Skin integrity in critically ill obese patients.

Almost one-third of intensive care unit (ICU) patients are obese. Obese patients pose a unique challenge for preventing skin breakdown, healing wounds, and preventing complications of surgery and prolonged immobility. Yet little research to date has been done to study the effects of obesity on skin integrity and wound healing in this patient population. This article discusses common skin conditions and wound complications associated with obese patients and general treatment guidelines as they pertain to the critically ill patient.