Do you have incontinence? Or are you administering incontinence care?
You’re not alone; around one in every three women and one in every eight males have incontinence. Aside from the typical issues, persons who suffer from incontinence face moisture-related skin damage (MASD).
The most common of these skin damages is incontinence-related Dermatitis (IAD). Once you know how to deal with your IAD, you can get back to enjoying your life without having to think about it all day.
So, if you’re concerned about how to notice, avoid, and control IAD, we’ve got you covered. This guide covers everything you need to know regarding incontinence-associated Dermatitis, like how to get rid of diaper rash.
Intrigued?
Keep reading to know more.
What is Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD)?
IAD is a skin disorder brought on by bacteria that come into contact with the body due to moisture. It primarily involves the skin surrounding areas where incontinence products like pull-up trousers, slips, and pads collect waste.
Meanwhile, skin redness and swelling are hallmarks of IAD. IAD is a top-down injury that often occurs alongside incontinence, presenting as inflammation, erosion, or denudation.
Patients may experience the following issues as a result:
- Infection
- Potentially more pressure injuries
- Pain and distress
- Loss of autonomy and problems with daily life (like sleep/wake cycles)
- A decline in overall satisfaction and depressive symptoms
Many people with this condition live in various types of care settings, including acute care, long-term care, residential care, the community, and even at home. According to studies, incontinence associated dermatitis is a separate risk factor for pressure injuries, meaning that people with incontinence are more likely to experience it in a variety of healthcare scenarios.
How Does IAD Look?
Part of the fight against IAD involves staying aware of its potential symptoms.
People with incontinence should be on alert for the following symptoms, which may be indicative of incontinence-associated dermatitis:
- The intensity of redness may vary from pale pink to deep red, depending on an individual’s skin tone.
- Inflammation that affects either little or big regions of the skin
- Discomfort or tenderness
- Abrasion
- Burning
- Itchiness
- Firm, warm skin
Each person may have a different mix of symptoms and a different level of intensity.
How Common is IAD and What Causes it?
Earlier in this post, we discussed the causes of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). Let’s now delve a little deeper. As previously mentioned, IAD is closely associated with incontinence, and individuals experiencing symptoms resembling those of IAD on their skin should consult a general practitioner for a definitive diagnosis.
Incontinence leads to exposure of the skin’s epidermis, the topmost protective layer, to harmful bacteria and the erosive effects of dampness and bodily fluids. This constant exposure can weaken the skin, making it more vulnerable to damage.
Additionally, IAD can be triggered by a shift in the skin’s pH level when it comes into contact with body fluids. The skin’s natural acidic pH, which ranges from 4 to 6, is crucial in protecting it from bacterial growth and other pathogens.
When bodily fluids, such as urine or stool, come into contact with the skin, an enzyme called urease (found in some pathogens) breaks down into ammonia. Ammonia, in turn, raises the skin’s pH level, diminishing its protective ability and making it more susceptible to infections and irritation.
However, bodily fluids from incontinence are not the sole factors that can cause IAD symptoms, such as diaper rash. Recognizing the full range of potential irritants and triggers is key to managing and alleviating the discomfort associated with IAD.
In fact, there are steps you can take to relieve diaper rash pain quickly and effectively by avoiding certain factors.
- Using moisturizer on the skin
- Cleaning the infected area often with soap and water
- Avoiding friction generated by fabrics in undergarments or absorbent pads
The Prevalence of IAD
Those who have incontinence and are primarily with limited mobility, hurt, old, or in intensive care are most likely to experience IAD.
Case in point: 29–36% of those receiving treatment in intensive care units, 7% of patients in long-term acute care facilities, and 3-4% of those residing in nursing homes experience IAD incidence.
Further studies of the data on IAD reveal that the highest rates are observed in facilities that provide acute treatment for elderly patients. In an intensive care unit (ICU), 36% of the subjects experienced IAD after only four days on average.
With these stats in mind, it becomes clear why effective measures are necessary to prevent and control IAD in incontinence patients.
Preventing Dermatitis Caused by Incontinence
If you take adequate care of your incontinence using the right products like Wellness Pull-ons, you’ll be halfway through preventing IAD.
Therefore, the following are some methods for managing your incontinence that support healthy skin and keep IAD at bay:
- Use incontinence products that have the appropriate absorbency level for your needs. For instance, Wellness Briefs’ selection of pull-ups, briefs, and incontinence pads has been dermatologist tested and is very absorbent to help prevent irritation and itchiness.
