Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Fragile Skin?

Fragile Skin is when normal skin (about 1.5 millimeters in thickness) becomes thin (about 0.8 millimeters in thickness).

When Fragile Skin develops an appearance like tissue paper, it’s called crepey skin.

A common condition in older adults, Fragile Skin can occur across the body and is most noticeable in the face, arms, and hands. A person with Fragile Skin may find they can see veins, tendons, bones, and capillaries under the skin of their hands and arms.

Fragile Skin is the result of thinning of the dermis - the middle layer of the skin. Made of collagen and elastin, the thick, fibrous tissue of the dermis makes up 90% of the skin’s thickness and provides strength, flexibility, and elasticity.

As one ages, the skin becomes thinner, loses fat, and no longer looks as plump and smooth as it once did. Scratches, cuts, or bumps can take longer to heal. Years of suntanning and sun exposure may lead to wrinkles, dryness, age spots, and even cancer . But there are things you can do to protect your skin and to make it feel and look better.

What causes Fragile Skin?

Fragile Skin, being thin, tears easily. This is a common problem in older adults as aging is one of the most common causes of Fragile Skin. However, sun exposure, physical and chemical stress, and genetics also play a role. In addition, certain medications, such as intense and long-term use of oral or topical corticosteroids, also can weaken the skin and blood vessels in the skin.

Skin cells, protein and pigment cells, or melanocytes, make up the outer layer of the skin or epidermis. With age, the epidermis grows thinner.

Blood vessels, hair follicles, nerve cells and oil (or sebaceous) glands make up the middle skin layer or dermis. With aging, blood vessels gradually decrease in number, reducing circulation to the skin. As glands become less active, skin gets drier.

Fat cells and sweat glands help make up the inner or subcutaneous layer. As the fat pad shrinks with
age, the skin loses protection from damage (and insulation against the cold). Collagen fibers
throughout the three layers, which keep the skin elastic and toned, are also affected. Changes in skin
collagen can cause lines and wrinkles to form.

What do you mean by Hospital Grade?

Welmedix believes in the movement of bringing Hospital Grade care to the home, which includes education and providing Hospital Grade products. These products contain scientifically validated skincare ingredients used extensively in hospitals and hospital networks.Welmedix HomeCare PRO®products are especially designed for Fragile Skin and are best used on a daily and proactive regimen , the same regimen frequently used by hospital nurses, that is to clean, protect and treat Fragile Skin.

What are some of the common signs of Fragile Skin?

  • 1.Thinning Skin: With certain medical conditions or aging, the skin may become thinner, more translucent and less elastic making it more susceptible to damage.
  • 2. Dryness and Flakiness: Fragile Skin may be drier and more prone to flakiness.   Adequate moisturization with the right skin care products is essential to maintain skin integrity and skin health.
  •  3. Bruising: Fragile Skin can be more susceptible to bruising, and even minor trauma or pressure can lead to the development of bruises.
  • 4. Redness and Irritation:Fragile Skin may be more prone to redness and irritation. Use of harsh soaps and some skin care lotions, environmental factors, or even mild pressure can contribute to skin irritation.
  • 5. Tearing : The skin may tear more easily, even with  with minimal force or friction

Welmedix HomeCare Pro incorporates Hospital Grade ingredients along with the latest advances in caring for Fragile Skin.

Are skin cuts or tears a common Fragile Skin problem?

Skin tears are a common Fragile Skin problem among the elderly and infants. Prevalence rates for
skin tears have been reported to be as high as 41%. Moreover, it is estimated that the incidence of
skin tears stands at 1.5 million each year in the USA.
Skin tears in the elderly can develop into secondary wound infections, which can greatly impact
quality of life and can often result in prolonged hospitalization. That's why it is so important to have a
daily and proactive routine to moisturize and protect Fragile Skin in an effort to prevent skin tears.

Can Fragile skin also be sensitive skin?

Yes, and sensitive skin should always be handled by avoiding substances that irritate the skin.

Fragile Skin is skin that has thinned and lost skin strength.  Fragile skin is more prone to bruising, tearing, sores and irritation.  It is the result of aging, certain medical conditions, use of some medications that can impact skin health and prolonged exposure to the sun.  Protecting Fragile Skin is about  avoiding activities and products that can impact structural skin integrity and skin health. 

The Welmedix HomeCare Pro product line is specially formulated with scientifically validated, Hospital Grade ingredients for the management of Fragile Skin.  Welmedix HomeCare PRO products are designed to follow the daily and proactive regimen nurses use - cleanse, protect, treat - to help heal and prevent further damage to Fragile Skin.

