Understanding skin infections in older adults. (2nd December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Palmer, Sarah Jane
• Is Part Of: Practice nursing. Volume 31:Number 12(2020)
• Page Start: 502
• Page End: 506
• Publication Date: 2020-12-02
• Subjects: Skin infections -- Erythema -- Sepsis -- Staphylococcus aureus -- Cutaneous disorders; Nursing -- Practice -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 610.730941
• DOI: 10.12968/pnur.2020.31.12.502
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-9271

Abstract

Abstract : Skin infections and soft-tissue conditions are known to be common in older adults. Sarah Jane Palmer covers the basic principles of assessment, investigation and treatment Skin infections are extremely common throughout the community in older people. Cellulitis and infected ulcers are the most common cutaneous skin infections in older adults, but various other aetiologies can be identified by community nurses and healthcare staff throughout their area's patient population. Staphylococcus aureus is common and increases morbidity so prompt identification is required. Assessment of the skin and appropriate swabbing is necessary and crucial in order to be proficient when looking after people with skin conditions and infections in the community. This article will cover the basic principles of assessment, investigation and treatment, as well as encouraging an awareness of risk, touching on the common predictors of skin infections in older people