Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026
08:50
Fabrication and Characterization of a Conformal Skin-like Electronic System for Quantitative, Cutaneous Wound Management
Published on: September 2, 2015
Skin temperature and moisture management with a low air loss surface
Ostomy/Wound Management
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Low air loss (LAL) therapy effectively maintains normal skin temperature and moisture levels, crucial for preventing pressure ulcers. This therapy demonstrated significant reductions in skin temperature and moisture gain compared to standard hospital mattresses.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dermatology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Pressure ulcer prevention and treatment depend on maintaining optimal skin temperature and moisture.
- Low air loss (LAL) therapy is a clinical intervention designed to manage these skin conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of LAL therapy versus a standard hospital mattress (SHM) on skin temperature and moisture levels.
- To evaluate the efficacy of LAL systems in preserving skin integrity.
Main Methods:
- Ten volunteers participated in a three-hour study in a warm environment, in a supine position.
- Continuous skin temperature measurements were recorded.
- Skin moisture levels were assessed using both direct and indirect indicators, including Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate and conductance.
Main Results:
- Average skin temperature was 1.2°F lower on the LAL system compared to the SHM (p=0.0001).
- Moisture gain above normal was 87% lower with LAL therapy using the Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate indicator (p=0.01).
- Conductance increase above normal was 96% lower with LAL therapy (p=0.01).
Conclusions:
- LAL therapy systems are effective in maintaining normal skin temperature and moisture content.
- These findings support the use of LAL systems in protecting against skin damage and pressure ulcers.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Body Temperature
The body's temperature, measured in degrees, is determined by the balance between heat production and dissipation to the surrounding environment. For instance, if exercising vigorously, the body will produce more heat, causing sweat and dissipating that heat. Despite extreme environmental conditions and physical exertion, the human temperature-control system maintains a constant core body temperature (the temperature of deep tissues, which are the tissues located beneath the skin and other...
01:28Factors Affecting Body Temperature
As a nurse, it is vital to understand the factors affecting body temperature to monitor variations and effectively evaluate deviations from regular.
Factors may include:
Factors may include:
01:29Decreased Body Temperature
A decreased body temperature can occur in patients with hypothermia and frostbite. Heat loss with extended cold exposure overpowers the body's ability to create heat, resulting in hypothermia. Core temperature readings help classify hypothermia. Mild hypothermia is temperatures between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 35°C (95 °F) and is caused by impaired thermoregulation. Moderate hypothermia is temperatures between 28 C (82.4 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F) caused by sustained extreme cold exposure, and severe...
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
A thermometer measures body temperature. The common sites for measuring body temperature are the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface, such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. True core body temperature is assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder.
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Assessing tympanic membrane temperature involves using a tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT). Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
01:27Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most precise method for assessing core body temperature and typically registers higher than oral temperature. For adults, the rectal thermometer should be inserted 1 to 1.5 inches into the rectum to obtain the most accurate reading.
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...