Why is Skin Important?
Our skin is almost indestructible. It is constantly being renewed, and has both protective and adaptive properties. Some of its functions include:
The prevention of fluid loss
Temperature regulation by evaporation of perspiration and heat storage
The production of vitamin D, the excretion of metabolic wastes
Identifying the sensations of touch, pain, temperature and pressure
The ability to use/absorb some drugs like steroids and hormones
Prevent allergic reactions
What Factors Influence Skin?
Age, physical limitations, disease(s), trauma, nutritional state and hygiene all affect the appearance, condition, health, suppleness and integrity of your skin. The natural aging process results in your skin becoming thinner, less elastic, more tissue-paper like, and more easily damaged during your daily activities.
Underlying medical conditions, or the medications used to treat them (such as diabetes, kidney or liver problems, heart, blood vessel and lung disease), can increase the risk of bruising, trauma, drying, splitting, cracking or peeling.
Then, sensitive, fragile skin can be jeopardized by simply bumping or brushing up against an object or scratching or rubbing an itching area. If dryness, chapping or peeling are also present, a broken area may result and become an open sore. If there is an underlying disease present, the sore can increase in size, and become infected. It can cause much physical discomfort and be quite costly.
Physical limitations can result in skin care problems if mobility is restricted or severely hampered. This happens to persons with total body or long leg casts, traction, strokes, hip joint replacement, arthritis, or other disabling conditions.
What are some common skin care problems that need attention?
If not properly treated, the following list of problems may lead to broken skin, ulcerations, infections and chronic wounds. If any of the following happens to you, consult your doctor:
Development of a wound, especially on the lower leg or foot
Dry, cracked, peeling skin
Blisters
Bumps with pus
Dermatitis (dry or weeping)
Allergic reactions
Multiple or extensive skin tears
Fissures of the skin on the feet, especially the heels
What is the correct way to cleanse and moisturize the skin?
Cleansing of the skin needs to be done with gentle care and a pH balanced product to prevent trauma, and the drying/stripping of natural oils. Moisturizing and/or lubricating the skin after bathing, or at other times during the day, and at bedtime will help increase the skin’s softness and suppleness. It also decreases the risk of maceration, trauma, friction, itching and general discomfort.
Cleansing products:
May be in a cream, foam, gel, liquid, bar or lotion form
May be soap-based or non-soap-based
May be medicated and available by prescription only
Need to be natural with minimal to no preservatives
May require water for application and rinsing. Use lukewarm or room temperature (never hot) water
Need to be removed gently and thoroughly
Moisturizing/Lubricating products:
May be creams, lotions, barriers or sealants
Need to be natural (beeswax, vitamin E, etc.) with no preservatives
Should not include alcohol in any form (it dries the skin)
Should be used in a layered effect to maximize moisture retention in the skin cells/layers
May have a silicone or petrolatum base that acts as an occlusive barrier against moisture loss, chemical irritation and friction
May have a lanolin base (watch for skin sensitivity)
May contain up to 95% water
May contain perfumes (made from coal tars, seed kernels) and dyes that frequently irritate sensitive skin
May contain urea and lactic acid (alpha-hydroxy acid). The alpha-hydroxy acid in higher concentration may cause stinging of diabetic skin
May contain menthol, camphor or mint to provide a sensation of comfort and coolness
Skin Care Do’s
Check your skin daily for dryness, cracks, cores, bruises, reddened areas and blisters
Cleanse the skin with a mild, pH-balanced product. Remember, some people do not require overall cleansing on a daily basis
Use warm to touch (on elbow or inner wrist) bathing water
Treat the skin gently without stretching, tugging or pulling
Remove all residue of the cleanser from the skin
Use a very soft nail brush for nails and crusty skin
Dry all skin folds and creases with special attention to the area between, under and around the toes
Moisturize the skin after cleansing. Leave a light film of moisture on the skin just prior to applying lotion or cream
Lubricate dry skin with a heavy (barrier) product after moisturizing
Wear soft clothing. Wear white socks for feet and gloves for hands, if indicated, for extra protection at night
Use baking soda or equivalent powders for foot care if perspiration is a problem. It will help with odor and moisture control. Sprinkle on hands, dusting off excess and gently rubbing onto the skin
Skin Care Don’ts
Don’t neglect new areas of irritation, soreness or discomfort on the skin
Don’t soak for more than ten minutes in the tub
Don’t bathe in hot water
Don’t use abrasive or rough washcloths on the skin
Don’t apply lotion or creams between, under or around the toes or nails
Don’t use lanolin, coal tar or petrolatum based products if you have sensitive skin
Don’t use skin care products with alcohol and/or extensive lists of preservatives
Don’t apply tape of any kind to dry, sensitive or fragile skin
