What Should a Nurse Teach a Client About Skin Around Melanoma?

The nurse should teach the client how to properly clean and sanitize the skin around lesions. The nurse should provide protective arm sleeves for visitors. If the patient needs to be moved outside of the private room, the nurse should place a surgical mask over the client’s arms and legs.

The nurse should not routinely cover lesions with a sterile gauze dressing. The nurse should remove crusts as they form. In addition, a routine moisturizing regimen should be followed.

The nurse should also explain to the family how to properly moisturize dry skin. A calamine lotion or spray should be applied once a day to keep the child cool. A client has just been diagnosed with melanoma and is 1 day post-partum. In this case, the nurse should teach the client how to care for the skin around the lesion.

The client can use deodorant but they should avoid shaving or waxing the affected area. A medicated cream is also helpful for the patient. The client should only use an over-the-counter moisturizer.

What time should I contact my doctor?

You should contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately if you experience irregular heartbeats. You may be asked by your physician to increase fluids and use cool mist humidification.