Severity Of Incontinence-associated Dermatitis Research Articles

Silicone dressing combined with topical oxygen therapy alleviates incontinence-associated dermatitis via NF-κB p65/STAT1 signaling pathway.

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a tough problem in clinical settings, not only increasing the risk of complications like catheter-related urinary tract infections and pressure ulcers in elderly and critically ill patients, but also prolonging hospital stays, raising hospital costs, and possibly leading to medical disputes. This study is aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of silicone dressing combined with topical oxygen therapy on IAD in a rat model. An IAD rat model induced by synthetic urine with trypsin was established. Hematoxylin & eosin staining was carried out to examine skin histology. Using immunofluorescence, the microvessel density in the affected skin tissues was determined. ELISA was performed to measure the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors in serum. The mRNA expression of EGF, PDGF, and VEGF was detected via qRT-PCR. Western blotting was employed to determine NF-κB p65/STAT1 pathway-related protein levels. Compared to single therapy, silicone dressing combined with topical oxygen therapy could significantly reduce the severity of IAD, improve skin histology, inhibit inflammation, and promote angiogenesis in IAD rat models. Additionally, the results showed that relatively speaking, the combined therapy suppressed the NF-κB p65/STAT1 signaling pathway more effectively. These findings indicated that silicone dressing combined with topical oxygen therapy can alleviate IAD through promoting wound healing and inhibiting inflammation via NF-κB p65/STAT1 signaling pathway in a rat model, which provided a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of IAD in clinic.

Impact of an evidence-based bundle on incontinence-associated dermatitis prevalence in hospital patients: A quasi-experimental translational study.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of an intervention on the prevalence and severity of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) in six hospitals in one state in Australia. This quasi-experimental pre-and post-study,conducted in 18 wards, was part of a larger implementation science study on incontinence-associated dermatitis. Skin and incontinence assessments were conducted on patients during February and March 2020 (pre-intervention) and July and August 2021 (post-intervention). The intervention comprised continence assessment and management, an education brochure for patients, family and caregivers on IAD, the Ghent Global IAD Categorisation Tool (GLOBIAD) and a skin care regime with patient skin protection measures (three-in-one barrier cream cloths, minimisation of bed protection layers, use of appropriate continence aid). A total of 1897 patients were assessed (pre-intervention = 964, post-intervention = 933). A total of 343 (35.6%) pre-intervention patients and 351 (37.6%) post-intervention patients had incontinence. The prevalence of hospital-acquired IAD was 6.71% in the pre-intervention group and 4.27% in the post-intervention group; a reduction of 36.3% (p = 0.159) despite higher patient acuity, prevalence of double incontinence and the COVID-19 pandemic in the post-intervention group compared with the pre-intervention group. Our multisite best practice IAD prevention and treatment intervention was able to reduce the prevalence and severity of hospital-acquired IAD, suggesting enduring effectiveness of the intervention.

Effects of excretion care with a smart automatic defecation treatment system on skin humidity, Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis, and pressure ulcers of patients with incontinence residing in long-term care facilities: Non-equivalent control group non-sy

This study investigated the effects of excretion care using a smart automatic defecation treatment system on skin humidity, pressure ulcer (PU) occurrence, and severity of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD) among patients with incontinence residing in long-term care facilities. Each patient in the experimental group was fitted with a smart automatic defecation treatment system. The system detected the release of urine/stool via a built-in sensor, followed by suction, cleaning with a water jet, and drying with warm air. Incontinence management for the control group involved the use of wet wipes for cleaning and changing diapers. The nursing interventions lasted for 2 weeks, and data were collected at baseline, week 1, and week 2. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and the repeated-measures analysis of variance were used for data analysis. The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in skin humidity and IAD between the experimental and control groups. This study is pertinent because it demonstrated the positive effects of excretion care using a smart automatic defecation treatment system on skin humidity, PU risk, and IAD among patients with incontinence residing in long-term care facilities. Further research is necessary to investigate additional factors such as pressure and physiological traits.

Bacterial species distribution on the genital skin of hospitalized patients with stroke manifesting incontinence-associated dermatitis: A cross-sectional study.

