Final answer:
Skin thickening occurs due to increased pressure or muscle activity. Bedsores are a health concern for immobile patients, especially the elderly, as their skin undergoes changes that make healing slow. Preventing bedsores involves frequent repositioning of patients to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Skin Thickening and Pressure-Related Injuries
Skin can thicken in response to various factors, including pressure and muscle activity. For patients who are immobile, a significant concern is the development of bedsores, also known as decubitis ulcers.
These are pressure ulcers that form when there is constant, unrelieved pressure on the skin, particularly over bony areas, impairing blood flow and causing tissue death.
As part of preventive measures, it is common practice in healthcare settings to turn patients frequently to mitigate the risk of bedsores. The elderly, especially those with debilitating conditions, are more susceptible to this condition due to reduced mobility.
Moreover, the aging process naturally impacts the integumentary system by decreasing cell division, metabolic activity, blood circulation, hormonal levels, and muscle strength.
These changes are manifested in the skin by a thinner epidermis, reduced dermis regeneration leading to slower wound healing, and a hypodermis with diminished structure, causing skin to become thinner and more sagging.
These factors make elderly patients more prone to skin injuries and slow healing of wounds, like bedsores.