Skin Care

he4/19/2012

Care of the Skin
Care of the Skin and
Prevention of Pressure Sores

Leading Healthcare
Providers Skillnet

• Maintaining the skin’s integrity is
essential to the prevention of infection
and the promotion of health. The skin has
several functions:
•
Maintenance of temperature
•
Protection
•
Excretion
•
Sensation
Leading Healthcare
Providers Skillnet

Anatomy and Physiology
• It is made up of three
layers:
– the epidermis,
– dermis and
– the subcutaneous
layer.

Anatomy and Physiology
• Changes occur due to :
– temperature
– texture
– elasticity
– ability to change to environment & stimuli
– INTEGRITY, CONTINUITY AND
CLEANLINESS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR
PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTION
Leading Healthcare
Providers Skillnet

Leading Healthcare
Providers Skillnet

Assessment
• Initial assessment is necessary
• Several factors may influence the
•
appearance of the tissue.
•
•
•
•
•

Hydration
Age, health, mobility, presence of pressure
ulcers
Treatment therapies
Any concurrent skin conditions.

Leading Healthcare
Providers Skillnet

Assessment
• Individualised assessments
• Noting privacy, personal preferences and options
available for cleansing of the skin e.g. Bath, shower or
bed bath
• A history is necessary. It may include:
•
1 Any previous skin disorders
•
2 Any known allergies or drug
•
reactions
•
3 Dietary habits
•
4 Recreational customs or hobbies
•
5 Family history
•
6 Emotional stress
Leading Healthcare
Providers Skillnet

1

4/19/2012

Observe for:

Assessment
• Consideration when doing an assessment
– Privacy
– Skin should be clean
– Bathing can provide an opportunity for
assessment

Leading Healthcare
Providers Skillnet

• Colour- redness, pallor,
cyanosis, yellow or brown
discolouration.
• Evidence of bruising or
bleeding.
• Moisture, dryness,
sweating, oiliness.
• Temperature.

Leading Healthcare
Providers Skillnet

Care of the Skin...