Final answer:
A CPCT should use pressure relief devices, moisture barriers, specialized mattresses, and moisturizing creams to prevent skin breakdown. Moisturizing creams contain emollients, humectants, and occlusives that help keep the skin hydrated and prevent damage. These ingredients work to alleviate itching and inflammation, crucial for maintaining skin integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
A CPCT (Certified Patient Care Technician) plays a crucial role in preventing skin breakdown in patients at risk. To prevent skin damage, a CPCT should use products such as pressure relief devices, moisture barriers, and specialized mattresses. For topical skin care, using a moisturizing cream is essential.
Moisturizing Cream Components
Moisturizing creams typically contain ingredients like water, emollients, humectants, and occlusives. Emollients (like lanolin, petroleum jelly, and various oils), are used to soften and smooth the skin. Humectants, including glycerin and hyaluronic acid, attract water to the skin's surface, providing hydration. Occlusives, such as dimethicone, create a barrier on the skin to prevent water loss.
Benefits of Moisturizing Cream
The physical properties of emollients and the chemical properties of humectants work together to alleviate itching and inflammation. This protection is critical for a patient at risk for skin breakdown as it maintains skin integrity and promotes healing.