HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN IN VARIOUS FACTORS

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"Skin care at the end of life includes keeping the skin both clean and intact. The goals of
providing good skin care are to reduce discomfort, prevent pressure ulcers, manage
odor and drainage and to help the patient remain as active as possible"


What you can do it

•  Check the skin at each visit including pressure points and report any changes to the team nurse. Bath time is a good opportunity to observe the skin and pressure points

•  Follow up on the patient’s reports of pain, burning, numbness or tingling of the skin and report to the team nurse

•  Keep the skin clean and dry by changing absorbing pads frequently

•  Use mild soaps and emollients sparingly

•  Avoid using hot or cold water on the skin
•  Do not allow the patient sit or lie directly on a pressure ulcer
• To help promote circulation, have the patient wiggle toes and move arms and legs                             
  often
  
  •  If the patient is unable to move, you or a family caregiver may reposition every two (2) hours to promote comfort and reduce the risk of pressure spots
  • Range of motion exercises of the joints and muscles should be done daily unless
  • prohibited by the doctor
  1.  Never use a heat lamp
  • Do not massage pressure points or reddened areas
  •  Notify the team nurse if splints or braces or oxygen tubing rubbing ears are rubbing
  or causing irritation
  
  •  Clothing made of cotton and loose fitting tends to be more comfortable
  •  Keep bed linens clean, dry and without wrinkles
  •  Avoid using plastic sheets as they may cause skin to breakdown
  •  Remove the bedpan within a few minutes to avoid pressure on the tailbone
  •  Many odors can be controlled. Check with your team nurse for methods of
  controlling odor
  
  •  Always follow the treatment plan. Don’t treat the wound yourself

For Further Reading,

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