title: A nursing protocol for the management of perineal-rectal skin alterations.
abstract: Perineal-rectal care is defined as skin care to the region between the vulva and anus in the female and scrotum and anus in the male (Costello, 1997). Perineal-rectal care is essential to prevent infection and promote comfort but is complicated by the anatomical location of the perineum and rectum. In addition, no standardized perineal-rectal care approach exists. Patients with cancer are at particular risk for developing perineal-rectal skin breakdown because of immunosuppression, side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, and compromised nutritional status. A perineal-rectal skin-care protocol is presented that incorporates recommendations for routine care as well as recommendations for managing common skin alterations, including erythema, dry and moist desquamation, and infection.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Haisfield-Wolfe
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rund
mesh_terms: D003872:Dermatitis / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D009737:Nursing Records; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010502:Perineum; D012007:Rectum; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing*