Information
Skin Care
"Tek care fi wash hand, foot and all between"
Looking after the skin is vitally important. The skin is the body's first line of defense against infection and injury. Prevention is the key to managing problems, so take good and consistent care and report any problems to the doctor.
Two major problems associated with HIV/AIDS and the skin are:
1. ITCHING
- Caused by a reaction to medication e.g. Bactrim
- Heightened allergy to foods and insect bites
- Dryout caused by consistent diarrhea
Recommendations
- Keep skin moist with cocoa butter, baby oil etc.
- Control itch with calomine lotion or any other medicated itch lotion at the pharmacy
- Take a bath with baking soda for itching or put baby oil in the water to soothe dryness
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2. SORES
- Lesions caused by the disease
- Scratches that turn to sores, caused by rubbing the skin
- Sores on the bottom or bony areas caused by lack of movement
- Sores caused by syphilis, herpes or open back
Recommendations
- Turn the person regularly in the bed to avoid bed sores
- Keep all sores dry and clean
- Medicate with ointment (Gentian Violet, Acriflavine)
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If the sores start to look worse, turn black or smell, get medical attention.
DO NOT USE OTHER PEOPLE'S MEDICATION
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