Body Check

SKIN MANAGEMENT IN SPINAL CORD INJURY: SKIN SORES: PREVENTION OF SKIN SORES: BODY CHECK

Prevention of Skin Sores

You Can PREVENT Skin Sores. In order to prevent skin sores, you must:

Check your whole body frequently
Relieve skin pressure
Mantain good skin hygiene

Check your whole body, but pay special attention to bony areas

By inspecting your skin regularly, you can spot a problem at the very beginning. Checking your skin is your responsibility and the way to spot the warning signals of a problem. Don't just ask someone else how your skin looks. If you need someone to help you check, you must be able to tell him or her what to look for.

How Often? At least twice daily. Morning and evening when dressing or undressing are recommended.
Check more frequently if you are increasing sitting or lying times.
Checking whenever you change position is recommended

Watch For? Any areas previously broken and healed over - scar tissue breaks easily.

What Are You Looking For? Redness, blisters, opening in skin, rashes, etc. Feel for heat in red areas with the back of your fingers.

Equipment Needed? Long-handled mirrors. If you need help, ask someone to position mirrors for you - one at the head and one over the pressure point.

Skin Check

Which Parts To Check? Check the following places on the front, back, and sides of your body.
Remember: Bony areas of the body are the most likely to get sores, so be sure and look at them.
When checking you skin, don't forget your groin areas for rashes or sores from tight clothing.
Men who wear an external catheter should check the penis carefully for sores or irritations.

Bony Areas To Check