Cabot scientists have captured the power of oats and bring it to you with the Cabot Hydrolyzed Oat Protein product line -formerly Avalon Clear Oatmeal. Oligosaccharides and proteins that are small enough to penetrate the skin, treat and relieve itching and help to resolve many skin disorders.

Oats have traditionally been used to treat itching. The beta-glucans in oats help reverse pre-cancerous conditions associated with sun exposure. Oat is also a powerful moisturizer and active in reducing the visible appearance of facial fine lines and wrinkles. The Cabot Hydrolyzed Oat Protein products: Body Wash and Cleansing Bar deliver proven amounts of Hydrolyzed Oat Protein to fight itching, improve the visible appearance of the skin, and help resolve many bothersome skin conditions.

Thanks for choosing Cabot Skin Care to give new life to your skin.

Parker G. Montgomery                                             January, 2012

For more information, see our January newsletter: http://conta.cc/AeGRyt

Protecting Diabetic Feet

Diabetic foot ulcers are incredibly difficult to treat and can lead to infection and possibly amputation of a toe, foot, or even a leg.

· After bathing, moisturize and protect with P.O.L. Cream.

· In winter months, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air

· Bathe less during cold weather, if possible.

· Scratching itchy skin can cause cuts, where infection can set in.

· Keep skin clean, dry, and moisturized.

· Wash with mild soap or gentle cleanser.

· Don’t put cream between your toes–extra moisture encourages fungal growth.

· Drink lots of water to help keep skin hydrated.

The nursing profession has been supported and promoted by the American Nurses Association (ANA) since 1896. Each of ANA’s state and territorial nurses associations promotes the nursing profession at the state and regional levels. Each conducts celebrations on these dates to recognize the contributions that nurses and nursing make to the community.

The ANA supports and encourages National Nurses Week recognition programs through the state and district nurses associations, other specialty nursing organizations, educational facilities, and independent health care companies and institutions.

A Brief History of National Nurses Week

1953 Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare sent a proposal to President Eisenhower to proclaim a “Nurse Day” in October of the following year. The proclamation was never made.

1954 National Nurse Week was observed from October 11 – 16. The year of the observance marked the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to Crimea. Representative Frances P. Bolton sponsored the bill for a nurse week. Apparently, a bill for a National Nurse Week was introduced in the 1955 Congress, but no action was taken. Congress discontinued its practice of joint resolutions for national weeks of various kinds.

1972 Again a resolution was presented by the House of Representatives for the President to proclaim “National Registered Nurse Day.” It did not occur.

1974 In January of that year, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) proclaimed that May 12 would be “International Nurse Day.” (May 12 is the birthday of Florence Nightingale.) Since 1965, the ICN has celebrated “International Nurse Day.”

1974 In February of that year, a week was designated by the White House as National Nurse Week, and President Nixon issued a proclamation.

1978 New Jersey Governor Brendon Byrne declared May 6 as “Nurses Day.” Edward Scanlan, of Red Bank, N.J., took up the cause to perpetuate the recognition of nurses in his state. Mr. Scanlan had this date listed in Chase’s Calendar of Annual Events. He promoted the celebration on his own.

1981 ANA, along with various nursing organizations, rallied to support a resolution initiated by nurses in New Mexico, through their Congressman, Manuel Lujan, to have May 6, 1982, established as “National Recognition Day for Nurses.”

1982 In February, the ANA Board of Directors formally acknowledged May 6, 1982 as “National Nurses Day.” The action affirmed a joint resolution of the United States Congress designating May 6 as “National Recognition Day for Nurses.”

1982 President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation on March 25, proclaiming “National Recognition Day for Nurses” to be May 6, 1982.

1990 The ANA Board of Directors expanded the recognition of nurses to a week-long celebration, declaring May 6 – 12, 1991, as National Nurses Week.

1993 The ANA Board of Directors designated May 6 – 12 as permanent dates to observe National Nurses Week in 1994 and in all subsequent years.

