Transcript Skin Care - Cengage Learning

Nursing Assistant Monthly
Skin care
July 2014
Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Anatomy of the skin
Functions of the skin:
 Waterproof shield for the body
 Senses information about the outside world
 Manufactures vitamin D for strong bones
FACT: The skin is the body’s largest organ.
July 2014
Skin care
Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Aging and the skin
Older skin changes.
 Thinner
 Tears more easily
 Less sweat and oil produced
 Unable to retain water
July 2014
Skin care
Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Common geriatric skin conditions
 Skin tears
 Pressure ulcers
 Skin cancer
 Xerosis, or dry scaling skin
 Neurodermatitis, or scratching
July 2014
Skin care
Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Common causes of skin tears
 Bumping into equipment, such as bed rails
 Falling
 A firm grip
July 2014
Skin care
Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Risk factors for pressure ulcers
 Limited or no mobility
 Incontinence
 Poor nutrition
 Frequently slides down in chair or bed
July 2014
Skin care
Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Detecting skin cancer
A common acronym helps identify dangerous moles:
 A for Assymetrical
 B for Border
 C for Color
 D for Diameter
 E for Evolving
July 2014
Skin care
Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Basic skin care guidelines
 Inspect the skin carefully every day.
 Pay special attention to the feet, elbows, and back of the body.
 Bathe residents in lukewarm water.
 Dry by patting with a soft towel.
 Dry under skin folds and between toes.
 Moisturize with a thick cream.
July 2014
Skin care
Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.