Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a common skin disorder experienced by people who suffer from faecal and/or urinary incontinence.
It is painful and in some cases accompanied by significant secondary infections. The prevalence is higher in those people receiving long-term care at home. IAD is often misdiagnosed and confused with pressure ulcers. Care providers now crossover health and social care boundaries and education on continence-related issues is often not prioritised. This article looks at normal skin physiology and the aetiology of IAD versus pressure ulcers. It suggests prevention and management strategies in relation to IAD; in particular, the use of barrier creams. A selection of case studies evaluating the efficacy of using Cutimed PROTECT cream in cases of IAD are presented.
Written by:
Holroyd S. Are you the author?
Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist, Continence, Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust, Chair, Yorkshire Branch ACA.
Reference: Br J Nurs. 2015 May 13;24 Suppl 9:S37-43.
doi: 10.12968/bjon.2015.24.Sup9.S37
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25978474