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

What can I do to protect my skin?

• Check your skin at least twice a day for any redness, swelling or bleeding. Try to have the same person to help you so that they can compare the skin condition.

• Bathe daily and use a mild soap.

• Pat the skin dry after bathing to prevent the skin from tearing.

• Apply non-alcohol based barrier cream to protect the skin.

• Keep your fingernails and toenails short.

• Eat a healthy diet and drink enough water.

• Raise the swollen hand or leg when sitting or lying down. This helps to reduce swelling.

• Change diapers as soon as possible to prevent dampness and stools from staying on the skin.

What else can I do?

• Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.

• Keep affected skin or wound clean and dry.

• Attend all follow up appointments for review.

When should I see a doctor?

Keep a look out for these signs of infection:

• Rashes that do not go away

• Redness and swelling of the skin

• Broken skin that does not heal

• Pus coming out from a wound

• Fever

Contact your doctor or nurse immediately if you see any of these signs or if your condition gets worse.

Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group in the north of Singapore. It comprises Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Yishun Community Hospital and community extensions such as Admiralty Medical Centre and Wellness Kampung. Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg