Moisture Associated Skin Damage

Jul 12, 2021 | 2018 News Stories

Moisture Associated skin damage

There are many terms used to describe moisture-induced skin damage (Beekman et al, 2004). A moisture lesion is defined as being caused by urine and/or faeces and perspiration that is in continuous contact with intact skin of the perineum, buttocks, groins, inner thighs, natal cleft, skin folds and where skin is in contact with skin (AWTVF, 2014).

Moisture lesions can occur in any age group, but within the older age group the skin is more fragile and it can become damaged more easily.

Prolonged exposure causes the skin to become increasingly permeable, making it weaker and less elastic and more susceptible to physical damage from friction and shearing forces (Beeckman et al, 2009).

Moisture lesions and Moisture Associated Skin Damage (MASD) occurs when moisture remains in constant contact with the body for prolonged periods of time, when the effluent contains irritating substances or when the effluent contains potential bacterial or fungal pathogens, or when moisture exposure increases friction at the skin surface.

FOUR TYPES OF MOISTURE ASSOCIATED SKIN DAMAGE

Incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD)

The skin maintains a naturally acidic pH, usually between 4.0 and 5.5 (Bianchi, 2012)
Ammonia from urine and enzymes from stool can disrupt the acid mantle of the skin and eventually cause the skin to break down stools (Rees and Pagnamenta, 2009)
A systematic approach to the assessment of IAD, helps with early recognition of whether a patient is at increased risk of complications (Bianchi, 2012)

Peri-wound moisture associated dermatitis

Excessive amounts of exudate can cause maceration and breakdown of peri-wound skin
Exudate from chronic wounds has been found to contain a higher concentration of proteolytic enzymes as compared to exudate from acute wounds (Romanelli et al, 2010)
Accurate and in depth wound and patient assessment must take place so that the most appropriate treatment can be planned for each individual (Forder, 2014)

Peristomal moisture associated dermatitis

Inflammation and erosion of skin related to moisture that begins at the stoma/skin junction and can extend outwards in a 10cm radius (Colwell et al, 2011)

Intertriginous dermatitis

An inflammatory skin condition that affects opposing skin surfaces
Commonly found in the axillary and inguinal skin folds as well as under breasts in females
Sweat is trapped in skin folds with minimal air circulation
Leads to inflammation and dehydration of the skin making the area more prone to infection

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References:

All Wales Tissue Viability Nurses Forum (2014) Prevention and management of moisture lesions.
Beeckman D, Schoonhoven L, Verhage S, Heyneman A, Defloor T (2009) Prevention and treatment of incontinence associated dermatitis: literature review J Adv Nurs 65(6): 1141-54
Bianchi, J. (2012) Top tips on avoidance of IAD. Wounds Uk Supplement. The Identification and Management of Moisture Lesions. 8 (2)
Forder B, (2014) ActivHeal PocketGuide. Exudate. 4th Ed. 11. Guy, H. (2012) The differences between moisture lesions and pressure ulcers. Wound Essentials Vol 1.36-44
Colwell JC, Ratliff CR, Goldburg M,et al (2011) MASD part 3: perisotimal moisture-associated dermatitis and periwound moisture-associated dermatitis: a consensus. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse 38(5): 233-241.7. EPAUP (2010) Pressure Ulcer classification – Differentiation between pressure ulcers and moisture lesions. EPAUP panel. Washington DC USA: NPAUP
Rees and Pagnamenta, 2009 https://www.nursingtimes.net/clinical-archive/continence/best-practice-guidelines-for-the-prevention-and-management-of-incontinence-dermatitis-15-09-2009/
Romanelli et al, 2010