Nursing Interventions for dry flaky skin

[slp_vball01]

I work in the rehab unit of a long-term care facility. I have a resident who has dry, flaky skin on bilateral lower legs and feet. The wound care nurse at my facility created a new intervention: "Cover skin with wet towels and let sit for 5 minutes. Remove. Then apply aquaphor BID." This intervention sounds completely made-up with no evidence of it actually working. I'm a new grad so I don't have a whole lot of experience, but I do have common sense. Maybe I'm missing something, though. Has anyone heard of this intervention or can explain to me how this could work for the resident?

Thanks.

[Nacki, MSN, NP]

Damp skin absorbs lotions, creams & ointments better.

[eeffoc_emmig]

Damp skin absorbs lotions creams & ointments better.[/quote']

True. I would give it a reasonable amount of time and reevaluate for improvement. If there is none, request an alternative.

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

The Aquaphor will hold in the moisture. I have heard rave reviews from other nurses who use Aquaphor.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

As another poster stated, moisture helps...think about fundamentals and aging: most of the sebaceous glands start to decrease production as one gets older, making skin dryer. Moisture helps the prevention of dry skin, and a good product that can decrease the dryness is needed; house lotion is NOT going to cut it; Aquaphor is one of the better products in helping skin retain moisture. The additional intervention of moisturizing the skin before the application of the Aquaphor will help remove the flaky skin and allow the Aquaphor to work in the affected areas. If you don't see the improvement; ask the wound care nurse; also look into whether the patient is being adequately hydrated, eating, needs supplements; as well as last labs. I work in skilled nursing currently, and as the unit supervisor, I look at all these factors when doing skin checks, and I will do treatments.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Did you actually ask the wound care nurse for the rationale for her prescription? She didn't "create" this-- there's evidence behind it, and I am sure she would have been very happy to help you understand it.

And: this may be the first time when your "common sense" is wrong, so try to keep an open mind and always ask for clarification when something doesn't make sense to you. It won't be the last time :)

[Morainey, BSN, RN]

Makes perfect sense. That's why people put lotions on after showers.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

Aquaphor works wonders! I use it on my hands and feet in the winter. I believe (as mentioned before) the aquaphor absorbs better if the skin is moist first.

[amoLucia]

YES to this treatment which I found out for my own use by accident!!!! Just after a couple applications and I see positive results for my dry legs/feet..

I shower and apply it and it helps tremendously. Greasy going on, but it quickly absorbs. I believe Aquaphor is made by the Eucerin manufacturer and that's a good crème itself.

Good stuff!

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

YES to this treatment which I found out for my own use by accident!!!! Just after a couple applications and I see positive results for my dry legs/feet..

I shower and apply it and it helps tremendously. Greasy going on, but it quickly absorbs. I believe Aquaphor is made by the Eucerin manufacturer and that's a good crème itself.

Good stuff!

Yes, Eucerin is the "sister" formula :) ; both are miracle creams.

[ktwlpn, LPN]

our a/o residents don't like it because it stains their clothing.

[amoLucia]

our a/o residents don't like it because it stains their clothing.

Hmmmm....I hadn't noticed. I don't make a goop-y application, just average amt. I do wait a little while and it absorbs. Skin no longer "tight" feeling but feels soft.