THE SKIN
Some of the skin complications that may occur during the course of a progressive illness include:
 | Bedsores (skin breakdown) ranging from superficial abrasions to deep ulcers, especially on bony pressure areas. |
| Skin rashes, most commonly fungal rashes denoted by the appearance of a solid red rash, with distinct borders, in the groin or other skin fold areas. |
| Mouth or throat soreness, with red, swollen mucous membranes, and/or white patches in the mouth or on the tongue; may include sore cracks in the comers of the lips. |
These complications are largely the result of factors associated with progressive illness: Chemotherapy or radiation, inadequate food or fluid intake, slowed circulation, and immobility are all contributors to an inadequate defense system that normally protects against skin invasion.
The occurrence of these symptoms is usually not indicative of inadequate care giving. While it is our goal to prevent these complications, we recognize that they are also part of the general deterioration process. Once they have occurred our treatment goals focus on that which promotes maximum comfort and on prevention of serious complications resulting from these problems. Your Nurse will provide you with suggestions for prevention or instructions for treatment. Your help in detecting these problems at the earliest onset will help in preventing further complications.
SKIN CARE GUIDELINES
| Promote circulation to bony pressure areas by gentle massage with lubricating lotion. Inspect pressure areas such as tailbone, heels, elbows, shoulders, knees, hips, for red discoloration. (note: vigorous massage of the leg calf is not recommended). |
| Protect pressure areas from exposure to firm surfaces. Place padding between knees, elevate heels off of mattress, turn from back to sides every two to four hours. |
| Keep skin folds clean and dry. Cleanse skin immediately after exposure to urine or feces. Observe for skin irritation, especially on buttocks and groin area. Ask your Nurse for suggestions for skin protective products. |
| Use extreme caution with heating pad devices. Use low setting only and apply for no longer than 1/2 hour at a time. Do not lie on top of heating pad. |
| Rinse mouth after meals with baking soda/water solution. Do the same after any episode of vomiting. Notify your Nurse in the event of mouth or throat soreness. Be alert to denture irritation. Moisten dry mouth with water. Protect dry lips with Vaseline. |
| Elevate swollen extremities on pillows. Handle fragile skin gently. Prevent prolonged leg crossing. Dress feet with loose fitting socks. |