What drugs can be associated with Fragile Skin?

Certain drugs, if used excessively and for a prolonged period of time, can become associated with
Fragile Skin:

  • topical and oral corticosteroids
  • over-the-counter aspirin
  • prescription blood thinners
  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve)

Why not use everyday skincare products on Fragile Skin?

Some everyday soaps contain ingredients that can irritate or even erode or inflame the skin, while
some hand and body lotions do not provide enough skin hydration and protection. Powders can clog
pores and irritate the skin. In addition, it is not unusual to find people using too many different skin
care products at one time, which can aggravate the natural moisture and pH balance of the skin,
leaving Fragile Skin more vulnerable to further breakdown or damage.
A good skincare routine aims to help the skin stay healthy by protecting the skin barrier. That means
not overloading it with too many skin care products or products/ ingredients that can irritate, erode, or
inflame the skin.
That’s why, after considerable input from health care experts - especially hospital nurses - Welmedix
developed the HomeCare Pro™ Fragile Skin Care product line with ingredients designed to work
together to maintain and nourish the skin barrier when deployed in a simplified daily and proactive
skincare routine.

How do the HomeCare Pro™ Rinse Free Cleansing Foam, Fragile Skin Protective Ointment,and Rapid Relief Rash Cream help safeguard Fragile Skin?

The Welmedix HomeCare Pro product line was developed after input from healthcare professionals,
especially hospital nurses. Welmedix products were designed for family caregivers seeking to provide
hospital-grade care to their elderly loved ones at home.
Unlike many everyday moisturizers and lotions, each HomeCare Pro product is specially formulated
with scientifically validated, hospital-grade ingredients and a proprietary blend of moisturizers to help
manage Fragile Skin.
Welmedix HomeCare Pro products are modeled on a daily and proactive skin care routine that nurses
use with elderly patients to help safeguard Fragile Skin from further breakdown.
Clean
The Rinse Free Cleansing Foam is specially designed to lift and clean dirt, soils, and odor causing
bacteria from the skin without rinsing with water. Its gentle, pH-balanced formula can be used daily
and proactively as an all-over body wash and convenient no-rinse shampoo. The foam lathers
instantly, saving time and effort, leaving the skin hydrated and refreshed. And it can be a safer, more
convenient alternative to bathing the patient.
Protect
After cleaning the skin, the HomeCare Pro Fragile Skin Protective Ointment is a versatile, rich
ointment that can be applied from head to toe to gently moisturize and nourish the skin. The Fragile
Skin Protective Ointment can also be used for daily incontinence care to moisturize and protect the
skin from wetness that can lead to painful redness and diaper rash.
Treat
After cleaning the affected area, Rapid Relief Rash Cream is a highly effective remedy for areas of
the skin that have become red, raw, and require extra care. It is especially popular among caregivers
to help their loved ones with incontinence where the skin has become inflamed. The thick
moisturizing and nourishing cream works fast to protect, soothe and heal the skin. It also acts as a
barrier to shield vulnerable skin from further damage. This is why Rapid Relief Rash Cream is ideally
suited for daily and proactive use to protect the skin of elderly loved ones with active incontinence,
pressure sores, bed sores, chafing, and rash.

What can happen if Fragile Skin is not cared for properly?

Aging is the most common cause of Fragile Skin. The initial signs of thinning, fragile skin often appear
around age 60 and become well-established around ages 70 to 90.

When Fragile Skin is not cared for properly, it is more vulnerable to rash, bruising, bedsores, tearing, and hospitalization. That’s why a daily and proactive skin care routine is so important.

Should Welmedix ® HomeCare PRO™ products be used daily?

Yes, a daily regimen of cleansing, protecting and treating is recommended using the gentle, pH-balanced Rinse Free Cleansing Foam to make sure the skin is prepared for the moisturizing and protection provided by the Fragile Skin Protective Ointment. Raw, rash areas should be cleaned and treated with Rapid Relief Rash Cream which has both a moisturizing and protective action.

Why is the daily and proactive use of Welmedix ® Home Care PRO™ an appropriate way tomanage Fragile Skin for the long term?

Daily and proactive management of Fragile Skin helps restore skin and safeguard against further skin
damage such as rash, bedsores, or tears that can lead to hospitalization.
The Welmedix HomeCare Pro product line was developed based on input from health care
professionals- especially hospital-based nurses. It is intended to bring hospital-grade care to the
home and has become popular among family caregivers who are managing their elderly loved one’s
Fragile Skin at home.