1996 The ANA initiated “National RN Recognition Day” on May 6, 1996, to honor the nation’s indispensable registered nurses for their tireless commitment 365 days a year. The ANA encourages its state and territorial nurses associations and other organizations to acknowledge May 6, 1996 as “National RN Recognition Day.”

1997 The ANA Board of Directors, at the request of the National Student Nurses Association, designated May 8 as National Student Nurses Day.

From the American Nursing Association:

http://www.nursingworld.org/FunctionalMenuCategories/MediaResources/NationalNursesWeek/NNWHistory.aspx

Rubbing or pulling on the skin can cause skin tears. Fragile blood vessels are easily broken. Bruises, flat collections of blood (purpura), and raised collections of blood (hematomas) may form after even a minor injury. This is most easily seen on the forearms, but can occur anywhere. Loss of subcutaneous fat, a tendency to be less active, nutritional deficiencies and other illnesses can also contribute to pressure ulcers. Aging thin skin repairs itself more slowly than younger skin. Wound healing may be up to 4 times slower.  The blood vessels of the dermis become more fragile. This leads to bruising, bleeding under the skin (senile purpura) and similar conditions.

Sebaceous glands produce less oil as you age. Men experience a minimal decrease, usually after the age of 80. Women gradually produce less oil beginning after menopause. This can make it harder to keep the skin moist, resulting in dryness and itchiness.

The subcutaneous fat layer thins, reducing its normal insulation and padding. This increases your risk of skin injury and reduces your ability to maintain body temperature. Because you have less natural insulation, you can get hypothermia in cold weather.

PREVENTION

Because most skin changes are related to sun exposure, prevention is a lifelong process.

• Keep skin moist with creams and lotions. Do not use soaps that are heavily perfumed. Bath oils are not recommended because they can cause you to slip and fall. Moist skin is more comfortable and will heal more quickly.

• Good nutrition and adequate fluids are also helpful. Dehydration increases the risk of skin injury. Sometimes minor nutritional deficiencies can cause rashes, skin lesions and other skin changes, even if you have no other symptoms.

• Prevent sunburn by using a sunscreen and/or clothing to protect the skin.

Winter is the roughest season on our skin.  The air outside is cold and dry, and heaters and fireplaces may feel cozy, but they dry out the air inside. The key to avoiding the itchy dryness of winter skin is to stay moisturized.Here are a few simple tips to protect your skin this winter.When showering or bathing, warm water is better than hot.  Skin care experts agree that hot showers “strip your body of its natural oil barrier, the same barrier that traps in moisture and keeps skin smooth and moist.”Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser and moisturize your skin immediately after bathing.  Gently pat your skin with a soft towel and while your skin is still damp, apply a rich moisturizer, preferably one with a good emollient like Omental Lipids that will not only moisturize your skin and relieve any associated itch, but will also protect your own natural barrier.  P.O.L. Cream is 25% Omental Lipids and is the only product of its kind.  Not only does it keep your skin moisturized, but it also delivers healing and protective anti-oxidants deep into your skin.Humidify your home.  During cold winter months it is important to maintain the humidity in your home to around 50%.  Dry air evaporates your body’s natural water content, therefore drying out your skin.  Humidity meters called hygrometers are inexpensive and usually available at local home supply stores.Remember that dry, dehydrated skin is the most common reason for itch.  Scratching itchy, dry skin increases your risk for infection by creating openings in your skin where bacteria can enter.  The best thing is to be pro-active with your skin care and protect your skin before there is a problem.  And especially protect skin at risk.  This is good advice year round, not just in the winter!Stay Moisturized

Denise Skinner, RN, BSN, WCC
V.P. Clinical Services, Cooperlabs

• Keep skin clean. Wash with a soap-free, gentle cleanser. Bathe in warm water. Hot baths and showers dry the skin by stripping away your natural oils. After bathing, gently pat dry your skin with a soft towel. Be sure to dry well between your toes. Immediately after drying, apply P.O.L. Cream to retain your body’s own natural moisture and deliver powerful healing anti-oxidants deep into the layers of your skin. Pay attention to problem areas like the hands, elbows, and feet. Never apply creams or lotions between your toes unless instructed by a physician.

