Skin integrity is an important consideration for both residents and staff in aged care facilities. Maintaining healthy skin is recommended to patients as it helps prevent dryness, dermatitis due to incontinence and reduces skin tears.
The skin integrity program includes:
- Using a ph neutral wash instead of soap
- Moisturising twice daily
- Applying a barrier cream before putting on the continence aid
What is a Skin Tear?
A skin tear is a wound caused by shear, friction, and/or blunt force resulting in separation of skin layers. If not treated properly, they have a high probability of becoming extremely complex chronic wounds.
Skin tears are most common in the elderly, affecting over 40% of aged care residents*. Apart from the pain and distress they can cause, skin tears are also costly to treat.
Twice daily moisturising with QV Skin Lotion can help to prevent skin tears, reducing their incidence**. This can lead to significant savings for your aged care facility.
Apply QV Skin Lotion twice daily,
to reduce skin tears and cost in your facility*.
RECOMMENDED QV PRODUCTS
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Ego QV Skin Lotion - 500mL
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Ego QV Skin Lotion - 1L
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QV Body Wash Soap-Free Cleanser Pump Bottle 500mL
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QV Wash Soap-Free Cleanser Pump 1L
* Wound CRC research delivers a 50% reduction in skin tears, CRC Media Release [Internet]. Available from: http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=bcb25504cb5390d57b14f0ee0&id=16f88e701b&e=a22c1351a8.
** Finch K. Skin Tear Prevention in Patients over 65 years of Age in a Hospital setting. Podium Presentation. 10th Australian Wound Management Association Conference; 2014 May 7 - 10; Brisbane, Australia. Photographs sourced from the Skin Tear Audit Research (STAR) photographic library, Silver Chain Group and School of Nursing and Midwifery, Curtin University of Technology. [cited 2015 Sep 30]. Available from: http://awma.com.au/publications/2010_wa_star_skin-tear-tool-g-04022010.pdf.