4 replies to this topic

[Janetc]

I have been taking care of a paraplegic for a short while now. She just returned from a three month stay at a convelescent hospital for treatment/recovery from a pressure sore. She is now at home and I've noticed that the skin (legs and feet) is terribly dry and flaky. They were supposed to have a podiatrist come in to take care of her feet, but that failed to happen. My first instinct is to apply a salt scrub and lotion, but I'm not sure that is appropriate. Can I give her legs and feet a salt scrub? If not, what can I use/do to get all the dry skin off her legs and feet without harming her?

Thank you for any advice you may have.

[kathy.k]

Are you wanting to do this in the shower? or in bed? While she is in the shower you could use a sugar scrub but you really want to make sure her legs and feet are really good and wet. Sugar or salt scrubs in my opinion are not a good idea if you are planning on using them while she is in bed because you want the sugar/salt to melt so you really need the water. You could also use an exfoliating sponge (my favorite!)in bed or in the shower they are gentle. I like to use a really good body butter on my husbands legs and feet and take some time to really work it in(the rubbing also helps get the blood flowing).

Hope this helps.

Kathy

[Ches]

There's no harm in any of it, except the possibility of over scrubbing...causing irritation? But with that in mind, just do as you normally would.. soak foot, and scrub but perhaps you should go kind of easy on her at first.. it shouldnt be anymore difficult than an able bodied person though, you'll see the skin, you'll feel the rough to smooth transition (dont forget between the toes). If at any point you're in doubt, than stop and do the same action to yourself, or somewhere above her injury and see how it feels.

[goose]

Hey,

We found something called utter balm that comes in a tin at Wal-Mart or drug store ( I think). It was made for utters that needed milking in the winter to prevent them from cracking. It only takes a small amount and works wonders!!! It's great for knees or elbows that often get dry and crack.

This can be applied to the feet then put on socks. There will not be a need to try to remove any dead skin first. Either do it before bed or before getting dressed. Just leave on for the day or night, then bathe as normal. All the dead skin will be gone. I'd suggest another coat of the balm the next day. You'll be amazed at the results!

Great stuff and cheap too.

[Janetc]

Thank you Kathy for your response. I really appreciate it. janet

kathy.k, on 17 January 2012 - 12:26 AM, said:

Are you wanting to do this in the shower? or in bed? While she is in the shower you could use a sugar scrub but you really want to make sure her legs and feet are really good and wet. Sugar or salt scrubs in my opinion are not a good idea if you are planning on using them while she is in bed because you want the sugar/salt to melt so you really need the water. You could also use an exfoliating sponge (my favorite!)in bed or in the shower they are gentle. I like to use a really good body butter on my husbands legs and feet and take some time to really work it in(the rubbing also helps get the blood flowing).

Hope this helps.

Kathy

Thank you for the info...I've used Utter Butter many, many years ago and I'm glad you reminded me of it. janet

goose, on 17 January 2012 - 10:02 AM, said:

Hey,

We found something called utter balm that comes in a tin at Wal-Mart or drug store ( I think). It was made for utters that needed milking in the winter to prevent them from cracking. It only takes a small amount and works wonders!!! It's great for knees or elbows that often get dry and crack.

This can be applied to the feet then put on socks. There will not be a need to try to remove any dead skin first. Either do it before bed or before getting dressed. Just leave on for the day or night, then bathe as normal. All the dead skin will be gone. I'd suggest another coat of the balm the next day. You'll be amazed at the results!

Great stuff and cheap too.

Thank you for the info...doing on myself is such a great idea...as a massage therapist, I always learn when I am the recipient! Thank you for the reminder to apply this principle. janet

Ches, on 17 January 2012 - 05:23 AM, said:

There's no harm in any of it, except the possibility of over scrubbing...causing irritation? But with that in mind, just do as you normally would.. soak foot, and scrub but perhaps you should go kind of easy on her at first.. it shouldnt be anymore difficult than an able bodied person though, you'll see the skin, you'll feel the rough to smooth transition (dont forget between the toes). If at any point you're in doubt, than stop and do the same action to yourself, or somewhere above her injury and see how it feels.