Venipuncture-Induced Hematomas Alter Skin Barrier Function in the Elderly Patients

Abstract

We aimed to compare the barrier function of the skin site with the color of hematoma induced by venipuncture and the area surrounding the skin site to help improve skin care for hospitalized elderly patients. There were 50 patients with a median age of 84 years who were included in the analysis. There was no significant difference between the hematoma site-induced venipuncture and the area surrounding the hematoma site in terms of transepidermal water loss and skin sebum level. The status of stratum corneum hydration and skin elasticity on the hematoma sites was significantly lower than that on nonhematoma sites. The median skin pH was significantly higher on hematoma sites than that on nonhematoma sites. The study variables did not reveal any significant correlation with the intensity of skin erythema. These findings showed that hematoma formation in the subcutaneous tissue affected the skin barrier function and that these sites need moisturizing skin care regardless of the intensity of skin erythema.