Where can I buy Welmedix ® HomeCare Pro™ products?

Welmedix HomeCare PRO products are available on Amazon.com and Walmart Marketplace.
Products should only be purchased from an authorized source.

What are the ingredients in Welmedix ® HomeCare Pro™ products?

All the ingredients have been scientifically validated to clean, protect, and treat Fragile Skin.
Home Care Pro™ Rinse Free Cleansing Foam
Rinse Free Cleansing Foam is a gentle and pH-balanced formula specifically developed for Fragile
Skin. It contains water and sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, a foaming, cleansing ingredient that cleans
the skin. It also contains coconut oil and calendula flower extract to help moisturize the skin while
reducing skin irritation and inflammation.
Rinse Free Cleansing Foam also contains the following: water; citric acid, a mild organic acid that
helps remove dead skin from the skin's surface; glycerin, an emollient that can increase skin

hydration, relieve dryness, and refresh and soften the skin's surface; panthenol, used to help
moisturize and hydrate the skin; cetrimonium chloride, used to condition and soften hair;
phenoxyethanol, an approved, common ingredient used in most cosmetic products to prevent product
contamination and degradation; and a mild, fresh fragrance.

HomeCare Pro™ Fragile Skin Protective Ointment.
Unlike other skin protectants, HomeCare Pro Fragile Skin Protective Ointment contains the
scientifically validated, hospital-grade skin protectant petrolatum along with a proprietary blend of
fourteen moisturizing and soothing ingredients:
Aloe vera soothes and cools skin conditions like rash, eczema, psoriasis, burns, and severely dry
skin. ∗†
Coconut oil moisturizes, smooths, and softens severely dry, cracked and chapped skin. It is also
praised for its natural anti-aging properties. ∗†
Calendula oil is known for its antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe
sore, itchy skin affected by acne, ulcers, bedsores, rash, eczema, and other skin conditions. ∗†
Soybean oil is rich in vitamin E, a lipid and antioxidant. It helps keep the cell membrane intact and
helps the skin act as a barrier to harmful radicals that can cause aging. ∗† Additional skin moisturizers
and hydrators include lanolin alcohol, dimethicone, glycerin, sorbitan sesquioleate, hydrogenated
lanolin, glyceryl stearate, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, mineral oil, and ceresin - all intended to help to
moisturize and soften dry, cracked skin while reducing itching and flaking. Stearyl alcohol does not
dry out or irritate the skin.
Phenoxyethanol is an approved, common ingredient used in most cosmetic products to prevent
product contamination and degradation.
Petrolatum is widely used by dermatologists for skin care. It is intended to protect the skin from
external moisture while locking in skin moisture via a proprietary blend of moisturizing and soothing
ingredients that help nourish the skin to prevent dryness, cracking, and itching.
The product also contains water.

HomeCare Pro™ Rapid Relief Rash Cream

HomeCare Pro Rapid Relief Rash Cream contains the scientifically validated, hospital-grade
ingredients petrolatum and zinc oxide, a well-accepted combination for managing the rash, redness
and skin breakdown often associated with incontinence. Adding zinc oxide to petrolatum creates a
thick cream barrier that shields the skin from external wetness. Unlike many other barrier creams,
Rapid Relief Rash Cream contains a proprietary blend of nine moisturizing and soothing ingredients
to help hydrate and heal damaged skin. These ingredients are effectively locked in by the petrolatum
and zinc oxide.
Moisturizing and soothing ingredients include: water; corn starch; shea butter; lanolin; beeswax, a
sealant to protect the skin; calendula oil, to soothe sore, itchy skin; paraffin, to soften skin; white birch
bark extract, to help soothe sensitive, irritated skin; panthenyl ethyl ether, a moisturizing agent and
source of Vitamin B5; soybean oil, which is rich in Vitamin E to help reduce skin damage; and
tocopheryl acetate, to soften and hydrate skin.
The product also contains propylparaben, a commonly used ingredient for preventing product
contamination and degradation.
Finally, the product contains a fresh, clean fragrance.

What are the benefits of Welmedix ® HomeCare Pro products™?

Welmedix HomeCare Pro products were developed based on input from health care professionals-
especially hospital- based nurses. The product line was designed for use by family caregivers to help
manage an elderly loved one's Fragile Skin in the comfort of their homes. What makes Welmedix
Home Care Pro products different from many other skin care brands is that each product has been
specially formulated for Fragile Skin with scientifically validated hospital-grade ingredients and a
proprietary blend of moisturizers and soothing ingredients.

