Application of a pectin barrier for medical adhesive skin injury (epidermal stripping) in a premature infant.

BACKGROUND: Premature infants require, as part of their care, devices such as monitors and temperature probes to be attached to their skin. However, because of immaturity of the skin, they are especially vulnerable to medical adhesive-related skin injury. CASE: This case discusses the application of a hydrocolloid (pectin) barrier between the adhesive surface of a silver reflective patch covering thermistor probe and the neonate's skin resulting in medical adhesive skin injury (epidermal stripping). CONCLUSIONS: The use of this pectin barrier proved to be a suitable surface to secure the temperature probe and avoid further medical adhesive-related skin injury.