What are 5 Factors Affecting Skin Integrity?

Five key factors impacting skin integrity are pressure, friction, shear, moisture, and trauma. These factors can act individually or in combination to damage the skin. Let's explore each one in more detail:

Prolonged pressure on the skin restricts blood flow, leading to tissue damage. This is a major cause of pressure ulcers, commonly seen in immobile individuals. Examples include prolonged sitting or lying in one position.

2. Friction

Friction occurs when skin rubs against another surface, causing abrasion and superficial damage. Think of bed sheets rubbing against the skin of a bedridden patient.

3. Shear

Shear forces occur when skin layers move in opposite directions. This stretches and tears underlying tissues, potentially leading to deep wounds. This often happens when a patient slides down in bed.

4. Moisture

Excessive moisture softens the skin, making it more susceptible to damage and infection. Incontinence, wound exudate, and perspiration all contribute to this. Prolonged exposure to moisture weakens the skin's barrier function.

5. Trauma

Trauma encompasses any physical injury to the skin, including cuts, scrapes, burns, and punctures. These injuries directly compromise skin integrity, increasing the risk of infection.

Beyond these five, other factors significantly influence skin health:

• Age: Aging skin becomes thinner and less elastic, making it more fragile.
• Nutrition: Poor nutrition weakens the body's ability to repair damaged skin.
• Hydration: Dehydration makes skin dry and prone to cracking.
• Impaired Circulation: Reduced blood flow hinders oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin, slowing healing.
• Medications: Certain medications can increase skin sensitivity or impair healing.
• Impaired Mental Status: Individuals with cognitive impairment may be less able to communicate discomfort or protect their skin.
• Loss of Sensation: Reduced sensation increases the risk of injury without awareness.

Sources confirm that various intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) factors contribute to impaired skin integrity. Intrinsic factors include nutritional status, vascular disease, and diabetes. Extrinsic factors include accidents, pressure, and friction. Maintaining skin integrity is crucial for overall health, and addressing these risk factors is essential in preventing skin breakdown and promoting healing.