What makes Welmedix ® HomeCare Pro™ products unique?

Fragile Skin. Fragile Skin. Fragile Skin. Unlike many skincare companies that can be seen as
providing “all things to all people,” Welmedix deliberately narrowed its focus and connectivity to
caregivers and the people they serve, who typically have Fragile Skin. Welmedix‘s three products are
specially designed to be part of a daily and proactive routine for Fragile Skin. The HomeCare Pro™
product line was developed after input from health care experts, especially hospital nurses.
Caregivers benefit from the following:

  • A convenient and easy to use product line to:
    Clean
    Protect and
    Treat
  • Moisturizing and soothing ingredients
  • Patient-friendly pH

Can the HomeCare Pro™ Fragile Skin Protective Ointment be used on psoriasis andeczema*?

Yes, the ointment can be used to help protect, moisturize and soothe skin that is experiencing either
of these conditions. If you suspect you have eczema or psoriasis, be sure to contact your physician
for diagnosis and a treatment plan.

What makes Welmedix a special partner for caregivers?

Welmedix sees the caregiver as the hero. It strives to be in tune with caregivers, like tuning into a
radio frequency. Welmedix has great respect and empathy for caregivers and the selfless role they
play in caring for people who need their help. These people typically have Fragile Skin which can tear
and bruise easily, requiring specialized products for daily care. Welmedix prides itself on being The
Fragile Skin Care Experts.

What is the difference between Welmedix products and many other products on themarket?

Unlike many other products on the market today, the Welmedix HomeCare Pro skin care line was
developed with input from health care professionals - especially hospital-based nurses - to help
family caregivers manage their elderly loved one’s Fragile Skin in the comfort of their homes. Each
product contains scientifically validated hospital-grade ingredients and a proprietary blend of
moisturizers for use on Fragile Skin.
With so many skincare products to choose from, the HomeCare Pro line was designed as a daily and
proactive three-step regimen of Clean, Protect and Treat to take the guesswork and anxiety out of
managing aging, Fragile Skin. It’s the same skin care routine that nurses typically use to care for
elderly patients.

What are some of the moisturizers in the HomeCare Pro™ lines?

The moisturizers include lanolin, dimethicone, ceresin, glycerin, coconut oil, shea butter, soybean oil,
white birch bark extract, aloe, glyceryl stearate, stearyl alcohol, and cetyl alcohol combined into a
proprietary blend for Fragile Skin.
Calendula oil, included in all three products, helps soothe dry, sore, itchy, cracked skin.

The petrolatum in Fragile Skin Protective Ointment, along with zinc oxide in the Rapid Relief Rash
Cream, are especially important in locking in moisture while shielding the skin from chemical and
physical assault and external moisture when the patient is wearing a diaper.

What is Calendula, and what are its benefits?

Calendula is a well-known medicinal flower also known as pot marigold. It is recognized for its anti-
inflammatory properties and its ability to soothe dry, sore, itchy, cracked skin. Calendula also acts as
a skin protectant and is commonly used to help heal rashes and minor burns.

What is the best regimen to care for Fragile Skin?

The best regimen for Fragile Skin is the daily and proactive three-step skin care routine that many
nurses use to care for their elderly patients: CLEAN, PROTECT, and TREAT.

What if I use just one of the HomeCare Pro™ products and not all three?

Although the HomeCare Pro product line was developed to be used together as a daily and proactive
skin care routine, each product (Rinse Free Cleansing Foam, Fragile Skin Protective Ointment, and
Rapid Relief Rash Cream) can be purchased and used separately.

What are the directions for use of Welmedix HomeCare PRO™ products?

CLEAN
Rinse Free Cleansing Foam
Body and Personal Areas: Pump foam onto washcloth or directly onto soiled and/or odorous areas.
Gently wipe clean to remove residue. Repeat as needed.
Hair: Pump Foam into hair. Using fingers, gently rub in the foam until hair is evenly covered. Towel
dry. Repeat as needed.
PROTECT
Fragile Skin Protective Ointment
For general skin protection, apply as needed.
For incontinence care, protect against redness or rash by changing wet and soiled diapers and
garments promptly. Cleanse the affected area and allow to dry. Apply Ointment liberally, as often as

necessary, with each diaper or garment change, especially at bedtime or anytime when exposure to
wet or soiled diapers and garments may be prolonged.
TREAT
Rapid Relief Rash Cream
For care when incontinence has led to red, raw, and painful skin, change wet and soiled diapers and
garments promptly. Cleanse the affected area and allow to dry. Apply Cream liberally, as often as
necessary, with each diaper or garment change, especially at bedtime or anytime when exposure to
wet or soiled diapers and garments may be prolonged.

