In all cultures the care with the mucous-cutaneous coating is a human basic need. Many factors are concerned with the meeting and manifestations of this need, including illness. In assisting the hospitalized patient we start with the observation of the condition of his skin and mucous tissue and with the assessment of his habits to arrive to the identification of his problems, the determination of his dependence on nursing and finally the prescription of nursing care. This includes general and specific care in accordance with the problems and individuality of each patient and with his possibility of locomotion.