Skin Log | Your Medform | Health forms for healthy living

I have to tell you that it doesn't take long for the skin to become compromised after a person
has been in one position for too long. The skin could look perfectly fine from the outside, but
then once it breaks you could possibly have deterioration down to the muscle, opening the
person up for infection. They could even become septic (infection in the blood stream.) I have
seen patients come into the hospital with non stageable pressure ulcers, and it only took a
week for their skin to get in that condition.

Make sure the skin stays clean. Be prompt after soiling in cleaning the area and always
moisturize the skin, especially dry skin. Moisturizers rich in vitamin E and aloe are
recommended. Your older population can have extremely fragile skin to the point of being
paper thin, so during skin care be very careful.

Most people don't realize that diet can play a very important role in tissue regeneration. In
the hospital setting patients with impaired skin integrity are immediately put on a high
protein diet ( Important for the growth and repair of tissue cells.)

The following supplements should also be added to the diet:

Vitamin C : This helps to prevent free radical production which could inhibit healing.
Arginine : Promotes collagen synthesis for new skin. It also increases the blood
flow to the wound and may help to fight off infection.
Vitamin B12 : Aids in wound healing and tissue repair.
Zinc : Required for tissue regeneration and repair (BUT could also suppress the
function of the immune System.)

Look for foods rich in these supplements and add them to the diet. If I was going to put
emphasis on one thing it would be the protein. Finally, inspect the skin daily. This could be
done during the time that you do your turns and also during soil changes. Document the
condition of the skin on a skin log. Anything different that you notice should be documented
on the log. Look for any signs of possible breakdown, which may include a redness that
doesn't go away once position is changed and pressure is removed from the area. Also be
suspicious of open or blistered skin. Should you notice these or any sign suggestive of skin
breakdown, immediately take pressure off of the area and keep it clean of urine and feces. If
the skin is broken seek medical advice to obtain the best possible treatment to heal the
ulcer. If there is redness do not massage the area. If you notice a progression seek medical
advice for prompt treatment.