Gentle care practices to help reduce pressure injury risk factors

Pressure injuries remain an ongoing issue in Australian healthcare, leading to patient discomfort, increased hospital stays, and higher costs for healthcare facilities. While risk varies by clinical setting, research suggests that pressure injuries can affect up to 72.5% of patients globally.¹

In Australia, pressure injuries are classified as a preventable adverse event, meaning that proper skin care and prevention strategies can make a significant impact.² The right system of skin care products plays a crucial role in maintaining skin integrity and reducing the risk of pressure injuries.

Signs of Skin Alteration Increasing the Risk of Skin Breakdown

Every patient requires individualised skin care, but certain skin changes can indicate a weakened barrier and a higher risk of pressure injuries:³

• Dryness
• Excess moisture
• Thinning skin
• Inflammation

Strategies for Preventing Skin Injury

1. Keep skin clean and hydrated

Tip: Using a nutrient-rich moisturiser can help maintain hydration and support skin barrier function.

2. Cleanse skin promptly after incontinence episodes

Tip: A skin protectant containing calamine can help absorb light exudate, while zinc cream with added menthol can provide temporary relief from discomfort and itching.

3. Avoid alkaline soaps and harsh cleansers

Tip: A pH-balanced foam cleanser, used as part of a comprehensive skincare routine, can help protect the skin from breakdown.⁴

4. Protect skin from moisture with a barrier product

Tip: A dimethicone-based barrier cream helps soothe, protect, and moisturise even the most fragile skin.

Added Opportunity for Skin Health

While cleansing and moisturising, it is important to assess for changes in skin integrity, such as redness, irritation, or pressure areas. Adjust prevention plans as needed with appropriate support surfaces, dressings, or additional skin care products.

Key Takeaway

Pressure injuries continue to be a challenge in every healthcare setting. Maintaining skin integrity with the right skin care routine and products is an essential part of any skin breakdown prevention protocol.

Medline ANZ offers a comprehensive range of skin care solutions to support in pressure injury prevention. Contact our team to learn more about our products to assist in keeping skin healthy.

^References:

^{1. NPIAP Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline, 2019, page 11.}

^{2. Fact Sheet: Preventing pressure injuries and wound management}

^{3. NPIAP Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline, 2019, page 73.}

^{4. NPIAP Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline, 2019, page 85.} 

Image credit: iStock.com/ericsphotography