abstract: I read with interest the continuing professional development article on skin care (November). Although mostly excellent, I would just like to point out that greasy emollients such as white soft paraffin/liquid paraffin 50/50 or zinc and castor oil are not recommended for use with incontinence pads. This is because the 'barrier' effect, while supposedly protecting the skin, also forms a moisture-resistant layer on the surface of the pad which prevents the absorption process, and can therefore have the opposite effect of making the skin wetter and more prone to soreness.
authors.affiliation: Camborne Redruth Community Hospital.
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baggs