• Prevent dry skin. Scratching dry or itchy skin can open it up and allow infection to set in. Moisturize your skin often to prevent chapping, especially in cold or windy weather. P.O.L. Cream’s rich Pure Omental Lipid formula moisturizes and protects working synergistically with vitamins A, E, Allantoin, Dimethicone and Hyaluronic Acid. These ingredients have been demonstrated to be beneficial to help strengthen your skin’s protective function.

• Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and your skin healthy.

• During winter months, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Indoor humidity should be at 50%.

• A good sunscreen helps further protect at risk skin by preventing sunburn. Sunscreen should be used year round. Sun damage does not only occur in the summer.

• Treat all cuts, scrapes, and skin cracks immediately to help prevent more serious problems from developing. Be sure to see your doctor for major cuts, burns, infections, or other skin problems.

• Keep your diabetes well managed. People with high glucose levels tend to have dry skin and less ability to fend off harmful bacteria. Both conditions increase the risk of infection.

• See a dermatologist (skin doctor) annually for a skin health assessment.

• Take good care of your feet. Check them every day for sores and cuts. Wear broad, flat shoes that fit well. Check your shoes for foreign objects before putting them on.

• Moisturize your feet daily to prevent cracks and calluses.

• People with Diabetes should been seen regularly by a Podiatrist.

Denise Skinner, RN, BSN, WCC
V.P. Clinical Services, Cooperlabs

Heel fissures can easily become infected, which is of major concern for diabetics and people with other medical conditions.  Infection can lead to very serious wounds that are extremely difficult to heal.

The best approach is to prevent the cracks from starting.  Dry feet need to be moisturized and protected.  P.O.L. Cream is superior in moisturizing and protecting dry feet.  The 25% pure omental lipid formula allows phospholipids to penetrate deeply through the skin and bind with your body’s own moisture, while delivering powerful anti-oxidants to repair and protect damaged skin.  P.O.L. Cream also creates a protective barrier that helps retain your own natural moisture.

Denise Skinner, RN, BSN, WCC
V.P. Clinical Services, Cooperlabs

Podiatrist on P.O.L. Cream and Cracked Heels:

Applying P.O.L. Cream to an area of Seborrheic Keratoses can greatly soften and smooth the surface and decrease the associated itch.  P.O.L. Cream is non-medicated and safe to use as often as desired on any skin surface.

Seborrheic Keratoses can be mistaken for melanoma, so be sure to see a dermatologist for proper diagnosis.

Denise Skinner, RN, BSN, WCC
V.P. Clinical Services, Cooperlabs

With winter fast approaching, thousands of people with otherwise healthy, normal skin will start to experience dry skin, scaling, and associated itch.  The goal in treating dry skin is to keep the skin moisturized and protected from water loss due to transdermal (through the layers of the skin) evaporation.  In their text book Wound Care Essentials, Practice Principles, Sharon Baranoski, MSN, RN, CWOCN, DAPWCA, APN, Elizabeth Ayello, PhD, RN, APNBC, CWOCN, FAPWCA, FAAN, and Marjana Tomic-Canic, PhD, RN state treating dry skin and retaining natural moisturizing factors is “best accomplished by using moisturizing agents that contain lipids—an essential component in forming an impervious barrier, or seal, on the stratum corneum (outermost layer of skin), thus preventing water loss.  As water is retained, the skin surface is flattened and scaling is reduced.”

This principle also applies to people suffering from eczema and psoriasis.  As your natural moisture is retained in your skin, itching decreases and therefore can break the itch-scratch-itch cycle that is the major complaint of people who have these conditions.  Stopping the itch is paramount when treating eczema and psoriasis.  P.O.L. Cream, with its 25% omental lipid formula, can stop that itch, retain your natural moisture, and restore your skin’s normal function and appearance.

Denise Skinner, RN, BSN, WCC
V.P. Clinical Services, Cooperlabs

Ken shares his story about P.O.L. Cream and eczema:

Anyone who has worked in a Long Term Care setting knows that there are multitudes of chronic skin conditions afflicting these residents.  Xerosis (dry skin) and Pruritis (itchiness) are the most common and frequently due to environmental conditions such as heating and air conditioning in buildings drying the air and therefore drying the skin.  Also, bathing with a high pH soap can lead to dry skin and itch.

