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My mother-in-law, who has moderate dementia, loves lotion. We've had to remove it, as well as liquid soaps and mouthwash from her bathroom because she rubbed them onto her face, into her eyes, and into her mouth. I put clear water into an empty mouthwash bottle so she could enjoy the motions of using a lotion. But her face and hands get dry, and she would enjoy using it on her own.
I recently removed the toothpaste after I entered her room to find it rubbed all over her face. I used a warm washcloth to gently wash her eyes, hoping none had gotten into them!
I hate removing these little luxuries from her, but must do so for her safety.

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Coconut oil, the new trendy thing.... seems like it is good for everything.
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How sad. Have you talked to her doctor about this? Perhaps the doctor would ask around to dermatologist friends or even pediatricians. My husband's doctor was great in asking colleagues when a question stumped him.

I wonder if there is anything equivalent to "baby shampoo" for young children who are always at risk for putting things in their mouths?
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Before you consider using any of Johnson's baby products, read this:

I don't know if J&J has actually removed any of the toxins in products for sale in the US, as it apparently did in Europe, but I would most certainly do some research to find out how toxic baby products still might be.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has provided good information on toxins in cosmetics and baby products.
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Olive oil is safe unless she eats a lot of it, which would probably give her diarrhea.
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Cathy, I would either put the lotion on your MIL myself or switch to natural products which don't have chemical contaminants in them. There are herbalists who make and sell these safer products. However, none of them are designed to be used even accidentally close to the eyes. I think I'd spend some time giving her a facial and do it myself so that no lotions get in her eyes.

Some of the natural products (such as the ones I buy) have wonderful fragrances, so they also provide a relaxing experience as they're applied. The lotions with mint in them are extraordinary.
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I once dated a man that used the inside of a banana peel as a moistuizer. Wonder is there may be home made lotion recipes you could find with a google search. How does aloe work as a moisturizer?
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Shea butter, cocoa butter? I wouldn't think those wouod harm the eyes. There are actually many edible hand and massage lotions/creams available, just not intended for the use of our drying up elderly that are safe for the most sensitive areas, so would be ok around eyes I imagine. Google edible creams and lotions.
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Thanks for all the ideas. A gardener friend recommended making this hopefully "Simple 3 Ingredient Non-Greasy Homemade Lotion," so will see how it works
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Cathy, the ingredients are not all digestible in that. Especially neem oil.
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I thought so too Pam, but I did a quick search and apparently neem oil can be taken internally, as can all the other ingredients. The only essentials to the recipe are some type of oil/oils of your choice, beeswax and water, so the neem can be left out. Besides, I doubt Cathy will be letting her eat it by the spoonful.
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