We aimed to compare the barrier function of the skin site with the color of
hematoma induced by venipuncture and the area surrounding the skin site to help improve
skin care for hospitalized elderly patients. There were 50 patients with a median age of 84 years who were included in the analysis. There was no significant difference between the
hematoma site-induced venipuncture and the area surrounding the
hematoma site in terms of transepidermal water loss and skin sebum level. The status of stratum corneum hydration and skin elasticity on the
hematoma sites was significantly lower than that on nonhematoma sites. The median skin pH was significantly higher on
hematoma sites than that on nonhematoma sites. The study variables did not reveal any significant correlation with the intensity of skin
erythema. These findings showed that
hematoma formation in the subcutaneous tissue affected the skin barrier function and that these sites need moisturizing
skin care regardless of the intensity of skin
erythema.