Patient care and management: reduced skin integrity of the foot

The development and deterioration of pressure ulcers are a frequent occurrence across all healthcare settings and specialties, posing daily challenges to the healthcare worker and unnecessary suffering to the patient. Reduced skin integrity occurs within those patients deemed high risk, particularly to the vulnerable areas such as the heel and ankle (American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 1996). The incidence of pressure ulcers, alongside diabetes, vascular insufficiency and obesity, is on the increase, posing additional demands on current clinical resources; specialist clinics, debridement therapies and appropriate dressing management regimes. This article will focus on the heel and ankle in regards to reduced skin integrity and the positive introduction of an innovative dressing product as an adjunct to the overall care and management of this patient group.