Common skin issues

People with serious illnesses often encounter skin problems like rashes, sores or wounds. Skin issues can become a source of discomfort, but are often overlooked. This guide sheds light on common skin problems that may arise so that you can better recognize, understand, and address them.

Rashes:

• Irritated or swollen skin, indicated by red, itchy and often painful skin patches.
• Common causes: Reactions to medications, detergents, or infections.

Wounds:

• Cuts, skin tears, punctures or deeper injuries to the skin.
• Common causes: Accidental injuries, surgical procedures, or skin weakened by the illness or medication.

Sores (ulcers):

• Open, painful areas on the skin that can ooze or bleed, and take time to heal.
• Common causes: Prolonged pressure, decreased blood flow, swelling, or reduced drainage from a limb (e.g. lymphatic ulcers).

Bedsores (pressure sores):

• Skin damage from lying or sitting in one spot for too long resulting in prolonged pressure, usually on bony areas of the body.
• Common cause: Remaining in one position for too long, bedridden individuals are at greatest risk.

Blisters:

• Raised, fluid-filled bumps on the skin.
• Common cause: Friction, burns (including radiation therapy), sunburns, swelling, or certain illnesses can lead to blisters.

Swelling:

• Swelling in specific parts of the body, often in the feet, ankles, and legs, due to the build-up of excess fluid.
• Common causes: Side effects from medications, prolonged immobility, or heart, lymphatic or kidney problems.

Infections:

• Harmful bacteria invading the skin.
• Common causes: Wounds, open skin spots, ulcers or a weakened immune system increase the risks of infection.

Dry and flaky skin:

• Skin that is dry, flaky, rough, and may peel.
• Common causes: Dehydration, certain medications, and underlying health conditions can result in dry skin.

Discoloration:

• Changes in skin color, which can appear as small patches or cover bigger areas.
• Common causes: Blood vessel changes, side effects from medications, liver issues, or pressure injury can contribute to skin discoloration.

If you are unsure about what is causing a skin problem or how to manage it, do not hesitate to reach out to your nurse or doctor.