The skin
is the largest organ of the body and our first line of defense against
microbial invasion, minor trauma or a chemical breach. The skins most outer
layer provides a protective barrier. This outer layer can be damaged in many
ways and a common cause of damage is through moisture. Moisture offers an
increasing challenge through the corrosive effects of excess sweat, exudate,
urine and faces. It is therefore, essential for people who are at risk of skin
damage, their care providers and health professionals to ascertain if moisture
can be managed appropriately with barrier creams or skin protectants.
Ideally
the pH of a healthy skin is 5.5, which can help to protect against bacterial
and fungal infections. Excess moisture on the skin in the form of urine, sweat
and faeces are alkaline in nature therefore increasing the pH level through an
immediate chemical reaction, which causes irritation to the skin. This can put
the skin at greater risk of breakdown, hence increasing the risk of pressure
ulcers. Increased moisture in the form of exudate may result in maceration of
the skin making it more susceptible to damage from physical forces of pressure
and friction.
"MednKare"
offers a mixed range of organic as well as pharmaceutical preventive Skin
Protectants or Barrier Creams and Washes which can be used against
moisture-related skin damage such as incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD)
and Bedsores or Pressure ulcers on both intact and injured skin, by building an
invisible, durable barrier for your skin, saving it from damage and helping
damaged skin to heal naturally. Additionally, they also protect the skin from
friction caused by adhesive dressings.