Wound & Basic Skin Care
There are several reasons why an individual may need medical attention when it comes to wound care. Such conditions may include but aren't limited to:
- Acute Wounds
- Arterial Wounds
- Burns
- Chronic Wounds
- Diabetic Ulcers
- Donor Sites
- Peristomal damage
- Pressure Ulcers (stages I-IV)
- Skin Tears
- Venous Ulcers
- Venous Dermatitis
There are several ways to treat the above mentioned wounds. Some cases are more complex than others and have varying heal times. Often times multiple approaches can be taken using a variety of products to achieve the desired results. It's important to look at each wound individually and consider all options before receiving treatment. Restored Images carries several products from multiple vendors to ensure that all possibilities of treatment are considered.
Basic Skin Care
The skin is the body's defense against outside organisms. It is the largest organ in the body and it protects us from germs. The skin is also essential to regulating our body temperature and synthesizes Vitamin D. In order for our skin to function in the best possible way we need to protect it from damage. We need good nutrition and plenty of water. As we age our skin will undergo natural changes, the layers become more fragile and dry. While we can't stop aging there are steps we can take to minimize the damage to our skin and optimize the skins ability to function properly.
Temperature regulation is the most important function of the skin- our body temperature is 98.6 degrees but the skin is 92 degrees. The skin is our automatic air conditioner-the body's response to excess heat is to expand the blood vessels. High humidity impairs the body's ability to sweat so light loose clothing allows the body to cool more rapidly. During episodes of cold the blood vessels constrict and reduce the flow of blood to the organs to the toes, nose, feet, ears and fingers. That is why frostbite occurs in these areas.
While it is necessary as we age to moisturize the skin it's important not to allow the skin to get too wet. When your skin becomes waterlogged it can cause damage to the epidermis, the outermost layer, and the dermis. Keeping the skin in balance is very important in maintaining the function of the skin. When the skin is too dry we can feel itchy, it can peel and flake and infection can set in once the integrity of the skin is broken. While the sun is important to Vitamin D production there are a few points to remember as the sun can be harmful.
- Avoid direct sunlight between 10am-3pm.
- Wear a hat or protective clothing.
- Don't count on a cloudy day to protect you from the sun's damaging rays.
- Utilize a sunscreen- SPF 15 or higher.
Sometimes no matter what we do the skin develops infections, rashes or other problems. Delay in seeking medical care can result in damage or pain and disfigurement. See your doctor or health care provider if you experience any of the following: rashes lasting longer than 2 weeks- open sores that don't heal in two weeks- redness, pain, heat or swelling at the site of an open sore, crack or abrasion- moles or marks that change in color, size or shape or become painful.
All that said, how do we protect this wonderful cover-up? Taking good care of your skin need not be expensive or complicated. First start with a gentle ph –balanced cleanser. Remember our skin is acid so we do not want to use harsh alkaline cleansers to destroy our body's natural defense. Skin moisturizers- apply quickly after bathing to allow for maximum absorption.
Moisturizer can also be applied whenever the skin feels or looks dry. Special attention should be given to our legs, arms, elbows, heels and hands. Most importantly we should have good nutrition and drink plenty of water- we must moisturize from the inside out-everyday. There are numerous skin care products available everywhere- they can range in price from very cheap to very expensive- sometimes trying to select skin or wound care products can be overwhelming- don't hesitate to call or come in for personalized skin care advice. The nurses at Restored Images will be able to help you find what each person really needs to keep their skin healthy. Call for more detailed information regarding specific skin and wound products.