skin Disorders

Pressure Injury

Localized damage to the skin and underlying soft tissue, usually over a bony prominence or caused by medical devices.

Tissue Anoxia

Lack of oxygen in tissues, which can result from prolonged pressure.

Friction

Occurs when the skin rubs against another surface, leading to potential damage.

Shear

When skin remains stationary, but underlying tissues shift, causing damage.

Common Pressure Points

Areas prone to pressure ulcers: Sacrum, heels, elbows, hips, shoulder blades, back of the head, ankles.

Braden Scale

A tool used to assess the risk of developing pressure ulcers based on six factors.

Stage 1 Pressure Ulcer

Non-blanchable red area; intact skin that may feel warm or firm.

Stage 2 Pressure Ulcer

Partial thickness skin loss, may present as a blister; pink, red, moist wound.

Stage 3 Pressure Ulcer

Full-thickness skin loss with visible fat tissue; may have granulation tissue, slough, or eschar.

Stage 4 Pressure Ulcer

Full-thickness skin and tissue loss, exposing muscle, tendon, or bone.

Unstageable Pressure Ulcer

Depth unknown due to slough or eschar covering, requires debridement.

Risk Factors for Pressure Ulcers

Includes elderly age, ( thinner skin) malnutrition, incontinence, immobility, and impaired circulation.

Skin Assessment

Daily checking of skin for redness and breakdown; avoid massaging red areas.

Repositioning Strategies

Reposition patients every 2 hours in bed and shift weight every 15 minutes in a chair.

Nutritional Status

Quality of dietary intake important for healing, with protein being essential.

Necrotic Tissue

Dead tissue that indicates severe damage, typically black in color.

Slough

Yellow tissue needing removal for proper healing of a wound.

Topical Corticosteroids

Medications used to reduce inflammation in skin conditions.They work by suppressing the immune response and reducing redness, swelling, and itching.

Candidiasis

Oral fungal infection commonly known as thrush.It is caused by an overgrowth of Candida can appear as white patches in the mouth.

Tinea

A fungal infection that causes a red, itchy rash in affected areas. Ringworm; includes several types: pedis (foot), capitis (scalp), corporis (body), cruris (jock itch).

Pediculosis

Lice infestation, transmitted through direct contact caused by the infestation of lice on the scalp, body, or pubic area, leading to itching and irritation.

Scabies

Parasitic infection causing severe itching, transmitted through direct contact.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

A treatment that removes drainage and increases circulation to speed up healing.

Moisture Barriers

Products used to protect the skin from moisture, especially in cases of incontinence.They create a protective layer that prevents skin breakdown and irritation.

Hydrocolloids

Dressings that aid in autolytic debridement of wounds.They are designed to maintain a moist wound environment and can absorb exudate.

Antimicrobial Dressings

Dressings used when infection is present to manage wound care.

Allergic Reactions

Responses from the immune system due to triggers like detergents or perfumes.These reactions can cause symptoms such as rashes, itching, and swelling.

Atopic Dermatitis

A hereditary condition causing inflammation of the skin, also known as eczema.It is characterized by dry, itchy skin and can lead to skin infections.

Acyclovir

An antiviral medication used to treat herpes infections when administered within 72 hours.

Pressure-Relieving Mattresses

Special mattresses designed to redistribute pressure and prevent ulcers.

High-Risk Population

Elderly: Thinner, less elastic skin makes them prone to breakdown.

1. Malnourished: Lack of muscle and fat increases susceptibility.

2. Incontinence: Prolonged moisture weakens skin integrity.

3. Immobility: Individuals who are bedridden or paralyzed are unable to reposition themselves.

4. Impaired circulation: Conditions like diabetes and peripheral vascular disease reduce blood flow to tissues.

Cleaning & Debridement

The process of removing necrotic tissue to facilitate healing in wound care.

Herpes

• Viral infection stored in nerve ganglia.

• HSV-1: Cold sores (above the waist).

• HSV-2: Genital herpes (below the waist i.e sexual organs)

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

A viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, leading to a painful rash and blisters along a nerve pathway. (ganglia)

Psoriasis

• Chronic inflammatory disorder.

• Skin cells shed every 4-5 days (instead of 27 days).

• Symptoms:

  • Silvery plaques and scales.

  • Severe itching can lead to infections.

• Treatment:

  • Daily baths with soft brushes to remove scales.

  • Corticosteroids.

  • Topical medications.