[MedSurgeNewbie]

I am a new grad – I hope to get into ET WOC some day, right now I am in med surge trying to learn all I can. My question is what are some things I can do to really help my patient’s skin, I am really trying to keep heels floating and keep folks clean, but what is your opinions of lotions? If someone’s skin is really dry I have been using a light lotion but I have been wondering if that is best practice. All tips happily taken

[Jellibum]

i'm not sure if they sell it in the US but QV make a product called QV intensive lotion - it is a 50/50% soft white parifin/liquid parifin creme that is real good for the chronically dry. Also have you tried a soap alternative for your pts... a tad expensive more than soap but often its bubbles without the troubles. Sorbelene creme isn't bad and urea based cremes are good for helping fix the odd dry and cracked regions.

[MedSurgeNewbie]

Thanks for the Tip, I have a soap alterative at work, and try to avoid soaps and detergents as much as I can. I have been really trying to keep legs in good shape. This week its been bitter cold and see younger folks with hands that are super dry

[Marie_LPN, RN]

Avoid scented creams or lotions. They can irritate, burn, and sting very dry skin.

[michelle126]

Good nutrition and hydration helps. Keeping the skin clean and dry and relieving the pressure over the pressure points and preventing friction and shear. Do not pull the pts up in bed....use a lift or draw sheet.

As far as dry skin...we use a basic lotion for reg skin. If the skin is really dry, we might get lubriderm ordered or just use plain old A & D. This seems to help alot.

BTW....this is in LTC...were skin issues are our top concern.

[MedSurgeNewbie]

Thanks For all the Tips! -somedays I feel like I need all the help I can!!

[tissue viability]

Hi
Just to summarise the previous answers to your question and to clarify what we do here in the uk. It is important to treat dry skin internally and externally. Enciurage and document all fluid intake, cleanse patient using an emmoliant and then moisturise with something like 50/50. However be cautious of the feet as patients may slip over. Avoid 'hanging' the heels over the bed as this will cause pressure to the achilles area and possible risk of pressure damage. I am so pleased that you are intent on giving your patients the best up to date care. Do you have education seminars you can attend? At my hospital I run study days on all aspects of maintaining skin integrity which candidates also have to complete a distance learning pack before attending and also compentencies to complete with their unit manager afterwards to ensure they are practising what they have been taught. This is updated on an annual basis

[MedSurgeNewbie]

Originally Posted by tissue viability

Hi
Just to summarise the previous answers to your question and to clarify what we do here in the uk. It is important to treat dry skin internally and externally. Enciurage and document all fluid intake, cleanse patient using an emmoliant and then moisturise with something like 50/50. However be cautious of the feet as patients may slip over. Avoid 'hanging' the heels over the bed as this will cause pressure to the achilles area and possible risk of pressure damage. I am so pleased that you are intent on giving your patients the best up to date care. Do you have education seminars you can attend? At my hospital I run study days on all aspects of maintaining skin integrity which candidates also have to complete a distance learning pack before attending and also compentencies to complete with their unit manager afterwards to ensure they are practising what they have been taught. This is updated on an annual basis

Wow that sounds wonderful, here there are ce's online but nothing as thourough as the training you have. I have been talking with our wound care nurse and hope to do some shadowing in the clinic on my off days - I love wound care and really trying to work on prevention as much as I can.

[nurselearner]

tissue viability,

What distance learning do you have them complete???

[tissue viability]

I,
I have devised a distance learning pack that is the foundation of the study day the candidates will attend. There are 6 different components and competencies which are:

Holistic Care in Tissue Viability
Leg Ulcer Management
Pressure Ulcer Management
Acute/Chronic wound management
Advanced Tissue Viability-Maggot, Negative Pressure and compression bandaging

Hope this helps if your ever in the UK please visit and attend