In Canada, one in four patients is aff­ected by skin integrity problems. With an aging population such as ours, these problems need to be addressed and prevented before they occur.

Studies show that numerous factors can lead to skin breakdown such as pressure, friction, shearing, nutrition, and excess moisture. Studies also show that over hydrated or under hydrated skin is more susceptible to pressure, shearing and friction. For this reason, utilizing e­ffective moisture control interventions is that much more important. Moisture control will promote healing; reduce the risk of infection and prevent the enlargement of existing wounds.

The skin is the body’s first line of defense against infection and any other external threats that make skin integrity maintenance that much more important.