Incontinent and diabetic individuals often suffer from compromised skin integrity, and one of the conditions faced may be atherosclerosis. This is when the normal lining of the arteries deteriorates, and the walls thicken and harden. Fat deposits and plaque may build up, which can cause a narrowing and even blockage of arteries. This leads to skin damage, irritation, and infection.
Skin care is critical in those with diabetes, as cracks and tears can lead to infection. However, treatments and prevention for atherosclerosis may include lifestyle changes, medicines, and even medical procedures or surgery. It is better to prevent than to treat whenever possible.
What can be done to treat atherosclerosis? The best solution is first address the causes and then clean and protect the skin. It is important to relieve the symptoms and reduce the risk factors that can lead to plaque buildup and decreased blood flow. Steps should be taken to lower the risk of blood clots forming, and depending on the situation, your physician may want to widen or do a bypass on plaque-clogged arteries.
Atherosclerosis involves thinning, translucent skin, and narrowing blood vessels, which put skin more at risk for pressure sores, shear, and frictional damage due to decreased blood flow. This increases risk in other areas as well, such as infection, discomfort, and more.
How can you care for the skin?
Clean the affected skin with a no-rinse solution. The skin is very weak, and any kind of frictional damage, including the friction that occurs when washing and cleansing the skin can lead to damage. The less you have to touch it, the better.
Protect skin with a protectant that can help to provide an environment for healing, and help to maintain skin integrity. Ointments, and other skin protectants can help the skin's natural defense, sebum, to protect skin from wetness, friction, etc. There are a number of lotions and ointments designed for this purpose.
In addition to good skin care, avoid problems with atherosclerosis by doing the following:
1. Following a healthy diet. Plaque build up can be greatly reduced by eating a more heart-friendly diet.
2. Be physically active. This will lead to increased health, a stronger circulatory system, and help control weight.
3. Maintaining a healthy weight. This can be very challenging for those with diabetes, especially if they also suffer from incontinence. But it is key to keeping atherosclerosis under control.
4. Quit smoking.
5. Manage stress.
6. Take prescribed medicines.
7. Use medical procedures and surgery. Angioplasty, coronary artery bypass grafting, carotid endarterectomy, are all examples of potential procedures needed to treat atherosclerosis.