Medical skin care: prevention and therapeutic approach
The great importance of medical skin care to professional wound healing still is widely underestimated. Medical skin care has not only positive impact on the healing process throughout all healing phases, it can also prevent from further damage to the skin and moreover helps the patients' general sense of well-being.
What is the basic function of the skin?
The skin provides protection from external factors as well as prevention of trans-epidermal water loss by maintaining a barrier between the body's inner and outer. However, in the treatment of patients with exuding wounds and particularly incontinent patients the threats are numerous. They rise significantly with the occurence of diabetes, as the typically dry skin is more fragile and more susceptable to disease or damage.
Skin areas to focus on
Surrounding skin:
Medical skin protection is of utmost importance in the healing of acute ulcers. Wound margins and peri-wound skin are at risk of maceration caused by wound exudate and other body fluids subsequently leading to an enlargement of the wound. Wound protection is indicated that supports the skin's barrier function and prevent maceration (e.g. Cutimed PROTECT spray or foam applicator).
Skin exposed to incontinence:
Especially in the care of incontinent patients the risk of skin maceration and diaper dermatitis are ever-present. Wide-area treatment of these skin areas with a protective cream is recommended (e.g. Cutimed PROTECT cream).
Skin impacted by lack of nourishment:
As the dry diabetic skin provokes itching, the skin is threatend by scratching that most often causes a vicious circle, subsequently leading to an open wound and infection. Regular intensive skin care of affected areas prevents irritation. High or very high moisture needs are met by foam products containing urea (e.g. Cutimed ACUTE).
