A Novel Approach to Treating Moderate to Severe Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis and Intertriginous Dermatitis: A Case Series.

Abstract

Patients with moderate to severe incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) and intertriginous dermatitis (ITD) often experience pain that negatively affects activities of daily living. While traditional treatments, such as skin protectants including ointment or cream-based products, cyanoacrylate-based monomers, and wicking agents, help some patients, those with moderate to severe cases require more aggressive treatments to accelerate healing. This article describes a series of 4 hospitalized patients who presented with moderate to severe IAD and/or ITD with and without fungal infections. These patients were treated with therapies that went beyond routine skin care regimens, which included treatment with a combination of 0.25% acetic acid, a topical steroid agent, or a topical antifungal when necessary. The patients included a 74-year-old woman admitted with hypovolemic shock, an 82-year-old obese woman with pulmonary hypertension and heart failure, an 80-year-old woman with medically complicated obesity, and a 54-year-old morbidly obese woman admitted with sepsis. The outcome achieved using this novel approach was successful in treating moderate to severe IAD and ITD in these cases.