Do you have a parent, sibling, or loved one with Alzheimer 's disease? Have you ever noticed that they are constantly scratching , picking, or even tearing their skin until it hurts? This can be very distressing for them and for you as their caregiver. Sometimes they may not be able to explain the exact cause, so we need to be a little more understanding and try to figure out what is causing it.
Why are you scratching your skin like this? Let's find out the reasons.
There are many reasons why someone with Alzheimer's disease might itch. Let's look at the main ones.
1. Dry Skin
This is the most common and main cause of itchy skin. Especially as we age, our skin becomes thinner and its ability to retain moisture decreases. This causes the skin to dry out very quickly and start to itch.
Additionally:
- Using harsh soaps (especially those containing fragrances and artificial ingredients).
- Frequent bathing or showering with hot water.
- The weather is extremely hot, like in our country.
- Sometimes being in an environment with very cold , dry air.
Things like this cause the skin to lose its natural oil layer, causing it to become dry, flaky, and itchy.
2. Bug bites
Sometimes, small insects can also cause extreme itching. If the red rash looks like small blisters, you should also consider this.
| Insect/parasite | How to recognize it and what to do? |
|---|---|
| Bed Bugs | These creatures live in places like beds, mattresses, chairs, and carpets. They bite most often at night. Although there is no pain, small red blisters appear in rows. They are most common on places like the face, neck, and hands. They cause unbearable itching. You should see a doctor and get treatment. Get help from pest control professionals to control bed bugs in your home. |
| Fleas | If you have a pet like a dog or cat at home, you should be especially suspicious of this. The most common places where they bite are the ankles, hips, armpits, knees, and elbows. They cause itchy red blisters. Wash with soap and water, and apply calamine lotion or a cream recommended by a doctor. |
| Scabies | This is caused by a small parasite that lives under the skin. It is unbearably itchy, especially at night . It is most commonly seen on the wrists, between the fingers, under the armpits, and around the waist. This is a contagious disease . Therefore, you should definitely see a doctor and get a prescription for treatment. |
| Lice | They can be found on the head, private parts, or other parts of the body. They cause extreme itching. You can use shampoos or lotions that treat lice, which you can buy at the pharmacy. All clothes, towels, and bedding should be washed in hot water. |
| Ants and mosquitoes | If you are outdoors, you may get bitten by these animals. Wash the area with soap and water, apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream, and apply an ice pack to the area to reduce swelling. |
3. Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are more likely to occur in areas of the skin that remain moist.
- Athlete's foot / tinea pedis: An itchy, red, scaly rash that usually appears between the toes. It is common among people who wear shoes. You can use antifungal creams available at the pharmacy. The most important thing is to keep your feet, especially between the toes, as dry as possible.
- Ringworm / tinea corporis: This starts as an itchy, red, scaly patch. It then spreads in a circular pattern. This can also be contagious. You should use an antifungal cream.
- Candidiasis : This is an infection caused by a type of yeast. It most commonly occurs in moist, air-tight areas such as the armpits, under the breasts, and groin. It is important to keep the skin clean and dry.
4. Allergies
Some medications and foods can cause allergic reactions that affect the entire body. Similarly, something that comes into contact with the skin (e.g., a new type of soap, laundry detergent) can also cause an allergic reaction and cause itching in that area.
The important thing is, if no cause can be found, perhaps this skin scratching and scratching could be a behavioral symptom of Alzheimer's disease itself. That is, it could be something that the person does to comfort themselves or to distract themselves.
Home Care for Itchy Skin
The main thing is to prevent the skin from drying out and preserve moisture.
- Use a moisturizer: Apply a good moisturizer to your body after bathing and two to three times a day. It is very important to choose a product that is unscented and suitable for sensitive skin .
- Creams: You can apply creams like hydrocortisone to the itchy areas. However, it is best to consult your doctor before using these.
- Baking soda paste: You can make a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water and applying it to the itchy areas. This will provide temporary relief from itching.
- Soaking in cold water: Soaking a clean cloth in cold water and holding it over the itchy area for a while can help reduce itching and inflammation.
How can I help prevent itching and tingling?
If the itching cannot be stopped, we need to help prevent the skin from being scratched and injured.
- Give your hands something to do: Keep their hands busy. Give them a small ball to squeeze, a piece of cloth, or something safe related to a job or hobby they used to enjoy. This will help distract them.
- Trim your nails: Keeping your nails short and clean can help reduce the risk of damage to your skin from scratching.
- Protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved clothing. If you scratch a lot while sleeping at night, wearing cotton gloves is also a good solution.
- Take care of your hygiene: If not every day, bathe at least every other day using a mild, unscented soap. After bathing, don't forget to dry yourself thoroughly and apply lotion.
- Talk to your doctor: If none of these things help control the itching, your doctor may need to prescribe medications. So, never hesitate to seek medical advice .
Protect Yourself
Just as it is important to take care of your loved ones, it is also important to protect yourself.
Especially if you have a contagious skin disease like scabies or a fungal infection, never touch the affected area with your bare hands while applying medicine or cleaning it. Be sure to wear disposable gloves. Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after cleaning a wound.
Take-Home Message
- If an Alzheimer's patient is scratching their skin, the main cause may be dry skin. Therefore, using a good moisturizer is essential.
- Also be aware of possible causes such as insect bites, fungal infections, or allergies. If you suspect a contagious disease like scabies, see a doctor immediately.
- Sometimes this itching can be a behavioral part of the disease itself. In that case, distract yourself by giving your hands something safe.
- Cut your nails short, wear long-sleeved clothing, and wear gloves at night if necessary.
- When treating your loved one's wounds or contagious skin diseases, be sure to wear gloves to protect yourself.
- If you can't control it with home remedies, be sure to seek advice from your doctor .
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