Effects of Poultice Application to Skin Lesions Induced by Extravasation of Administered Catecholamines: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Purpose: The present study was to develop an evidence-based nursing procedure for skin lesions induced by subcutaneous injection of catecholamines using an extravasation rat model.

Methods: Skin lesions were induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of catecholamines into the back skin, and then the effects of applying a poultice were observed.

Results: In a control group for which no poultice was applied, flare-up was observed in three rats on the first day, and in one of these rats an ulcer developed on the third day. In a group treated with a hot poultice, flare-up was observed in five rats on the first day, and all of those rats developed ulcers on the third day. On the other hand, no skin lesions occurred in a group treated with a cold poultice.

Conclusion: When extravasation of catecholamines occurs, application of a hot poultice for vasodilation causes deterioration of the skin lesions whereas a cold poultice for suppression of inflammation is effective for prevention of skin lesions.