Spinal Cord Injury Network - Skin Breakdown Q&A

Spinal Cord Injury Network

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THE DOCTOR IS IN. THIS MONTH'S TOPIC: SKIN BREAKDOWN

It is estimated that up to 80% of persons with SCI will have a skin breakdown during their lifetime. A devastating complication of spinal cord injury, skin breakdowns can mean several weeks of bed rest or even surgery. Of course, this causes major disruption to work and school, not to mention social activities that are important to all of us who want to continue being members of our families and communities.

It happens to people who are many years post-injury and live a prudent life filled with push-ups.
It happens to people recently injured and inexperienced at managing their disability.
Skin breakdown.
Pressure sores.
Decubitus ulcers.
Red spots.

Nothing brings life to a halt faster.

How to avoid them?
How to manage them when they occur?
How to get back on your rear ASAP?

What questions do you have? For instance, does aging make them more likely? (I’m over 50--Am I getting thinner down there?) Is there a way to take long trips safely? (Will I ever be able to see Australia?) What’s the best way to check for red spots? (Since I’m not a contortionist, how am I supposed to see all of my backside?) Good news.

Here’s a chance to get answers to your questions from a medical specialist. Once a month, Suzanne Groah, M.D., director of the RRTC on SCI: Promoting Health and Preventing Complications through Exercise, as well as director of spinal cord injury research at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in D.C., will focus on an SCI topic by responding to questions submitted by people around the country. This month, the subject is skin breakdown. Click to send in your questions to Dr. Groah by June 21, and by June 28, her responses will be posted on the SCI Center Web site (www.ilru.org/SCI/information.htm). Look for the heading, FAQ of the Month.

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