Dependency-related skin lesions in people with demyelinating diseases in specialized neurological institution

José L. Hernández-Esteban, Carrera de Enfermería, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, México
Montserrat Castelán-Flores, Consultoría de Heridas y Estomas, Subdirección de Enfermería, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, México
Guisety López-Cantera, Coordinación de Investigación en Enfermería, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, México
Carlos A. Ugalde-Basabe, Laboratorio de Investigación en Enfermería, Subdirección de Enfermería, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, México
Juan Pineda-Olvera, Carrera de Enfermería, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, México

Introduction: Dependence-related skin lesions (DRSL) are a frequent and preventable complication in hospitalized individuals with reduced mobility. Their occurrence is associated with multiple factors, such as sustained pressure, friction, moisture, and especially complete functional dependency. These lesions significantly affect patient health by increasing the risk of infections, extending hospital stays, and impairing quality of life. Objective: To describe the occurrence of DRSL in people with demyelinating diseases in a neurological specialty institution. Method: A quantitative, observational, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted based on the analysis of clinical records of patients with demyelinating diseases treated by a wound and stoma consultation service. Convenience sampling was used, and descriptive analysis involved calculating frequencies and percentages. Twenty-eight patients were included in the study period; however, three patients presented multiple lesions, resulting in 31 DRSL included in the analysis. Results: The identified demyelinating diseases included acute encephalomyelitis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, neuromyelitis optica, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Most cases occurred in 2023 (57.1%) compared to 2024 (42.8%). The most frequent age group was 50–59 years (32.1%). In 39.2% of cases, patients were admitted through the neurology service. Guillain-Barré syndrome was the most common disease (50%), and the most frequently detected lesion was pressure ulcer (54.8%). Conclusion: DRSL are among the predominant complications in neurological patient care, especially in individuals diagnosed with demyelinating diseases, as decreased mobility is a common symptom. Nursing professionals must consider necessary measures to prevent these lesions and promote optimal outcomes, thereby improving quality of life of patients.

Keywords: Dependency-related skin lesions. Demyelinating diseases. Functional status. Skin care. Nursing care.