For patients · For clinicians · For everyone

Care for at-risk skin, made simple and free

The Coalition for At-Risk Skin gives patients, caregivers, and clinicians one trusted library of consensus guidance, practical tools, and printable infographics. Built by a panel of skin-health experts, free for everyone.

Join free in 1 minute See what is inside
A caregiver gently holding the hands of a person receiving skin care
21consensus statements
100%free to join, always
Skin health matters for everyone, and it is especially critical for people with at-risk skin.
From the CARS expert consensus
Start here

What is at-risk skin, and what does CARS offer?

“

What is at-risk skin?

At-risk skin is skin that is more vulnerable to injury, breakdown, and infection because of factors such as advanced age, immobility, prolonged moisture or incontinence, poor nutrition, or underlying medical conditions and treatments. Protecting it early helps preserve the skin barrier and prevent further damage.

“

What resources does CARS provide?

CARS provides a free resource library: the CARS Consensus Document (2022) with 21 statements across 7 categories, a printable infographic series, plain-language guides for patients and caregivers, and clinical tools for clinicians. Becoming a supporter is free and unlocks the full library.

What you get

One free library, built for three audiences

Everything CARS publishes is grounded in the expert consensus on at-risk skin, written so patients, caregivers, and clinicians can each act on it.

Consensus Document (2022)

21 statements across 7 categories, developed and approved by the expert panel.

Free to read

Infographic series

Defending At-Risk Skin: the full visual series across all seven categories, ready to print.

Free with signup

Your full Resource Library

A growing, searchable home for every CARS resource in one place. This is what your free account unlocks.

Free with signup

Plain-language guides

Practical guidance on protecting at-risk skin at home, no medical background needed.

Free with signup

Clinician tools

Assessment aids, ICD-10 reference, and category toolkits for everyday practice.

Free with signup

New releases

Be first to get new tools, infographics, and guidance as the coalition publishes them.

Free with signup
Unlock the library, free
Why CARS is trusted

Guidance from a multidisciplinary expert panel

CARS resources are grounded in a consensus developed by a panel representing a variety of specialties across many care settings.

21
Consensus statements
7
Categories of care
Burn CareDermatologyGerontology Internal MedicineHome HealthHospice Medical CodingNutritionPodiatryWound & Ostomy
Meet the CARS board of skin-health experts Meet the full board →
The framework

The 7 categories of at-risk skin care

The consensus maps 21 statements into seven categories, from definition to daily practice.

The CARS framework: seven categories radiating from the definition of at-risk skin, with the principle that prevention is preferred over treating skin after it is injured
1Definition & Pathology
2Assessment & Prevention
3Role of Moisturizers
4Product Application
5Special Populations
6Organizational Considerations
7Universal Skin Health
It is free

How do I join CARS?

Joining takes about a minute and costs nothing. Pick the path that fits you and you are in.

1

Choose your path

Tell us whether you are employed in healthcare or not. That is it.

2

Create a free account

A name and email is all it takes. No payment, no commitment.

3

Open the library

Instantly access every CARS resource and download what you need.

Employed in healthcare

Clinicians & care teams

Nurses, clinicians, and healthcare staff.

Join free
Not employed in healthcare

Patients & caregivers

Patients, family, and anyone caring at home.

Join free
Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is CARS free to join?
Yes. Becoming a CARS supporter is completely free for everyone, with no payment and no commitment. There are two simple registration paths, one for people employed in healthcare and one for those who are not, and both unlock the full resource library at no cost.
Who is CARS for?
CARS is for patients, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike. Its tagline is For patients. For clinicians. For everyone. Whether you are managing at-risk skin at home or in clinical practice, the resources are written to be useful and accessible to you.
What is at-risk skin?
At-risk skin is skin that is more vulnerable to injury, breakdown, and infection due to factors such as advanced age, immobility, prolonged moisture or incontinence, poor nutrition, or underlying medical conditions. Early protection helps preserve the skin barrier and prevent further damage.
Do I need to be a clinician to join?
No. You do not need any medical background to join CARS. The registration includes a dedicated path for people who are not employed in healthcare, and many resources are written in plain language specifically for patients and family caregivers.
What do I get when I join?
Joining unlocks the full CARS resource library: the Consensus Document, the printable infographic series, plain-language guides for patients and caregivers, clinical tools for clinicians, and updates whenever new resources are released, all free with your supporter account.
What is the CARS Consensus Document?
The CARS Consensus Document (2022) reports 21 consensus statements organized into 7 categories, developed and approved by a panel representing a variety of specialties across many care settings. It provides clarity and direction for treating and living with at-risk skin, and it is free to read.
Is CARS a nonprofit?
Yes. CARS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit coalition. Its mission is to advance skin health through evidence, education, and advocacy, which is why all of its core resources are made available to supporters at no cost.

Join CARS today. It is free for everyone.

Become a supporter in about a minute and get instant access to evidence-based resources for protecting at-risk skin.

Become a supporter, free

Last reviewed June 2026 · Coalition for At-Risk Skin (CARS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.