Protecting the skin from moisture and associated irritants

1. Skin that is damp or wet is more permeable to irritating substances and more readily colonized by microorganisms. Less friction is required to abrade or blister skin when it is damp. 2. The goal of nurses who care for patients at risk for skin breakdown secondary to moisture and associated irritants is to keep the skin dry and free of irritants. 3. Although there are many products that claim to protect the skin from the injurious effects of moisture, the research supporting these claims is limited. Nurses, therefore, must be inquisitive and vigilant when selecting products.