Prevention of Skin Breakdown in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

The document discussed the prevention of skin breakdown in pediatric intensive care units, highlighting the distinction between skin breakdown and pressure ulcers. It noted the severe consequences of skin breakdown, such as increased treatment costs, infection, morbidity, mortality, and psychological effects like alopecia or scarring. Prevention strategies included using barrier protections like zinc oxide and specialty surfaces to distribute pressure and control moisture and temperature. The study aimed to determine whether barrier protection or specialty surfaces were more effective in preventing skin breakdown in pediatric patients.