Leg Skin Protectors for the Elderly

Introduction

Elderly people often suffer from bruises and cuts to their fragile leg skin. You might have observed skin thinning and weakening after the age of 60.

At aged 70-80 years, people become much more susceptible to the risk of skin tears as a consequence of their age, physical conditions, and side-effects from medication.

Often a slight knock from simply catching a leg on the bedside table or pets jumping up at lower legs can cause a painful skin tear.

Legacy

Elderly people, after suffering from a skin tear, become afraid of repeated injury. Sometimes going outside or even moving around in the house becomes a worry.

They may keep themselves away from daily life activities like cooking, gardening, walking the dog and so on.

Sometimes the condition becomes so bad that surgery is essential, or their legs are required to be uncomfortably bound with layers of shielding bandages for several weeks.

The problem of dealing with skin tears is tremendously expensive for health organizations all over the world. Last year a Medicare research study revealed that total Medicare spending estimates for all wound types ranged from $28.1 to $96.8 billion. (Nussbaum, S. R., Carter, M. J., Fife, C. E., Vanzo, J.D.,  Haught, R., Nusgart, M., and Cartwright, D., 2018)

Preventive Leg Skin Protectors

As thin and brittle skin poses a huge issue for some elderly people and skin tear treatment is often hard to deal with, it’s extremely important to prevent skin tears as much as possible.

The best way to prevent skin tears and related injuries is by using a leg skin protector. These are intended to protect against skin tears caused by knocks and scrapes by providing a physical protective barrier.

Benefits of Leg Skin Protectors

Leg skin protectors can give elderly people a vastly improved life without the constant concern of harming their delicate leg skin. Simple injuries from banging into furniture or pet scratches can be completely avoided with the use of skin protectors.  

Leg protectors encourage elderly people to take part in an everyday way of life, taking part in activities like strolling or working out, playing outside games and taking part in recreation exercises is a significant piece of life.

What to Look For

An easy to fit, comfortable and stretchy protection system is key in making a leg protector that will be work and work.

Protectors come in a range of sizes and it’s important to pick the best fit so they don’t grip too tight, causing discomfort, or too loose so they may fall down unnoticed and not provide protection.

Best Leg Skin Protectors for the Elderly

Next, I’ll pick the best-reviewed leg skin protectors and help you decide which one is best for you.

GeriLeg® The Original Leg Protectors

These thin Skin Tear & Bruise Protective Leg Sleeves are made in the USA. They come in small to XXL size range and beige & white color.

The fabric is soft, comfortable, stretchy and breathable. The texture is delicate, agreeable, stretchy and breathable. Their latex-free composition decreases the potential for allergic responses and skin problems.

They secure skin with the best forming. They are non-choking and non-authoritative and machine launderable. So they can probably the best decision for you.

DJMed Leg Skin Protector

DJMed leg skin protectors are made of soft cotton stretch fabric, specially designed for individuals with sensitive skin.

These are light and breathable to help avoid overheating. These are solid matches in with your footwear and edging. They won’t interfere with ordinary blood flow or leave marks in the skin.

These help your legs and may help decrease weakness and some irritation while ensuring against skin shear.

As these protectors are a little more delicate than others they may be more prone to damage, but that is the price for a more delicate design.

DermaSaver Leg Protectors

They are latex-free and composed of 94% polyester and 6% Spandex. DermaSaver Leg Protectors are perfect skin protectors for people with fragile and thin skin, such as frail and elderly people.

DermaSaver Leg Protector with Double Knee has added layers of MicroSpring textiles at the knee to offer additional cushioning and more protection to the susceptible area of the knee.

So, if you are a person with low mobility, DermaSaver Leg Protector with a twofold knee layer is perfect for you, in light of the fact that the additional load of the MicroSpring Material at the knee provides additional protection. DermaSaver Leg Defenders are available in 5 sizes (XS-XL).

Skin Protection Leg Sleeves by Kinship Comfort Brands

Kinship Comfort Brands leg skin protection sleeves are made with cotton and spandex for a comfortable fit.

They protect leg skin against tears and wounding and are made on the highest quality sewing machines to guarantee reliable quality and dependable comfort. The sturdy textures last well and they will retain their keep-up fit even after many washes.

Their UV Sun security properties to shield you from hurtful overexposure to daylight and also keeps you warm in cooler temperatures.

They come in two sizes, medium or regular and large and in tan shading.

So-Soft Leg Protector

The so-Soft fabric is made of 98% polyester, 1% spandex, and 1% elastic. They are delicate, lightweight, unisex, with a color range that will compliment most skin tones.  

They are stretchy to cover numerous sizes, with a length of 22″. They are available in one size and a range of alluring hues. Overall, these are a good soft feeling option.

Polar Fleece Leg Protectors

These are useful for anybody with fragile skin and a need to stay warm. They are particularly suitable for wheelchair, walker or scooter users where your legs may be out in the breeze.

The leg protectors are 22″ long and one size fits all. They are made of 100% soft, polar poly-fleece fabric that will not only protect your legs but also keep them warm in most climates.

They contain rib-sewn sleeves to hold them up and they are available in a range of shades.

Limbkeepers Protective Leg Sleeves

These leg protectors are made of 89% Polypropylene, 8% Nylon, 2% Lycra® Spandex, 1% Flexible.

This special mix of materials gives a superior hold up without excess pressure. The easy-care texture wicks away dampness, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable.

Limbkeepers come in one size yet give a good fit to most sizes with a mid-length of 15″. They are available in different colors and offer UPF 50 and sun protection too.

Dermatuff  Thin Skin Protection Leg Sleeves

The elasticated nylon adds a good amount of stretchiness so the socks will fit a wide range of leg diameters without applying excess pressure.

Dermatuff leg defenders are unisex. They have been designed for day to day use to allow you to go ahead with your daily work. They are available in small to XL sizes and available in black and oatmeal colors.

Conclusion

Leg skin protectors enable elderly people to live a normal lifestyle with greater confidence and so they can enjoy a wide range of activities with liberty and free of worry.

Damaged leg skin is such a simple injury yet it can lead to a great deal of discomfort, so it makes sense to do everything you can to ensure you or your elderly loved one is protected.

The meaning of life lies in the quality of life, not in the count of the days. But if you are an elderly person, so you are already blessed with days of life, so why do not ensure the best quality of life possible! A small change or a small addition such as a leg protector can keep you safe and happy. So smile and get ready for the extra mile in life!

References

1. Nussbaum, S. R., Carter, M. J., Fife, C. E., Vanzo, J.D.,  Haught, R., Nusgart, M., and Cartwright, D.  (2018) An Economic Evaluation of the Impact, Cost, and Medicare Policy Implications of Chronic Nonhealing Wounds. Value in Health, 21 (1), 27-32

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