Other common conditions in Long Term Care (and the general public for that matter) that can cause problems for skin include diabetes, peripheral vascular/arterial disease, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, incontinence, chronic pressure or friction, renal dialysis, steroid use, and history of radiation treatments, just to name a few.

Fortunately there is a product now available in the United States that can help combat many of these problems. P.O.L. Cream is a topical cream that was first introduced in Europe over 20 years ago in Long Term Care Facilities and Home Health Care.  It was and still is used in Europe primarily for care and prevention of pressure ulcers, diabetic skin care, and as a moisture barrier for the incontinent patient.  The Pure Omental Lipids formulation delivers the proven benefits of phospholipids—powerful antioxidants and protective moisturizers.  These phospholipids quickly and deeply penetrate the skin and have the unique ability to bind water and oil, thus resulting in immediately effective moisturizing and protection.

Researchers are now reporting advances in the treatment of various skin problems by identifying biochemicals that are found naturally in the skin, like phosphatidylcholine, and studying their role in healing.  This work suggests that using a topical cream to supplement these natural biochemicals may be helpful.  Other ingredients of interest are ceramides and glycolipids.  P.O.L. Cream uses its unique omental delivery system to deliver phosphatidylcholine directly to the deeper layers of the skin, along with ceramides and glycolipids.

P.O.L. Cream is a patented formula and the only cream world-wide that contains Pure Omental Lipids.  It is safe and effective to use and best of all for Long Term Care, it is completely non-medicated and therefore does not require an MD order in most health care settings.

Denise Skinner, RN, BSN, WCC
V.P. Clinical Services, Cooperlabs

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As we age, our skin becomes thinner, and thinner skin is less likely to retain moisture or withstand friction.

Aging skin is more easily stretched due to a decrease in elastin fibers.  The skin becomes a less-effective barrier against water loss, bruising, and infection.  Even the slightest bump can result in bruising and/or a tear in the skin.

Age-related changes in the dermis are numerous.  The most striking change is the approximately 20% loss in dermal thickness.  This may account for the paper-thin appearance of elderly skin.   Elderly skin also has a loss of sensation and a loss of moisture.  And unfortunately, skin sagging may occur as well.

Protect your skin!

Maintaining skin integrity in patients who have frail skin is a challenge; even the simplest movement can result in a skin tear.  Turning or lifting, which can cause friction and shearing, may injure the skin. Delicate skin can tear when an adhesive dressing or tape is removed.

The best care for elderly skin is to keep it moist.  Inspect it daily for any changes, abrasions, cuts and scrapes.  Also look for a moisturizer that contains Hylauronic Acid which will help to maintain elasticity of the skin.

P.O.L. Cream is a protective moisture barrier with effective ingredients that help promote your skin’s natural healing process. All skin is at risk of irritation and damage from daily exposure to sun, wind and drying elements.

P.O.L. Cream hydrates and rejuvenates vulnerable skin. Ideal for multiple skin care challenges, including diabetic skin and foot care. Proprietary formula contains six moisturizing agents and restorative ingredients to promote an environment for healthy, protected skin. Calms itch, eliminates heel fissures and combats bed sores. Non-staining. Recommended by doctors. Money-back guarantee.

Moisturizing Clinical Study  P.O.L.

P.O.L. Cream decreases skin surface dryness/roughness by 94% versus 55% for the Cetaphil Moisturizer, increased skin hydration by 167% versus 32%, respectively and improved barrier function (TEWL) by 13% versus 7% when compared to the typical moisturizer. Additionally, after both products had not been used for three days, the test sites for the POL formula still demonstrated a 36% improvement in the overall condition and appearance of dry/rough skin, a 58% increase over the baseline moisture content of the skin and a 16% improvement in barrier function (TEWL) compared to 14%, 10% and 9% for the same categories measured for typical moisturizer, respectively.