When dry, itchy skin becomes an infected wound

If itching and scratching lead to an infected wound, how should the wound be cared for?

Older adults have thinner skin; even simple scratching or vigorous rubbing can cause abrasions and may progress to a bacterial wound infection.

The best skin care should start with preventing the root cause. If the itching is due to dry skin, apply lotion to moisturize the skin every time after bathing. Do not scratch; if it itches, gently rub instead. Keep nails short and file the edges smooth because nails can harbor bacteria. If nails are long, there is a chance of scratching until a wound forms, especially at night when you may scratch without realizing it. Alternatively, wear gloves to prevent nails from scraping the skin and causing wounds.

But if scratching has already caused a wound, the most important thing is to keep it clean. Clean the wound with saline and then apply an antiseptic. Avoid getting the wound wet or leaving the skin damp. When dressing the wound, gently pat it dry every time until it is dry.

If the wound becomes severe or has pus, you may need to take antibiotics; or if you also have a fever, you should see a doctor immediately.

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