Life happens, and all kinds of scrapes, burns, scratches and lacerations among the elderly and the children are part of life – but infections and complications don’t have to be. Ideally with acute wounds, we want to treat the wound, not the complication.
Wounds can either be acute, meaning they heal quickly, or chronic. The size, depth, and degree of damage are factors that influence the wound healing process.1 However, wound healing can take up to 4 times longer in older skin compared to younger skin and the elderly are more likely to suffer from chronic wounds.2,3 This is why you need to stay alert and supply age-appropriate wound care to keep your family protected when little accidents happen.
Find out what impacts wound healing in seniors and get tips to help prevent infections
Learn about how to prevent and care for minor wounds in children
- Discover how the Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Wound Care range of products can help manage wounds at every step
Wound care for seniors: special considerations for aging skin
As one gets older, our skin’s wound healing ability can slow down.4 Aging skin undergoes significant changes that can affect wound-healing capacity.2 Aging skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and the skin is less able to restore itself.5 Additionally, chronic conditions like loss of muscle mass, diabetes and malnutrition increase the risk of pressure ulcers and can further complicate wound care.5
Age-related changes can delay healing by up to 60%.6 Proper wound care for seniors requires we help heal their acute wounds (such as cuts, grazes, burns, ulcers, and bed sores) and prevent skin infections. Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Wound Care products can help – and without the sting of alcohol, it kills 99.99% of bacteria and fungi based on lab data of tested pathogens.7-8
Complex patients with multiple health conditions are at a higher risk for delayed wound healing.9 A major cause of failed wound healing is infection, thus apply Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 10% Ointment to help prevent infection.5,7
Ensuring wound prevention is crucial for the elderly, especially considering their delicate skin.2 To help prevent wounds, elderly patients should keep good skin health by avoiding excess wetness or dryness of the skin.3 Optimal nutrition is important, and protein helps with wound healing, so make sure to get enough each day (1.25 to 1.5 grams protein/kg/day).3 For seniors with limited mobility, it is important to reposition them often to avoid constant pressure in any one area of the skin.3 Furthermore, to control the risk of infection, use an antiseptic such as Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 7.5% Skin Cleanser for general hygiene and for cleansing and disinfecting the skin.7 (Note: Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Skin Cleanser is not recommended for continuous daily use throughout the year)
Children's wounds and scrapes
Wounds and scrapes are an inevitable part of childhood, but the use of antiseptics that sting doesn’t have to be! With no touch and no sting Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 2.5% Dry Powder Spray that has a cooling effect, your child won’t have to fear the necessary first aid and care that is a part of wound treatment. Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Dry Powder Spray utilizes an aerosol delivery system. Rapid evaporation of the liquid phase is responsible for the cooling effect. As parents, knowing how to properly treat acute wounds is essential for keeping your kids healthy and happy.
If your child gets hurt and the injury is minor, the wound can be rinsed to remove dirt or debris.10 Once the wound is clean you can use topical antiseptics for added protection against infections. Cover the wound with a clean, dry dressing. Dressings keep out germs and protect the wound from injury. A dressing also keeps the wound warm and moist so it can heal.11
Keep in mind, wound healing depends on proper nutrition to help the body recover. Keeping a balanced diet with proteins, carbohydrates and foods rich in Vitamins A and C boost will keep your child’s immune system strong and help to rebuild skin and collagen.11
Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Wound Care range of products helps manage wounds at every step.7-8,12
Our wound care products have povidone-iodine (PVP-I) which meets the requirements for an antiseptic for wound care.13 Whether you are treating minor wounds for a child or senior, Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) can support your loved one with wound treatment solutions.
Cleanse to prevent infections
Cleansing with Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 10% Wound Solution can help prevent infections. It can be used to treat minor wounds and ulcers, and for disinfecting hands and skin.
Treat and prevent infections for bleeding and inflamed wounds
For minor wounds (cuts and abrasions), ulcers, burns and superficial lesions, use Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 2.5% Dry Powder Spray that does not sting and has a cooling effect. Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Dry Powder Spray utilizes an aerosol delivery system. Rapid evaporation of the liquid phase is responsible for the cooling effect. It is great for children as it has no alcohol, is no-touch and can be used on the go.
For acute wounds including cuts, abrasions, ulcers and burns Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 5% Cream can be applied to help provide a moisture barrier until the wound is healed.
Another option to support wound healing as well as for infected wounds is Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 10% Ointment.7
When to seek medical help
Whether it is you or a loved one who is injured, always watch for the signs of infection. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, or pus. If you notice signs of these symptoms, consult a medical professional.10
For proper wound care which addresses the needs of seniors and their skin, the Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Wound Care line of products offers working solutions to promote wound healing and protect against infection.
Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 10% Wound Solution is specifically designed to take the sting out of wound care treatment as it provides no-alcohol, sting-free healing.
[Disclaimer] Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) topical products are suitable for children 2 years and above.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.