RESUMO
There are multiple opportunities for the use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of skin and soft tissue differentials. Ultrasonography is inexpensive, easily reproducible, and able to provide real-time data in situations where condition changes and progression are common. Not only does bedside ultrasonography provide the clinician an in-depth look beyond epidermal structures into body cavities, it remains a safe, nonionizing radiating, effective, cost-efficient, reliable, and accessible tool for the emergency management of life- and limb-threatening integumentary infections. Unnecessary invasive procedures are minimized, providing improved patient outcomes. Integumentary abnormalities secondary to trauma, surgery, and hospitalization are common among critical care patients. This article provides a brief overview and evidence-based recommendations for the use of ultrasonography in the critical care setting for integumentary system conditions, including common skin and soft tissue differentials, foreign bodies, and burn depth assessment.