To compare the isolated and identified bacterial species colonizing on the genital skin between patients with and without incontinence-associated dermatitis. This cross-sectional study included 102 patients with stroke admitted to an acute hospital in Japan. Swabs were collected, and bacterial species found in swabs were isolated and identified using a selective agar medium and simple identification kits. In addition to demographic information, severity of incontinence-associated dermatitis and the total bacterial counts were measured. Incontinence-associated dermatitis was present in 53.9% of the participants. Staphylococcus aureus was found in 50% of the participants with incontinence-associated dermatitis and only 17.9% of those without incontinence-associated dermatitis (P = 0.0029). Bacterial species distribution by erythema and skin erosion, which denote severity of incontinence-associated dermatitis, was different, but not significant; additionally, the total number of bacterial colonies was equivalent. Bacterial species distribution differed between patients with and without incontinence-associated dermatitis, whereas the total number of bacterial colonies was equivalent. A high detection rate of S. aureus on genital skin sites potentially affects the presence of incontinence-associated dermatitis and its severity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 537-542.

Detecting and monitoring incontinence associated dermatitis: Does impedance spectroscopy have a part to play?

In this review, current understanding of the prevention and treatment of Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD) is discussed. The need for preventative measures which target specific faecal/urinary irritants is highlighted, including the role of urease inhibitors. There is no existing internationally and clinically accepted method to diagnose and categorise the severity of IAD. Diagnosis currently relies on visual inspection; non-invasive techniques to assess skin barrier function could remove subjectiveness, particularly in darker skin tones. Impedance spectroscopy is a non-invasive technique which can be used to monitor skin barrier function, supporting visual assessments. Six studies (2003-2021) which used impedance to assess dermatitis were reviewed; inflamed skin was distinguishable from healthy skin in each case. This suggests that impedance spectroscopy could be useful in diagnosis early-stage IAD, potentially enabling earlier intervention. Finally, the authors present their initial findings on the role of urease in skin breakdown in an in vivo IAD model, using impedance spectroscopy.

A Structured Skin Care Protocol for Preventing and Treating Incontinence-associated Dermatitis in Critically Ill Patients.

To examine the effectiveness of a structured skin care protocol for preventing and treating incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) in critically ill patients. Participants were drawn from the ICUs of three teaching hospitals between January 2016 and December 2017. Patients were eligible if they were ≥18 years old, had idiopathic fecal incontinence, had diarrhea but were unable to sense it, and were expected to stay in the ICU for at least 72 hours after developing incontinence. A total of 143 patients were enrolled: 79 in the experimental group and 64 in the control group. In the first phase of the study, routine skin care measures were used; in the second phase, three ICU caregivers were trained to provide a structured skin care protocol. Trained research team members conducted the data collection and analysis. The TREND (Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Nonrandomized Designs) Statement Checklist was followed in reporting the study results. Application of the structured skin care protocol reduced the incidence of IAD from 35.9% in the control phase to 17.7% in the intervention phase (χ2 = 6.117, P < .05) and also decreased the severity of IAD (z = -2.023, P < .05). Further, IAD developed later (z = -2.116, P < .05) in the intervention group than in the control group. In addition, the nursing times to prevent or manage IAD did not differ significantly between the groups (t = -0.258, P > .05; t = -1.190, P > .05). Use of the developed structured skin care protocol for IAD in critically ill patients lowered the incidence and severity of IAD and delayed IAD development.

Development of a Need-based Interventional Skin Care Protocol on Incontinence-associated Dermatitis among Critically Ill Patients.

BackgroundIncontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a potentially serious skin injury that can lead to pressure ulcers (PUs). Many studies have indicated the need for evidence to find the most effective skin care protocol to reduce the incidence and severity of IAD in critically ill patients.Aim and objectiveTo develop a need-based interventional skin care protocol on IAD after identifying the risk of developing IAD in critically ill patients and by assessing the nurse's knowledge and practice on IAD.Materials and methodsQuantitative research approach with an exploratory research design was adopted in the study. A total of 40 staff nurses and 100 patients were included. To assess the knowledge of staff nurses regarding IAD, a knowledge questionnaire was administered and the IAD prevention practice among staff nurses was assessed with the help of an observation checklist. The risk of IAD among 100 critically ill patients was observed by the investigator, using a perineal risk assessment tool. The obtained data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The protocol was developed by the researcher and it was validated by 5 experts.ResultsThe results revealed that most of patients (60%) had a high risk for development of IAD. Most of the nurses had poor knowledge (40%) and had poor practice in assessment, perineal area, and prevention of infection area. Hence considering all these aspects, a protocol was developed.ConclusionThe researchers developed a need-based skin care protocol to decrease the development of IAD.How to cite this articleSharma P, Latha S, Sharma RK. Development of a Need-based Interventional Skin Care Protocol on Incontinence-associated Dermatitis among Critically Ill Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(2):158–165.

Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD): Prevalence and Associated Factors in 4 Hospitals in Southeast Norway.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) and associated factors in acute care settings in Southeast Norway. Descriptive, multisite epidemiologic survey. The study setting was 29 wards across 4 hospitals, in a hospital trust in the southeast of Norway. Data were collected from 340 patients (age ≥18 years). More than half (56.2%) were 70 years or older (median age category 70-79 years) and 53.3% were male. Data collection was conducted in parallel with a pressure injury prevalence study undertaken in 2016. A modified Pressure Injury Prevalence Minimum Data Set, including documentation of fecal or urinary incontinence, use of indwelling fecal collection system or urinary catheter, and presence of IAD, was completed. RNs participating in the study were trained by the researchers on skin assessment and data extraction from the electronic medical record. Descriptive statistics were used for prevalence figures; the Kruskal-Wallis and χ tests were used to determine associated factors. Analysis revealed that 16.5% (56 out of 340) of the sample were incontinent. The prevalence of IAD in the total population was 7.6% (26 out of 340). The prevalence of IAD was 29% (16 out of 56) among patients with urinary or fecal incontinence. Of those identified with IAD, 5.2% (18 out of 340) had category 1 (red intact skin) and 2.4% (8 of 340) had category 2 (red skin with breakdown). Bivariate analysis revealed that fecal incontinence (P < .001), immobility (P < .01), and 70 years or older (P < .03) were associated with IAD. The overall prevalence (patients with and without incontinence) of IAD was lower than reported in prior studies; frequent use of indwelling urinary catheters and a relatively low prevalence of incontinence may explain this finding. Similar to prior studies, almost 1 in 3 patients who were incontinent suffered from IAD, showing a need for evidence-based guidelines to prevent IAD in hospitalized patients. Findings suggest that particular attention should be given to prevent IAD among patients with fecal incontinence patients, 70 years and older, and those with immobility.

Development of an Animal Model for Inducing Various Degrees of Severity of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis.

The purpose of this study was to describe the biological changes after incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) induction by pancreatin in the guinea pigs and to explore the potentially appropriate timing and pancreatin concentration for IAD induction with different severity. In vivo, experimental study. An experimental animal model (guinea pig) in a controlled laboratory setting was used for investigation. We developed an IAD model in guinea pigs by occluded application of 1%, 5%, and 10% pancreatin solutions for 1, 3, and 5 days, respectively. The irritant was applied to the posterior aspect of shaved guinea pigs. We used an adapted visual scoring system to evaluate IAD and its severity. We also measured differences of the fluid absorption rate as a proxy for transepidermal water loss and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of interleukin 2 and interferon-γ expression as indicators of IAD-related inflammation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine group differences. Higher pancreatin concentrations led to more severe skin responses and higher mean visual scale scores, yet the statistically score differences were only observed in the 1% and 5% pancreatin groups after 3 and 5 days of exposure compared with 1 day of exposure (P < .05). The average absorbed fluid rate increased from 1 to 3 days of exposure and reached a plateau at 3 days; significant differences were observed in 3 and 5 days of exposure (P < .05) when compared with 1 day of exposure but not between 3 and 5 days of exposure. Exposure of a guinea pig animal model to 1%, 5%, and 10% pancreatin solutions over a 3-day period induced IAD with different levels of severity. Additional studies using this model are warranted.

