FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Professional Guidance for Your Skin Care Concerns
Why is using sulfate free cleansers important for sensitive skin?
Using sulfate-free cleansers is beneficial for sensitive skin because sulfates, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium
laureth sulfate (SLES), can be irritating and harsh. Sulfate-free products are better for your skin, hair and scalp because they are gentler and don’t strip away natural oils. These ingredients are known to strip away the skin’s natural oils, disrupting the skin’s protective barrier and potentially causing dryness, irritation, and even inflammation.
What is a moisture barrier for incontinence and how should it be used to prevent skin breakdown?
Incontinence can lead to skin breakdown, redness, irritation, and even infection due to prolonged exposure to moisture. A moisture barrier for incontinence is a type of cream, ointment, or paste designed to protect the skin from irritation and damage caused by prolonged contact with urine or feces. A protective barrier cream with silicones or zinc should be applied at each episode of incontinence and with a change in a brief or protective underwear.
When should I contact a healthcare professional?
Many skin care issues, such as dry skin, can be addressed with a simple solution, moisturizing cream. However, if the condition worsens or is causing discomfort to the point of interfering with everyday activity – a healthcare professional could be very helpful. There are some conditions that almost always require you to see a doctor.
What are the most common skin conditions seen by healthcare professionals?
The top 5 conditions to be aware of, especially during winter
- Eczema is a type of dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) that is presented with dry, itchy patches and is not contagious. Eczema is thought to affect over 30 million Americans from infants into adulthood and tends to run in families. There is some kind of trigger, could be an allergen, irritant, infection, hormonal changes, or even temperature changes. Treatment can range from avoiding triggers, to over-the-counter moisturizers, to prescription therapy and even immunotherapy or phototherapy.
- Keratosis Pilaris (sometimes referred to as chicken skin or goose bumps) is a harmless skin condition that is presented as dry, rough, bumpy skin usually under the arms, buttocks, cheeks, and thighs. It is familial, but not contagious and is thought to result from a buildup of the protein, keratin that blocks hair follicles in their protective function.
- Psoriasis is an autoimmune reaction to a trigger that causes an inflammatory patchy skin rash (often painful, itchy and scaly) to the knees, elbows, scalp, and trunk). This cyclical condition has a genetic predisposition and tends to flair and subside over weeks or months. Psoriasis is a chronic condition with no known cure but can be managed by avoiding trigger (if known) and topical creams and ointments, it could include prescription medications and UV light therapy.
- Raynaud’s disease or Raynaud’s syndrome is a chronic condition where the small arteries (blood vessels) in the extremities are exposed to cold and constrict. This leads to decreased blood flow and decreased oxygen to the area – usually fingers and toes. The presentation can include discoloration, swelling, and numbness of the affected area. While there is no specific known cause, there are some schools of thought that nutritional deficiencies of iron, Vit D, and magnesium are thought to play a role in the development of Raynaud’s. Treatment can include limiting exposure to cold temperatures – wearing gloves/mittens, socks (and keep them dry), scarf, avoiding extreme temperature changes, and preventing trauma to the areas.
- Some cases need to have prescription therapy.
- Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition mainly affecting the face in adults with fair skin. It presents with facial redness, visible superficial blood vessels and can produce small bumps similar to acne. Certain foods, sun exposure, alcohol, stress. some medications can be triggers. There is no cure, but some treatments including topical medications can help control the symptoms. In some cases, laser or phototherapy are recommended. And in extreme cases, surgery may be required to remove thickened skin.
Should I use skincare products on healthy skin around a wound?
If you have a wound don’t forget about the healthy skin around your wound, called the periwound skin, it needs care too! Part of the healing process of a wound involves the good skin or tissue that surrounds it. The first step is assessing that skin; If it “good and healthy” – great – keep it that way and if it’s raw, denuded, bleeds easily, or very painful – let’s get it “good and healthy”.
There are two things to consider when deciding to use a skincare product:
- The treatment of the skin itself – use a good barrier product, like skin prepping wipes, to provide a contact for any adhesive. Be careful to not use a moisture barrier that dries “wet” – you won’t get anything to stick to it. You can also use a barrier cream with silicones or zinc, if you do not plan to apply an adhesive dressing.
- The other concern is what you are trying to do with the wound care product. Securing a dressing in place has many options. Consider a non-adhesive product, for example, there is a wound on the leg – you can secure that dressing with a rolled gauze and tape it to itself (not the skin) or use a self-adherent wrap – again, no tape or adhesive on the skin. Also, consider harsh tape/adhesive alternatives – such as a skin friendly silicone dressing.
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