In what forms are Welmedix ® HomeCare Pro products™ offered and why?

Rinse Free Cleansing Foam is available in pump form for quick and convenient cleansing.
Fragile Skin Protective Ointment and Rapid Relief Rash Cream are both available in customer-
preferred tubes for ease of use.
For dry, chapped skin, dermatologists often prefer an ointment because it does a better job of
preserving moisture in the skin. The Fragile Skin Protective Ointment can be used from head to toe,
especially on areas where there is dry, cracked skin such as the feet, hands, and arms. The
Ointment is also excellent for proactive and daily incontinence care to help prevent redness or rash.
However, when incontinence leads to red, raw, and painful skin, the Rapid Relief Rash cream should
be applied and then reapplied on a daily and proactive basis. This thick cream acts as a sealant
which locks out chemical irritation, physical abrasion (in the case of patients wearing diapers), as well
as associated external wetness. This allows the inflamed skin time to heal.

How can physicians and nurses help their patients hold off on progression to more severemanifestations of Fragile Skin?

Physicians and nurses are a critical source of education and information on the importance of daily
and proactive management of Fragile Skin. To help safeguard Fragile Skin from progressing to more
severe manifestations, many healthcare providers recommend the following:
Inspect the skin daily for bruising, tears, redness, irritation or growths. Contact your physician or
nurse if you have any concerns about what you find on the skin.
Clean, Protect and Treat the skin on a daily and proactive basis with products that are specifically
formulated for Fragile Skin.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen when outside.

Wear a long-sleeve shirt and long pants.
Eat a well-balanced and healthy diet.
Stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which are dehydrating.
Keep toenails and fingernails short.
Keep the home safe from tripping, falling, or bumping into furniture.

Are Welmedix ® HomeCare Pro products™ reimbursable under Medicare?

Original Medicare does not typically reimburse for OTC products. However, some Medicare
Advantage Plans may have allowances for some OTC medications and products. If you have a
Medicare Advantage plan, check with the plan.

Do Welmedix ® HomeCare Pro products™ require a prescription?

No. Welmedix HomeCare Pro products do not require a prescription. However, if one has any
questions about using HomeCare Pro products in caring for a loved one’s skin, one should consult
with the physician or nurse.

Are there any food dyes in Welmedix ® HomeCare Pro products™?

Welmedix has a policy of no food dyes in its products.

How do I know if the Welmedix ® HomeCare Pro products™ I buy on Amazon are authentic?

To ensure you are buying an authentic product on Amazon, only purchase Welmedix HomeCare Pro
branded items that are designated as "Shipped and Sold by Amazon.com.” Products sold by
distributors, or third parties are not necessarily authorized. This designation is listed under the item’s
purchase price.

How do I return a Welmedix ® HomeCare Pro™ product and get a refund if I am not satisfiedwith the product?

If you purchased any Welmedix product from the Amazon or Walmart Marketplace please follow the
instructions for returns and refunds on their respective websites. If you purchased the product through
the Welmedix website, please go to the site and leave your contact information. Someone will get
back to you shortly about a product refund.

Do I need to use the Welmedix HomeCare Pro Rinse Free Cleansing Foam with water?

No, you do not need to add water. The Welmedix HomeCare Pro Rinse Free Cleansing Foam is a "hassle free" waterless bath or shower that will leave you or your loved one feeling clean and refreshed. When a shower or bath is not convenient or safe, simply lather the foam onto skin and wipe clean with a damp towel or cloth. The Rinse Free Cleansing Foam contains a hospital grade cleanser that gently lifts away dirt, germs, sweat, and odor while moisturizing the skin without the need for water.  

For best results, be sure to use Rinse Free Cleansing Foam daily and proactively as part of a skin care regimen of Clean, Protect and Treat, the same regimen used by many hospital nurses.

Sources cited:

1. Chronic Skin Fragility of Aging, J.M. Dyer, DO and R Miller, DO, Journal Clin. Aesthet.
Dermatol. 2018, Jan, 11(1): 13-18.
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/crepey-skin
3. https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2017-09-27/paper-thin-skin-care-for-seniors
4. https://training.seer.cancer.gov/melanoma/anatomy/layers.html
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/thin-skin
6. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer
7. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging
8. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/expert-answers/thin-skin/faq-20057753
9. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/thin-skin
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29045078/

* Remain in touch with your doctor regarding your condition and follow their advice
† This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.