Lead In: Skin Physiology and Diseases in the Obese Patient

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Abstract
Morbidly obese patients are found not only in the hospital undergoing bypass surgery, but also in almost every area of the healthcare system. Nurses in practice in a variety of settings encounter these patients and must be attuned to their special needs and characteristics. Skin care of the morbidly obese patient presents particular challenges. These patients are at greatly increased risk for skin breakdown and care must be taken both to prevent it and also to treat breakdown as quickly as possible in the event that it does occur. This article highlights the association between obesity-associated changes in skin physiology, skin manifestations of obesity, and dermatologic diseases aggravated by obesity.