Impact of textiles on the formation and prevention of skin lesions and pressure ulcers

Pressure ulcers are a serious international health care problem. Some of the important factors of causing pressure ulcers are pressure, friction/shear, and skin hydration. These factors are also related with textiles. Textiles have a direct constant contact with the human skin in the form of clothing, sheets or towels. Different textile products and skin work as a system to establish a thermal and sensorial state of comfort. Sometimes direct contact and interaction between textiles and skin may cause skin lesions or pressure ulcers.; The skin/fabric interaction includes pressure, friction/shear, and liquid/moisture transport through fabrics. The role of textiles in the formation and prevention of skin lesions and pressure ulceration is over looked or understudied.; The present study is aimed to investigate the physical and physiological interactions between fabric and skin, as well as their impact on formation and prevention of bedsores. Results of this study provide a basis for further research to design and develop fabrics with optimum frictional and moisture transport properties capable of preventing and relieving bedsores.; In this project, a pressure ulcer prevalence survey was conducted at Riverview Health Centre, Winnipeg among long term care residents. Textile products that may be the cause of skin problems of the residents in this health care facility were evaluated and tested. A Kawabata system was used to evaluate surface and frictional properties of fabrics. An air permeability apparatus was used to evaluate air permeability and a S.E.A. Automated Water Vapour Diffusion Apparatus was employed to determine both moisture diffusion and water transportation through fabrics. The results of these experiments demonstrated that fabric structures have significant effects on the frictional properties and breathability of the fabrics, which collectively impact on the formation and prevention of skin problems and ulcerations.