm Skin protectors.
I’ll also second the suggestion of the use of Tegaderm once you have a wound. That can be purchased in 2” x 11yd rolls on Amazon at a fraction of the drug store price. It is amazing and can actually be applied over open wounds, per my wife’s wound care doctor, but on small wounds he recommended using Ferris’ polyderm foam pad, then hold on place with Tegaderm. And as someone pointed out, it stays in place with washing, etc and really does not tear even fragile areas if removed very slowly and holding the skin down underneath with your other hand. The Tegaderm is like a second skin. It is an extremely thin film. This combo has allowed two pressure sores that she had to heal very nicely.
And while I’m on a roll, since we went to the ROHO air seat cushions and an alternating low pressure air mattress topper ( made by Drive and costs less than $100) we have had no more pressure sores. Her wound care doctor said the alternating pressure mattress topper/ whisper quiet air pump system is the absolute best way to prevent pressure sores in bed.
Thanks again for all the good answers.
Big Jim M
We never found anything to help, and no, moisturizers will not do anything. Obviously try to avoid putting band-aids on the tears, as the adhesive will tear the skin when you take it off.
I really like the idea below that suggests cutting the foot off socks to use as sleeves. I'd give that a try.
It just dawned on me that maybe I shouldn't mention where they come from. But, they are industrial, not medical so I thought people might not know where to get them.
Its very important to be careful when you help your loved one get to their feet. Put your hands on their elbows and have them grab your arms at your elbows.
Hope this is helpful. 🌸❤️🌸
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