Incontinence pad absorption and skin barrier creams: a non-patient study.

Abstract

Exposure of the skin to excessive moisture, such as in cases of incontinence, can damage its natural barrier function and lead to tissue damage and breakdown. Common methods for managing incontinence and preventing related skin damage include the use of incontinence pads and the application of skin barrier creams to reduce exposure to moisture and irritants. Previous reports have indicated that barrier creams can transfer onto incontinence pads from the skin and reduce their absorbency, and thus the efficacy of both products. This study, using non-patient volunteers, investigated the effect on incontinence pad absorbency of Medi Derma-S and Medi Derma-Pro; two products from the Medi Skin Protection range, in comparison with other market-leading products. Results indicated that, while there was a small degree of product transfer onto the incontinence pads, this did not have a major impact on the absorption of synthetic urine. Medi Derma-S and Medi Derma-Pro performed consistently with other similar market-leading products.