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Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis: Pathogenesis, Contributing Factors, Prevention and Management Options

Drugs & Aging volume 35, pages 1–10 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a common type of irritant contact dermatitis, seen in patients with urinary or faecal incontinence. Mechanical factors such as traumata and friction may aggravate the lesions. The fragile skin in elderly patients is more prone to developing IAD. The clinical picture of IAD consists of persistent redness on the one hand and skin loss on the other. Both categories may be associated with clinical signs of major colonisation or infection. It is important to distinguish IAD from pressure ulcers and other dermatoses in the genital region. Due to the lack of well-established clinical trials, recommendations about prevention and treatment are based on expert opinion and best practice. Gentle cleansing, use of hydrating topical agents and application of barrier products are the main elements in the prevention and treatment of IAD. It is important to translate these recommendations and general guidelines into ready-to-use protocols that can be implemented for each specific clinical manifestation of IAD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    Hilde Beele

  2. Wound Care Centre, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

    Hilde Beele & Steven Smet

  3. Skin Integrity Research Group (SKINT), Department of Public Health, University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

    Nele Van Damme & Dimitri Beeckman

Authors
  1. Hilde Beele
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  2. Steven Smet
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  4. Dimitri Beeckman
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hilde Beele.

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Funding

No funding was received for the preparation of this review.

Conflict of interest

Dimitri Beeckman serves as an academic on the scientific advisory boards of companies developing skin care products (3 M Medical, ArjoHuntleigh and SCA Hygiene Products) and has received a study grant from 3 M. Hilde Beele has been involved in a number of clinical trials in the field of dermatology and wound healing; however, there is no direct link with the current article. Steven Smet has received a study grant from 3 M. Nele Van Damme has no conflicts of interests to declare.

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Beele, H., Smet, S., Van Damme, N. et al. Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis: Pathogenesis, Contributing Factors, Prevention and Management Options. Drugs Aging 35, 1–10 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40266-017-0507-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40266-017-0507-1