Skin Care Why is skin care important? The skin protects the body from injury and infection. If cuts and skin tears are not treated quickly, germs (bacteria) can get in and cause an infection. This makes it harder for the wound to heal and can cause serious peoblems, especially when infection spreads to nearby muscle and bone or gets into the blood stream. Who is at risk of skin problems? People with one or more of the following: • Poor nutrition • Difficulty moving on their own • Poor control of their bladder or bowels • Diabetes • Swollen hands or feet • Obese or very thin people • Weak and frail people over 65 years old
What causes skin problems? • Poor nutition and hydration • In contact with stron chemicals or detergents • Dampness and heat from urine and stools • Lying in bed or sitting on a chair for long periods of time • Sliding and dragging in and out of the chair or bed • Getting older - skin gets thinner and drier with age, making it easy to tear