Dermatology in the Intensive Care Unit

• Main Authors: Uwe Wollina (Author), Andreas Nowak (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Our Dermatology Online, 2012-10-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2081-9390
• Keywords: Intensive Care Unit; dermatological counselling; skin diseases; Dermatology; RL1-803
• Source: Nasza Dermatologia Online, Vol 3, Iss 4, Pp 298-303 (2012)

Introduction: The intensive care unit (ICU) represents a special environment for patients. We analyzed patients in the ICU/ high care unit (HCU) with respect to dermatology counselling and skin problems.Setting: Academic Teaching Hospital over a 10 month period.Methods: The total number of patients of the ICU was 1,208 with a mean stay of 4.1 days. In the HCU the mean stay was 16 days. Diagnosis leading to admission were analyzed. All files of dermatological counselling were evaluated in detail.Results: Fifty-five patients with dermatologic problems were identified: 19 women and 26 males. The age ranged from 22 to 90 years of life (mean ± standard deviation: 67.2 ± 17.4 years). The total number of consultations were 85. The range of repeated dermatological consultation ranged from two to ten. The major reasons were skin and soft tissue infections, adverse drug reactions, chronic wounds including pressure sores and skin irritation or dermatitis. Pre-existing skin conditions may complicate the treatment and care during ICU/HCU stay.Conclusion: A tight collaboration between of the medical staff of ICU/HCU and dermatology department will ensure a rapid diagnosis and treatment of various skin conditions in the ICU, without increasing the costs significantly. Interdisciplinary education of nursing staff contributes to improved skin care in the ICU/HCU and helps to prevent acute skin failure.