Obesity causes biochemical changes that affect the skin. Some of these skin problems, such as venous stasis dermatitis caused by a decrease in circulation, are indications of other internal changes. Others, such as superficial skin lesions, are the result of the added weight encouraging abrasion from shoes or clothing. Because these wounds are slower to heal in obese people, diligent skin care is necessary to prevent or treat them.
Significance
Prevention of cuts, scrapes, bruises and pressure sores lowers your risk for infection of broken skin and deeper tissue wounds. Treatment prevents conditions such as dermatitis from spreading or creating ulcers. Delayed healing of seriously damaged tissue may require surgery or amputation. Furthermore, obese people may have more trouble recovering from surgery because some medication, such as certain anticoagulants, can actually cause skin lesions.
Considerations
Obesity tends to create additional skin folds, where moisture from perspiration can be trapped. Skin that has been stretched due to gravity and extra weight may become more sensitive and prone to irritation or infection. Daily skin care can help you avoid these superficial problems and possibly future surgeries. The feet, in particular, need special attention because of their weight-bearing and mobility tasks that involve pressure and friction.
Features
While the general population may focus on facial care, skin care for obese people should run from head to toe. To prevent allergic reactions and skin abrasion, use a mild soap and only your fingertips for facial cleansing or a soft cloth for washing your body. Pat dry thoroughly with a soft towel, especially between the toes and body folds. Baby powder and foot powder will absorb excess moisture and prevent skin problems. In addition to cleansing, keep your fingernails and toenails bluntly clipped to avoid inadvertent cuts.
Function
Routinely caring for skin counteracts the effects of body stress on obese people. Keeping skin as healthy as possible will help you cope with unavoidable skin problems resulting from psoriasis, thrombocytopenia, varicose veins, capillaritis, and cellulitis, which are all related to obesity. Inspecting your body daily, and especially your feet, for cuts or other wounds lets you take immediate medical action.
Misconception/Warning
You may be tempted to discount skin problems as low priority in regards to your overall health, saying, "It's just a scratch" and thinking that it will clear up on its own without any special skin care. Because obesity retards your body's ability to self-heal, wounds may instead progress to more severe and even life-threatening conditions.
Member Comments