Incidence of incontinence-associated dermatitis in the pediatric intensive care unit

Objective To describe the incidence of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in a tertiary hospital, and to explore relevant influencing factors. Methods Totally 268 children in the pediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary hospital were selected by convenience sampling between September and December 2016 and investigated with the General Information Questionnaire, Braden Q Pressure Ulcer Scale, Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP) , Bristol Stool Scale and Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis Scale (IADS) . Then the data were analyzed by the rank sum test, Superman rank correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results The incidence of IAD was 36.2%, and the IADS score was (1.63±3.54) . The Braden Q score was negatively correlated with the IADS score (r=-0.230, P<0.05) , while the STAMP score was positively correlated with the IADS score (r=0.204, P<0.05) . According to the multiple regression analysis, stool type, Braden Q score, edema and age were the influencing factors to the severity of IAD (P<0.05) . Conclusions The PICU sees a high incidence of IAD, but a low IADS score. And stool type, Braden Q score, edema and age are related to the severity of IAD. Key words: Child; Intensive care unit; Incontinence-associated dermatitis; Risk factors

Effects of a Skin Barrier Cream on Management of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis in Older Women: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a skin barrier cream with moisturization and skin-protectant characteristics for improving the severity of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) pertaining to the skin physiology and appearance. We measured the following outcomes: (1) skin physiological characteristics indicating skin protection and enhancement of the skin's moisture barrier (stratum corneum hydration, dermis hydration level, transepidermal water loss, and skin pH); and (2) changes in skin appearance (the degree of erythema and pigmentation, and the sulcus cutis condition). Single-blind, cluster randomized controlled trial. The study was conducted in a long-term care facility in Japan between November 7, 2011, and May 6, 2012. We used block randomization to obtain a random sample of 6 (4 experimental and 2 control) out of 10 available wards. All subjects were elderly women with IAD of the buttock or inner thigh. We assessed 295 patients, but only 33 met inclusion criteria; 18 were allocated to the experimental group and 15 were allocated to the control group. All participants were managed with cleansing with a skin cleanser and application of a moisturizer daily. In addition, a skin barrier cream designed to enhance the skin's moisture barrier and act as a protective barrier was applied to the skin of patients in the experimental group 3 times a day when absorptive briefs were changed. Skin physiological and appearance characteristics were scored only at the buttock or thigh area. All data were collected on days 1 and 14 of the study. Univariate analysis found that the erythema index was lower in the intervention group than in the control group at day 14 (P = .004). Multivariate analysis found significant associations between use of the skin barrier cream and increased stratum corneum hydration (β= .443, P = .031), decreased skin pH (β=-.439, P = .020), and magnitude of erythema (β=-.451, P = .018). Study findings suggest that a barrier cream designed to enhance the skin's moisture barrier and act as a skin protectant increased stratum corneum hydration, reduced cutaneous pH, and reduced erythema.

Effectiveness of topical skin products in the treatment and prevention of incontinence-associated dermatitis: a systematic review.

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is inflammation of the skin resulting from repeated contact with urine and/or feces. It causes pain, redness, swelling and excoriation, and may lead to complications such as fungal skin infections and pressure injuries. It is important to prevent and treat IAD to avoid complications and improve patient outcomes. A number of products are available for protecting skin, but evidence on their effectiveness is limited. The current review aimed to establish the effectiveness of topical skin products in reducing the occurrence and/or severity of IAD. Adult patients over the age of 18 years with incontinence and/or diarrhea. Topical skin products as individual interventions or part of a skin care regimen. Both published and unpublished study designs including randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, before and after, prospective and retrospective cohort, case-control, analytical cross-sectional, descriptive study designs including case series, individual case reports and descriptive cross-sectional studies across all care settings for inclusion. The primary outcome of interest was the absence or non-development, reduction or resolution, new development or increase in the occurrence of IAD or the increase in severity of IAD. The secondary outcome was any adverse effect caused by the skin care products used. A three-step search strategy to find both published and unpublished papers was utilized in this review. Studies were limited to those published in English from 1980 to 2016. Papers selected were assessed by two independent reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI). Data were extracted using the standardized data extraction tool in JBI-MAStARI. The data extracted included specific details about the interventions, populations, study methods and outcomes. Studies were assessed for methodological quality and statistical significance to determine validity and generalizability of study results. It was not possible to pool studies to conduct meta-analysis or test for heterogeneity. There were a limited number of clinical trials that compared products for efficacy in preventing and treating IAD. Assessment tools and severity scores used to measure skin damage outcomes were dissimilar and prone to subjectivity. It was difficult to ascertain superiority of any individual product. Information on barrier protective efficacy, side effects and cost can be valuable to both clinicians and care providers. More randomized controlled trials on product effectiveness for prevention and treatment of IAD are highly recommended.

Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis in Nursing Homes: Prevalence, Severity, and Risk Factors in Residents With Urinary and/or Fecal Incontinence.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and severity of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) in incontinent nursing home residents by using the Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis Intervention Tool-D (IADIT-D) and to identify potential risk factors. From 2012 to 2014, 3 consecutive annual cross-sectional multicenter studies in 5785 residents in 78 German nursing homes were conducted. Secondary data analysis was performed including all incontinent residents with complete data from the German version of the IADIT-D and validated instrument to assess IAD. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent variables associated with IAD occurrence. The overall prevalence of any type of incontinence was 68.3%. Of the total sample, 58.8% (n = 3406) were eligible for the study. Estimated point prevalence of IAD was 5.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.5%-6.0%). According to the IADIT-D, the prevalence of patients with high risk for IAD was 25.3%; early IAD, 2.1%; moderate, 2.0%; severe, 0.2%; and fungal-appearing rash, 1.0%. Body mass index (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03-1.09), fall risk (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.97), pressure injury (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.24-4.04), and female gender (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43-0.94) were statistically significantly associated with IAD in residents with urinary and/or fecal incontinence. IAD is prevalent in nursing home residents. Knowledge about potential risk factors, for example higher body mass index, should be enhanced and integrated into planning of nursing interventions especially skin protection measures.

Clinical study of three kinds of nursing interventions for prevention of incontinence associated dermatitis in critically ill patients

Objective To study the effect of skin protective membrane, semi-transparent dressing and combination of the two in critically ill patients with incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD) skin protection. Methods A total of 114 patients who were admitted into ICU and NICU of Hebei Xingtai People's Hospital from December 2013 to November 2014 were selected. These subjects were divided into 3 groups randomly. All three groups received routine skin care, on this basis, skin protective membrane group (34 cases) used skin protective membrane for skin protection, semi-transparent dressing group (40 cases) adopted semi-permeable dressing for skin protection, while the combination group (40 cases) used skin protective membrane combined with semi-transparent dressing for skin protection. The incidence, occurrence and severity of IAD in the three groups were compared. Results The incidence rate of IAD in the combination group was 20.0% (8/40), 20.6% (7/34) in the skin protective membrane group, and significantly lower than 47.5% (19/40) in the semi-transparent dressing group, the difference was significant (χ2=9.201, P < 0.05). The occurrence time of IAD in the combination group was (4.75±0.46) days, which was significantly longer than those of the skin protective membrane group [(3.86±1.35) days] and the semi-transparent dressing group [(2.74±0.73) days], the difference was significant (F=17.120, P < 0.05). The IAD severity of the combination group scored 3.63 ±0.92, which was significantly lower than those of the skin protective membrane group (5.29±1.11) and the semi-transparent dressing group (6.74±1.79), the difference was significant (F=12.240, P <0.05). Conclusions Skin protective membrane combined with semi-transparent dressing have priority in decreasing IAD incidence rate, and delaying the occurrence time of IAD, and relieving the severity of IAD, which is better than either of the two. Key words: Nursing care, critically-ill patients; Incontinence associated dermatitis; Skin protective membrane; Semi-transparent dressing

An Exploratory Study of Skin Problems Experienced by UK Nursing Home Residents Using Different Pad Designs.

