Pediatric skin care: guidelines for assessment, prevention, and treatment.

The review of the literature suggests the pediatric population is at risk for skin breakdown and therefore pressure ulcer development. The literature reveals limited information on pediatric skin care issues in comparison to the adult population. The prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers and maintenance of skin integrity in the pediatric population often is not a high priority, especially in the critically ill child. Research has demonstrated that children differ from adults in the anatomical sites of skin breakdown; however, treatment remains the same. It is important to have an understanding of the underlying physiology of ulcer formation, the factors responsible for ulcer development, and the factors that put infants and children at risk for developing pressure ulcers. Accurate assessment, documentation, prevention, and treatment are all key factors.