【Learning points】
- Incontinence-associated dermatitis is skin damage caused by exposure to urine or feces.
- Follow the rules of cleansing, ventilating, and isolating to prevent IAD.
- Not only IAD brings pain and itching, but also it increases the risk of pressure injury or skin infections.
I. What is "Incontinence-associated dermatitis" (IAD)?
Incontinent dermatitis also known as red buttocks, it is skin damage caused by exposure to urine or feces. It is frequent in people in critical condition, such as those long-term bedridden or incontinent, and the elderly.
Not only IAD brings pain and itching, but also it increases the risk of pressure injury or skin infections. That is why its prevention is vitally important
II. What causes IAD?
aged skin、
incontinence、
humid environment、
activity limitation、
decreased sensory perception、
friction (caused by absorbent pads or other materials)
III. How to prevent IAD?
- Clean：First, get into the habit of changing diapers frequently, changing them as soon as possible after each urination to keep the area dry. When cleaning, avoid soaps containing alcohol, fragrances, or alkaline ingredients. Choose gentle cleansing products and adhere to the principle of "wiping instead of rubbing vigorously, and patting dry" to avoid friction damage. Before applying any skin protection products, be sure to thoroughly cleanse the skin to build an effective protective barrier and prevent.
- Ventilate：To keep the skin well-ventilated and healthy, regularly check the diaper and skin every two hours, choose high-absorbency diapers and underpads, and avoid using hair dryers or heat lamps to dry the skin.
- Isolate：
Use products such as cream and ointment to protect the skin.Consult a dermatologist or certified wound care nurse if necessary.
IV. Conclusion
Our skin can protect us from infections and improve our comfort. So, comply with the guidance of healthcare workers and follow the rules of cleansing, ventilating, and isolating. Clean your skin with appropriate products to prevent future episodes of IAD.An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
V. References
- 于博芮(2024)‧泌尿道系統疾病之護理‧於劉雪娥總校閱‧成人內外科護理上冊‧(9版，850-860)‧華杏。
- Fan, S., Jiang, H., Shen, J., Lin, H., Yang, L., Yu, D., & Chen, L. (2023). Risk factors of incontinence-associated dermatitis in older adults: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 13(12), e078375. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078375。