Best Practice Statement: Managing ageing skin and maintaining skin integrity

This document by Wounds UK provides best practices for managing ageing skin and maintaining skin integrity. It highlights the importance of proactive skincare, particularly for older adults and vulnerable groups, to prevent damage like dryness, skin tears, and infections. It emphasizes regular skin assessments, risk reduction strategies, and the use of emollients to restore hydration and protect the skin barrier. The guide includes practical tips for patients and healthcare professionals, focusing on prevention, education, and person-centered care. It also addresses the psychological impact of chronic skin conditions and the role of nutrition, hydration, and mobility in promoting skin health.

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Wounds UK (2025) Managing ageing skin and maintaining skin integrity. Wounds UK. Available to download from: www.wounds-uk.com

Key Recommendations for Clinical Practice:

  1. Proactive Skin Assessment: Conduct regular and thorough skin assessments, especially for high-risk areas like lower legs, heels, and skin folds. Look for early signs of dryness, redness, scaling, or small skin breaks.
  2. Risk Reduction: Implement structured risk-reduction programs, addressing general health, mobility, and skin care. Evaluate individual risk factors such as age, comorbidities, medications, and environmental exposures.
  3. Emollient Use: Promote regular use of medical-grade emollients to maintain skin hydration, restore the lipid barrier, and prevent damage. Apply emollients at least twice daily, ideally after bathing.
  4. Gentle Skincare Practices: Use non-soap cleansers, avoid hot water, and pat skin dry to prevent irritation. Manage skin debris gently to avoid further damage.
  5. Education and Engagement: Educate patients and caregivers on the importance of skincare, early signs of compromised skin integrity, and proper emollient application techniques.
  6. Address Moisture and Dryness: Manage moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) with barrier products and gentle cleansing routines. Avoid over-washing and harsh soaps.
  7. Tailored Care Plans: Develop person-centered care plans considering patient preferences, cultural practices, and individual needs. Offer flexible product options to encourage adherence.
  8. Early Intervention: Escalate concerns promptly when signs of skin damage, infection, or severe dryness are detected to prevent complications.
  9. Holistic Approach: Incorporate nutrition, hydration, mobility, and psychosocial factors into skin health management. Address polypharmacy issues that may impact skin integrity.
  10. Documentation: Maintain thorough records of skin assessments and interventions to track changes and ensure effective communication across the care team.