Keywords

moisture-associated skin damage, skin damage, incontinence-associated dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, scoping review, intertriginous dermatitis

 

Authors

  1. Woo, Kevin Y. PhD, NP
  2. Beeckman, Dimitri PhD, RN
  3. Chakravarthy, Debashish PhD

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Protecting the skin against moisture-associated damage is an important component of comprehensive skin and wound care. Based on a review of literature, the authors propose key interventions to protect and prevent damage in the skin folds, perineum, and areas surrounding a wound or stoma.

 

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this scoping review is to identify and provide a narrative integration of the existing evidence related to the management and prevention of moisture-associated skin damage (MASD).

 

METHODS: Study authors searched several databases for a broad spectrum of published and unpublished studies in English, published between 2000 and July 2015. Selected study information was collated in several different formats; ultimately, key findings were aggregated into a thematic description of the evidence to help generate a set of summative statements or recommendations.

 

RESULTS: Based on inclusion criteria, 37 articles were considered appropriate for this review. Findings included functional definitions and prevalence rates of the 4 types of MASD, assessment scales for each, and 7 evidence-based strategies for the management of MASD.

 

CONCLUSIONS: Based on this scoping review of literature, the authors propose key interventions to protect and prevent MASD including the use of barrier ointments, liquid polymers, and cyanoacrylates to create a protective layer that simultaneously maintains hydration levels while blocking external moisture and irritants.