| ?Prolonged contact of the skin with urine or faeces leads to a specific form of moisture-associated skin damage Show Prolonged contact of the skin with urine or faeces leads to a specific form of moisture-associated skin damage, known as incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). While this is a common condition encountered in all areas of nursing practice, gaps remain in our understanding of the many contributing factors. A lack of standardised definitions of IAD, differences in terminology, and a bewildering increase in products available to prevent and manage IAD, make it difficult for nurses to deliver evidence-based care. However, it is an area where nursing research has made a considerable contribution over the past few years, culminating in the development and publication of a set of international best practice principles based on expert consensus.1 This article explores the main principles developed and the implications for nursing practice. First off, let me wish all of you a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year! This is our first editorial post for 2022 and I want to start off by talking about a problem that incontinence caregivers at home or maybe, even incontinence patients themselves, may sometimes neglect – skincare. A person with incontinence is not able to prevent urine and stool from leaking, and is at risk for skin problems around the buttocks and genital areas. Urine and stool can damage the skin at these areas, causing redness, irritation and soreness. This can be distressing, uncomfortable and isolating. While waste absorbent products like pads are great at absorbing leaks, they can also trap moisture close to the skin. This can become a problem if it is not taken care of quickly. Built-up moisture can cause skin irritation. Redness, peeling, irritation and even yeast infections can occur. Bedsores may also develop if a patient has not been eating well, and spends most or all day in a wheelchair, chair or bed without changing position. Hence, caring for the skin can be as important as preventing leaks. Maintaining cleanliness is essential to keeping healthy skin, avoiding skin damage, preventing bad odour and making a patient feel comfortable. These are all important to the patient’s quality of life.
Fortunately, there are simple steps we can take to help take care and protect the skin of incontinence patients. Take note of the following when taking care of an incontinent patient:
You may also want to take note of the various types of skincare products out there that are suitable for use on incontinent patients. These include the likes of non-alcoholic wet wipes, perineal cleansers, moisturizing creams/lotion, skin protectants, antibacterial/antifungal creams and skin powder. Finally, if you still observe skin problems that do not seem to be going away or have become more severe despite taking all necessary steps, see your doctor right away for help. Pressure ulcer education 6: incontinence assessment and careDigital Edition: Pressure ulcer education 6: incontinence assessment and care 10 February, 2020 This article, the sixth in an eight-part series on a new core education curriculum for pressure ulcer prevention and management, discusses incontinence assessment and care  To continue reading this clinical article please log in or subscribe. Subscribe for unlimited access
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Register Already have an account, to sign in Why is incontinence an important consideration in skin breakdown?The urea in urine can be broken down by the skin bacteria to form the highly alkaline ammonia, which shifts the pH of the skin further disrupting the barrier. not managed correctly, sets up a vicious cycle that further drives the inflammation and skin breakdown.
How should you help prevent skin problems in people who are incontinent?Consider using a skin sealant or moisture barrier. Creams or ointments that contain zinc oxide, lanolin, or petrolatum form a protective barrier on the skin. Some skin care products, often in the form of a spray or a towelette, create a clear, protective film over the skin.
Which three ways can incontinence cause skin damage?Causes of IAD
In many cases, IAD is caused by: an increase in the skin's pH level. the creation of ammonia by urinary and fecal incontinence. skin erosion from bacteria breaking down protein in keratin-producing cells.
Why is incontinence care important?If you have an underlying issue that is causing your urinary incontinence and you don't seek treatment, the condition can go unnoticed and become increasingly serious. Untreated urinary tract infections can lead to bladder or kidney infections that can cause serious damage over time.
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