Skin Care

Skin care is very important as more time is spent in bed lying or sitting in one position quickly leads to breakdown of the skin.

This can cause discomfort and pain.

Resources Contents Chat

Stages of Skin Breakdown

Stage 1: Persistent redness
Stage 2: Loss of outer skin, wound is red, ulcerated
Stage 3: Full thickness loss of skin, deep ulcer
Stage 4: Deep ulcer with visible muscle and even bone

A 'Kennedy' (terminal) ulcer can develop very quickly at the end of life. It may begin as a dark bruise near the tailbone and rapidly change into an open sore. This can happen despite good skin care

Back to top

What You Can Do

  • It is important to remember that as serious illness progresses and more time is spent in bed, skin breakdown is expected
  • Do not delay or avoid repositioning because of pain with movement
  • If complaining of pain, use available pain medications provided in the comfort pack
  • Try and inspect high risk areas: tail bone, hips, and heels
  • If possible, try and reposition (even a little bit) every 2 hours
  • Use pillows, wedges to help
  • Keep skin dry. If uses diapers/depends, make sure changed quickly
  • Ask Hospice Team every time they visit to inspect for skin issues
  • Make sure hospice provides necessary creams, dressings, and other skin care products

Back to top

What The Hospice Will Do

  • The Hospice Team will monitor the skin at each visit and provide the necessary supplies such as creams, dressings, and specialty mattresses when needed
  • The Hospice Team should be inspecting for skin breakdown on every visit
  • The Hospice Team should and can provide any supplies needed for skin care related to inability to change ones position in a bed, chair, or wheelchair

Back to top

PREVIOUS Shortness of Breath
NEXT Sleep