Skin necrosis following continuous positive airway pressure with a face mask.
A 60-year-old woman with respiratory failure required ventilatory support using a continuous positive airway pressure face mask. She developed extensive necrosis of the skin of the bridge of the nose. A number of precipitating factors are discussed and suggestions made to minimise the risk of this complication.
Smurthwaite
G J
GJ
Intensive Care Unit, Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan, Lancashire.
Ford
P
P
D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000628:therapy; D008397:Masks / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis / Q000209:etiology; D009666:Nose; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D011312:Pressure; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D013997:Time Factors