Dermatological issues among individuals receiving palliative care - A review
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2024
Abstract
Skin disorders among individuals receiving palliative care may be associated with the primary condition or underlying comorbidities and patients may experience pruritus, discomfort or pain. Common conditions include xerosis, pressure ulcers, intertrigo, superficial fungal infections, telogen effluvium, pruritus, herpes zoster, eczematous disorders and edema. During end-of-life care, there is reduced skin perfusion and metabolism hence leading to susceptibility to infection, pressure and injury. Other factors affecting the skin include limited mobility, nutritional deficits and immunosuppression. Although treatment strategies for each skin condition are usually aligned with standard protocols, considerations among these patients include limited life-expectancies, potential treatment burden, drug-drug interactions as well as comfort-directed rather than cure-directed therapy. For patients with xerosis cutis, the regular use of moisturisers is recommended. The management and prevention of pressure ulcers include the strategies of skin assessment and care, pressure redistribution, nutrition and hydration and ulcer care. Superficial fungal infections require treatment with appropriate topical and/or systemic antifungals while antivirals and adjunctive treatment can be prescribed for herpes zoster. Treatment and symptom control of skin disorders in this population can improve quality of life and patients' comfort level.
Keywords
Dermatology, Palliative medicine, Palliative care, Skin diseases, Dermatophytes, Pressure ulcer, Herpes zoster, Pruritus
Divisions
fac_med
Funders
None
Publication Title
American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine
Volume
41
Issue
8
Publisher
Sage Publications Inc
Publisher Location
2455 TELLER RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320 USA