- Learn how to use pull-ups and incontinence pads properly. You may improve the absorbency and convenience of your incontinence products by getting the perfect fit and wearing them as the manufacturer instructed.
- It is crucial to promptly replace wet incontinence pads and pull-ups to protect the epidermis from prolonged exposure to body waste and heat.
- With wet wipes, you can ensure your skin is clean and sleek between uses, especially when you’re on the road.
- Also, a physical barrier can be a game-changer since it separates your skin and body fluids from coming into contact. However, it’s essential to only pick a paraben-less or scent-less one. Instead, go for a product that contains zinc oxide and use it sparingly. Applying too much usually compromises the absorbency of incontinence products.
The Role of Medical Intervention and Professional Support in Managing IAD
Alongside the need for self-care and IAD (Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis), prevention and interventions at the professional medical level are equally crucial in managing and treating the condition.
While specific self-care can help in its prevention, a professional’s comprehensive and multifaceted expertise ensures treatment tailored to individual-specific conditions and requirements.
1. Consulting a Healthcare Provider
If symptoms of IAD are noticed, it’s crucial to seek help from a practitioner immediately, especially if there are changes in the skin’s condition that do not improve.
In such cases, it’s important to consult a professional to assess the severity of dermatitis and rule out other skin conditions. They can recommend appropriate treatment, including barrier creams and topical medications, if necessary.
2. Dermatology Specialist Involvement
In some circumstances, individuals suffering from severe or persistent IAD will require consulting a dermatologist for specialized advice on the condition with some prescription treatment for stronger potent medications they believe fit.
They specialize in skin care, which makes it easier to track the healing process effectively. Finally, specialists outline care and suggest treatment for the damages sustained from prolonged incontinence.
3. Incorporating Multidisciplinary Care Teams
Having a multidisciplinary team of caregivers can greatly enhance the management of IAD for medical professionals working in long-term care facilities or hospitals. These professionals provide incontinence care education, monitor skin integrity, and recommend adjustments to the care plan as needed.
4. Medication and Topical Treatments
For others with more prolonged or severe IAD, healthcare workers can prescribe some topical medications to calm and cure the skin.
Such medications include antifungal ointment or other medications designed to minimize inflammation, infection, and discomfort.
Moreover, mild skin cleansers for IAD or sensitive skin cleansers can prevent additional irritation. These cleaners are designed to clean away body fluids without drying the skin of its natural oils, promoting healing without additional harm.
A Clear Path to Comfort: Your Key Steps in Preventing and Managing IAD
Despite its close association with incontinence and MASD, IAD is a separate condition that requires immediate and utmost attention. You don’t want to assume that using the right incontinence product will prevent IAD on its own.
No! If you are dealing with any incontinence, it is crucial to be vigilant about preventing or treating incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) to maintain healthy skin. Fortunately, the information, tips, and recommendations this blog provides are enough to control IAD.
Apart from this knowledge and the best incontinence products, your number one defense against incontinence-associated dermatology is early diagnosis by consultation with your doctor.
Don’t wait—reach out to your healthcare provider today to ensure you’re taking the best possible steps toward skin health and comfort.
FAQs
1. How can I tell if I have IAD?
Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) typically presents as redness, swelling, discomfort, or tenderness on the skin, often in areas where incontinence products (like pads or pull-ups) are in contact with your skin.
If you experience skin irritation, burning, or itchiness or notice any skin breakdown (like abrasions or skin peeling), it could be a sign of IAD. Also, if the symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.
2. Can IAD go away on its own?
IAD is a condition that often requires medical attention to prevent further skin damage. While mild cases of IAD may improve with self-care, such as keeping the skin clean and dry, using appropriate absorbent products, and applying barrier creams, more severe cases may need professional treatment.
It’s best to seek medical advice for persistent symptoms to ensure proper care and healing.
3. Are there any specific treatments for IAD?
Yes, there are several ways to treat IAD. Common treatments include the use of barrier creams to protect the skin, mild antifungal or antibacterial medications to prevent infections, and prescription topical treatments for inflammation.
In severe cases, a healthcare provider might recommend specific treatments or a referral to a dermatologist for specialized care. Regular skin cleansing and the use of appropriate absorbent incontinence products are also essential for managing IAD.
