Diseases & Conditions > Disease > Types Of Disease > Impairment > Impaired Skin Integrity

Impaired Skin Integrity

Impaired Skin Integrity is a status in which the skin is no longer healthy; instead of having elasticity, softness and overall healthy appearance, the skin will often be dry, damaged, stiff, and unhealthy. In some cases the skin becomes very thin in appearance is can be damaged more easily than healthier skin; also, impaired skin integrity can cause issues with mobility, because the skin simply does not move in the way it should.


Impairments can be a normal part of getting older and the skin is not exempt from being impaired; impaired skin integrity can be problematic because it hinders one's ability to move, can be afflicted by unnecessary injury from small interactions of skin to surfaces. Impairments that compromise the integrity of an area, like the skin, or specific process can often leave an individual more susceptible to illness and injury.

Some potential risk factors that can be attributed to the acquisition of impaired skin integrity are: old age, poor circulation, immobility, exposure to radiation, edema, hypothermia, and incontinence. All of these factors can put a person at more of a risk of skin impairments, like that of impaired skin integrity. Not many preventative measures can be taken in regards to this impairment, instead the most common advice is to remain healthy and stay active. Impaired skin integrity is a common affliction in order people and can be serious if health and skin are not properly cared for. 

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