The skin is the largest organ in the body. It is the body's first line of defense. The task of keeping the skin healthy and preserving its integrity, its smoothness and softness and preventing skin irritations over a lifetime can be challenging. This effort becomes even more challenging when an individual is obese. According to the American Association of Critical Care Nursing, there are 61 percent of overweight or obese adults in the United States.
Definition of Obesity
The World Health Organization defines obesity as an assessment of the body mass index (BMI), which is the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m2). A BMI that is over 25 kg/m2 is considered to be overweight, while a BMI over 30 kg/m2 is considered obese.
Skin Irritations
Obesity may cause a variety of skin irritations and skin conditions. Some of these include stretch marks due to stretching of the skin tissue also called striae, varicose veins, skin ulcers, dermatitis and capillaritis (rupture of superficial veins). These conditions may be the result of poor circulation, fluid retention and excess pressure on the vein and tissues along with decreased nutrients and oxygen getting to the tissues.
Other Skin Irritations
Obesity causes skin folds under the neck, the armpits and the breasts as well as the abdomen, groin areas and any area where there is skin-on-skin contact. These skin folds harbor moisture and breed bacterial fungal and viral growth resulting in rashes, blisters and infection, which attack the integrity of the skin leading to skin break down. In addition, dermatitis, corns and calluses along with swollen legs and feet are other conditions that may occur.
Tips to Combat Skin Irritations
The key factors in this fight would be to avoid obesity, and if obese, weight reduction should be a primary goal. This may be achieved with an adequate diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, adequate protein and fluids, vitamin supplements and exercise, in addition to consulting with a health care provider as well as a dietitian.
Pay special attention to general hygiene care and keep skin folds dry. Wearing comfortable, loose fitting clothing will prevent the garment from rubbing, bruising and irritating the skin.
A health care provider's advice and treatment should be sought in treating any skin condition that may occur.
Considerations
Being obese as well as having a chronic medical condition such as diabetes or an immune-depressed condition adds to the challenge of preventing skin irritations and maintaining the integrity of the skin. Extra care and attention to skin care becomes even more important.
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