The primary aim of this study was to determine whether the severity of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) among nursing home-based incontinence pad users varies between pad designs. A second aim was to examine the utility of a simple method for reporting skin health problems in which healthcare assistants were asked to record basic observational data at each pad change. Randomized, multiple crossover, observational, exploratory. Twenty-one men and 57 women using absorbent continence products to contain urinary and/or fecal incontinence were recruited from 10 nursing homes in London and the south of England. A day-time variant and a night-time variant of each of the 4 main disposable pad designs on the market for moderate/heavy incontinence were tested: (1) insert pads with stretch pants; (2) 1-piece all-in-one diapers; (3) pull-up pants; and (4) belted/T-shape diapers. All pad variants for day-time use had an absorption capacity of 1900 mL ± 20% (measured using ISO 11948-1 International Standards Organization) while the capacity of night-time variants was 2400 mL ± 20%. Each resident used each of the 4 pad designs (day-time and night-time variants) for 2 weeks and the order of testing was randomized by nursing home. Skin health data were collected using 2 methods in parallel. Method 1 comprised visual observation by researchers (1 observation per pad design; 4 observations in total over 8 weeks). In method 2, healthcare assistants logged observational data on skin health at every pad change for the 8 weeks. The primary outcome variable was severity of the most severe skin problem noted by the researcher for each resident, and for each pad design (method 1). Descriptive data on skin care methods used in the nursing homes were also collected using short questionnaires and researcher observation. No significant differences in the severity or incidence of skin problems were found between observations using the 4 pad designs. However, a wide range of skin conditions was recorded that made classification difficult; the skin was often marked with creases from absorbent products, temporary marks, and pink/purple discoloration. We observed few cases of the severe erythema, rashes, and vesicles that are commonly used descriptors in previous skin tools. Nevertheless, the collected data reflect an abundance of skin problems that were difficult to categorize neatly. Researcher observations (method 1) showed that nearly all the residents (96%) had at least 1 IAD skin problem recorded over the 8-week period and 64% of residents had at least 1 problem that was rated as maximum severity. Healthcare assistants logged skin problems on 6.1% of pad changes. The discrepancy between researcher and healthcare assistant data appears to be largely due to healthcare assistants sometimes discounting low-grade IAD as normal for that population. Incontinence-associated dermatitis is common among nursing home residents who use incontinence pads, and it is often severe. No evidence was found that any design of pad was more likely than any others to be associated with skin problems. The method devised to enable healthcare assistants to record basic observational data on skin health in the diaper area at each pad change (Method 2) proved simple to use but still resulted in substantial underreporting of IAD, suggesting that further work is needed to develop a tool that more successfully encourages them to log and treat IAD problems.

Incidence and Characteristics of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis in Community-Dwelling Persons With Fecal Incontinence.

Little is known about the incidence and characteristics of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) in community-living individuals with fecal incontinence. The primary aim of this study was to describe the incidence and characteristics of self-reported IAD among community-living individuals with fecal incontinence. The study also examined whether IAD was associated with older age, sex, presence of urinary incontinence, or fecal incontinence severity. Secondary data analysis was performed using a prospective cohort design. Data were drawn from community-living adults (n = 98) with fecal incontinence (76% female, 34% aged ≥65 years, 90% white) who participated in a study about dietary fiber supplementation and were free of IAD at the start. Thirty five percent also had urinary incontinence. Subjects assessed their skin for IAD daily for 52 days, reporting types of IAD damage (redness, rash/fungal infection, and skin loss), location of IAD, and symptoms. They reported fecal incontinence on a diary for the first and last 14 study days. The incidence of IAD was 41% (40 of the 98). The fecal incontinence severity score for subjects developing IAD was 1.2 higher than those who never had IAD (P < .001). There was no significant association of IAD with age, sex, or dual fecal and urinary incontinence. Incontinence-associated dermatitis developed within 2 weeks and healed in approximately 1 week. The most common sign and symptom were redness (60% patients) and soreness (78% patients), respectively. Most subjects (85%) had IAD in one location. Assessing for IAD in community-living patients with fecal incontinence is important as IAD is common and causes discomfort. The relatively mild severity of IAD offers WOC nurses the opportunity for improving patient outcomes by preventing and managing this problem.

The effectiveness of topical skin products in the treatment and prevention of incontinence-associated dermatitis: a systematic review protocol.

