Skin Moisturizing Care
Key Points
- Expose only skin being moisturized to protect dignity and warmth.
- Warm lotion in hands before application to improve comfort.
- Emollient care helps maintain skin-barrier integrity in dry, cracked skin.
- Avoid lotion between toes.
Equipment
- Gloves
- Lotion
- Dry towel
Procedure Steps
- Complete routine pre-procedure actions including privacy and explanation.
- Don gloves and position resident so only target skin is exposed.
- Place a quarter-sized amount of lotion in palm and warm between hands.
- Apply to dry skin areas; use additional warmed lotion as needed.
- Emphasize persistently dry or cracked areas where barrier support is needed.
- Avoid applying lotion between toes.
- Gently wipe off excess lotion with dry towel.
- Remove gloves and perform post-procedure safety checks.
- Document/report skin issues or changes.
Common Errors
- Overexposing resident during routine skin care → decreases dignity and comfort.
- Leaving excess lotion on skin folds → increases moisture-related skin injury risk.
- Applying lotion between toes → can promote maceration and fungal growth.
- Using very hot bathing water repeatedly → worsens dryness and skin cracking.
Related
- foot-care-assistance - Shares toe-space moisture precautions.
- integumentary-system - Provides skin integrity context for ongoing surveillance.