What am I?

Can you guess?

(Integumentary System)

The Integumentary SystemCristine Luca RN BSN

Molloy College

Objectives

1. Functions

2. Layers

3. Wounds and prevention

Functions of Skin

Our skin is the largest and most largely used organ

SENSES- nerve receptors (pain)

PROTECTS- from chemicals and UV light

SECRETES- glands (sebaceous or sweat)

THERMO-REGULATES- keeps us cool

Overview of Integumentary System

Layers of Skin

Epidermis

Dermis

Hypodermis (Subcutaneous)

Accessory Structures

Hair

shaft and root

Skin

sebaceous and sweat glands

Nails

Skin Breakdown

Causes

Immobility

Which of the following are common places for skin break down?

Malnutrition

Medical devices

Prevention

Turning and positioning

Proper nutrition

Positioning devices

Skin Protectants

Silicon dressings, moisture barrier creams, foam dressings, liquid skin barriers

What device can cause skin breakdown?

Any device or item will cause skin breakdown! Any place pressure is

applied to skin breakdown will occur!

a. oxygen tubingb. tracheostomyc. an IVd. pulse oximeter probe

Stages of Skin Breakdown

Stage I

Stage III

Stage II

Stage VI

• Unstageable• DTI• IAD- According to Gray, Bliss, Doughty, Ermer-

Seltun, Kennedy-Evans, & Palmer (2007) incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is an inflammation of the skin that occurs when urine or stool comes into contact with perineal or perigenital skin.

Photos courtesy of NPUAP & WOCN

Resources for You

WOCN

NPUAP

Principles of Skin Care

Learning Nurse- Pressure Ulcers

Test your Knowledge!

Become a skin/ wound care

champion in your place of work!

References

Gray, M., Bliss, D. Z., Doughty, D. B., Ermer-Seltun, J., Kennedy-Evans, K.

L., & Palmer, M. H. (2007). Incontinence‐associated dermatitis: A

consensus. Journal of Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing, 34 (1)

45-54.

National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Board. (2015).

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse’s Society. (2015).