Background Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is inflammation of the skin resulting from repeated contact with urine and/or feces. It causes pain, redness, swelling and excoriation, and may lead to complications such as fungal skin infections and pressure injuries. It is important to prevent and treat IAD to avoid complications and improve patient outcomes. A number of products are available for protecting skin, but evidence on their effectiveness is limited. Objectives The current review aimed to establish the effectiveness of topical skin products in reducing the occurrence and/or severity of IAD. Inclusion criteria Types of participants Adult patients over the age of 18 years with incontinence and/or diarrhea. Types of intervention Topical skin products as individual interventions or part of a skin care regimen.Types of studiesBoth published and unpublished study designs including randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, before and after, prospective and retrospective cohort, case-control, analytical cross-sectional, descriptive study designs including case series, individual case reports and descriptive cross-sectional studies across all care settings for inclusion. Outcomes The primary outcome of interest was the absence or non-development, reduction or resolution, new development or increase in the occurrence of IAD or the increase in severity of IAD. The secondary outcome was any adverse effect caused by the skin care products used. Search strategy A three-step search strategy to find both published and unpublished papers was utilized in this review. Studies were limited to those published in English from 1980 to 2016. Methodological quality Papers selected were assessed by two independent reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI).Data extractionData were extracted using the standardized data extraction tool in JBI-MAStARI. The data extracted included specific details about the interventions, populations, study methods and outcomes. Data synthesis Studies were assessed for methodological quality and statistical significance to determine validity and generalizability of study results. It was not possible to pool studies to conduct meta-analysis or test for heterogeneity. Results There were a limited number of clinical trials that compared products for efficacy in preventing and treating IAD. Assessment tools and severity scores used to measure skin damage outcomes were dissimilar and prone to subjectivity. It was difficult to ascertain superiority of any individual product. Conclusion Information on barrier protective efficacy, side effects and cost can be valuable to both clinicians and care providers. More randomized controlled trials on product effectiveness for prevention and treatment of IAD are highly recommended.

The effectiveness of topical skin products in the treatment and prevention of incontinence-associated dermatitis: a systematic review protocol

The effectiveness of topical skin products in the treatment and prevention of incontinence-associated dermatitis: a systematic review protocol

Does skin care frequency affect the severity of incontinence-associated dermatitis in critically ill patients?

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a potentially serious skin injury that can lead to pressure ulcers (PUs). Multiple studies have indicated the need for evidence to find the most effective skin care protocol to reduce the incidence and severity of IAD in critically ill patients. To compare the incidence and severity of IAD in two groups on a progressive care unit (PCU) using a defined skin care protocol: cleaning with a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, then applying a skin protectant/barrier. The control group received the skin care protocol every 12 hours and the interventional group received the protocol every 6 hours; both groups also received it as needed. A 9-month randomized prospective study was conducted on 99 patients (N = 55 in the intervention group and N = 44 in the control group) who were incontinent of urine, stool, or both, or had a fecal diversion device or urinary catheter for more than 2 days. The dermatitis score in the intervention group on discharge was significantly less (7.1%; P ≤ 0.001) in the moderate IAD group than in the control group (10.9%). The dermatitis score means and P values of each group were compared using a paired t test. The researchers studied a defined skin care protocol using a cleanser with aloe vera and a cleansing lotion, followed by application of either a moisture barrier with silicone or skin protectant with zinc oxide and menthol, undertaken at two different frequencies. Data revealed the incidence of moderate IAD was decreased in the experimental group (receiving the skin protocol every 6 hours and p.r.n.).

Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis in Community-Dwelling Individuals With Fecal Incontinence

To describe the occurrence and severity of incontinence-associated dermatitis among community-dwelling individuals with fecal incontinence. Descriptive and comparative secondary data analysis. One hundred eighty-nine community-dwelling individuals with fecal incontinence who participated in a study comparing the effects of dietary fiber on fecal incontinence. A survey on the use of absorbent products that contained questions about subjects' history of skin damage was administered at the start of the study. Incontinence-associated dermatitis occurred in 52.5% of the community-living individuals with fecal incontinence. The severity of incontinence-associated dermatitis was mostly mild to moderate and occurred periodically. Redness without broken skin was the most common manifestation (68%). Most individuals (95%) reported the location of skin damage to be the anal/rectal area. Those with double incontinence also reported dermatitis around the vagina or penis. Individuals with a greater severity of fecal incontinence had a greater severity of incontinence-associated dermatitis (r = 0.27, P = .000). Both the frequency of incontinence (r = 0.23, P < .002) and the amount of feces leaked (r = 0.23, P < .002) had a significant correlation with incontinence-associated dermatitis severity. There were no significant differences in the occurrence or severity of incontinence-associated dermatitis by sex, age, or presence of double incontinence. A high percentage of individuals in the community with fecal incontinence suffer from incontinence-associated dermatitis at times. This population may benefit from consultation with a WOC nurse about prevention and management of incontinence-associated dermatitis.