Patient/caregiver was educated on risk factors and causes of dry skin development as follows:
- Poorly controlled diabetes: Elevated blood sugars in poorly managed diabetics can result in frequent urination and loss of fluid from the body, contributing to dehydration and dry skin.
- Diuretic medications: Intake of diuretic medications in individuals with history of hypertension and congestive heart failure can result in frequent urination and loss of fluid from the body, contributing to dehydration and dry skin.
- Fluid limitations: Individuals with history of heart failure and renal failure could be placed on limitation for fluid intake, as excess fluid could be detrimental to the already failing organs and worsen their function further. Limitation on fluid intake could contribute to poor intake of fluid, resulting in drying of skin.
- Soaps and deodorants: Harsh soaps & deodorants can cause loss of protective oils that are naturally present in the skin, which can lead to drying of skin. Also, frequent handwashing using alcohol rich hand sanitizers can also result in leaching out of protective skin oils and drying of skin on the hands.
