Wound Care Made Incredibly Easy

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Moisture-associated skin damage

Product

Purpose

Comparison

Tips

For large stools, consider scooping (not rubbing) the larger portion of stool with the underpad or used brief prior to washing skin. If you need to use toilet paper, add a bit of petrolatum to it to further reduce the friction. The small amount of petrolatum also helps loosen the stool more easily. The all-in-one products contain a synthetic detergent (gentler), some moisturizer to prevent overdrying, and a dimethicone barrier to protect skin with out being occlusive like oily protectants.

Microfiber or soft disposable cloth

Used to cleanse soiled skin

Causes less skin stripping than regular washcloths. The nubs on regular washcloths are for the purpose of exfoliation, to remove layers of skin, which is harmful in this situation. Allows evaporation so as not to trap excess mois ture against skin like oily options do Does not clog up inconti nence briefs and under pads like oily options do Elastomeric terpolymer skin protectants are more expensive, but because they are applied less often than most other barriers, they can be cost-saving in terms of staff time. Check every day and reapply if the clear film is cracked, at least every 3 days. Able to absorb weeping or sweating to allow healing even though it is an occlu sive barrier

Dimethicone based barrier

Leaves a breathable pro tective barrier

If using a liquid film–forming skin bar rier, be sure staff knows not to apply any petrolatum barrier of any kind; these will melt away the protective film.

Elastomeric terpolymer skin protectant may be applied to intact or super ficially eroded skin and is able to adhere to moist areas. It is usually applied every 2–3 days. Nonalcohol cyanoacrylate skin protectant can be used on intact or dam aged skin to protect skin.

Liquid film– forming skin barriers (two types)

There are a few spray zinc oxide options available. They are not as absorptive but still add protection. If using the thicker types from a tube or a jar, apply the barrier to a pad (nonadherent pad, anal leakage pad, or abdominal pad [ABD]) and apply twice daily and as needed to the injured area. No tape is necessary; just hold it in place with the brief. Do not remove zinc oxide with every stool; just soak the top clean and apply a new pad with zinc oxide. To remove zinc oxide to reassess the skin, apply oil (e.g., petrolatum) to a disposable cloth and wipe it on gently. As the oil mixes with the zinc oxide, it will remove easily with cleanser. ( continued )

Zinc oxide barriers

Protective barrier

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