Weakened Skin

[allenlondon]

For various reasons, I have to repeatedly apply dressings (Comfeel ulcer dressings) to my amputated leg.

They work, or rather always have done in the past, although they take a while.

But it seems that one undesirable spin-off is that they seem to WEAKEN the surrounding skin, which seems vulnerable to tears - I am very careful in taking off the sticky Comfeels, using either a spray or Podopro dressing removal, but still I sometimes get small bleeds.

Is it just me getting old and enfeebled, or is this skin-weakening a recognised misfortune of long-term dressings?

A

[Sqad]

Both.
Ageing skin ecomes thinner and so does skin repeatedly challenged by dressings.
The skin of diabetics is vulnerable as is the skin of smokers and those with diseases of blood vessels.
I bet that you are or have been,all of these.

[allenlondon]

Hello sqad.

Controlled type II, non-smoker for 33 years, ex-alcoholuc (18 years ex). Yes, some arterial deterioration.

What I’m trying is to reduce the size of the 10x10 Comfeels to 5x7, to stop covering such a big area.

I’ll just be even more cautious in removing them.

Thanks for the input.

A

[bednobs]

could you remove them in the shower/bath/pot of water?

[allenlondon]

Hello bednobs. Yes and no. I do strip them off pre-shower so it’s dressing-free for an hour or so, but I have to get the ulcers covered again asap.

It’s only a question of extra care really - I suppose I was hoping someone would say “rub xxx on the skin to strengthen it”, but seems not the case!

Allen

[bednobs]

nah, im with you - my leg has had pressure bandages for more than 2 years due to leaky leg and a wound that wouldn't heal. The dressings came off earlier this year, and now the dog has scratchedme and opened it again :(
don't strip them pre-shower, do it in the shower

[rowanwitch]

Hairdryer on warm might help to get them off, used to work with things like granuflex.

[allenlondon]

Thanks for the tips.

I use a hellishly expensive medical adhesive remover called Appeel, luckily on prescription, plus a disinfectant/dressing remover called Podopro, and I really take my time! But I still sometimes manage to break the skin...

I’ve got no dog, fortunately.

A