CHCICS301A

Skin Assessment & Care

Skin Assessment

May be informal or formal Occurs on an ongoing basis May be overall – giving information

about general state of health May be specific – in response to a

defined problem or change in skin

Skin Assessment

Collection of subjective data, via client interview and questioning

Collection of objective data, mainly via inspection (looking) and palpation (feeling or touching)

What to assess?

Skin colourTemperatureMoistureTexture Thickness Oedema (swelling)

Turgor (elasticity)BruisingSkin hygienePresence of lesions (any exudate?)

Skin Turgor

Other assessment areas

Associated with skin assessment is :

Hair and scalp – assessment of colour, texture, distribution, loss, scalp lesions

Nails – shape and contour, texture, consistency, colour

Nail Texture / Color

Scalp Lesions

Throughout skin assessment, need to relate findings to the individual client being assessed

In many situations, findings are different, even if the skin is healthy

General care of a client with a skin disorder Providing comfort, relief of pruritus Topical applications – soothing

creams, substances to add to bath water, dressings

Prevention of infection Fluid and nutritional balance Providing psychologic support Client education

General care of older skin

Check / monitor skin changes – moles etc

Use sunscreen Avoid drying agents Eat / drink well Provide constant temperature

Skin Changes – that may occur….

Oedema

Pitting Oedema

Lymphoedema

Skin Changes

16

Venous Dermatitis

Skin ChangesSkin Changes

17

Maceration