Disturbance in skin integrity is associated with reduced patient wellbeing and quality of life. Prolonged exposure to moisture is the major cause of skin breakdown but is often ignored. Wet skin is more susceptible to damage from friction and shearing forces, and skin flora can infiltrate the disrupted barrier, provoking further irritation and inflammation. Untreated cases of moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) can rapidly progress to excoriation and skin breakdown. MASD includes incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD), with the etiology being prolonged skin exposure to urine and stool, especially liquid stool. 

Preventive measures should be initiated at the earliest possible in patients at a greater risk of developing IAD, with the primary being preventing excessive contact of the skin with moisture. Optimal skincare is a must in patients with any form of MASD, which should rely on a structured regimen and incorporate the use of a gentle skin cleanser, a barrier product and moisturizer. Derma Protective Plus is a liquid barrier with long-lasting protective effects against chafing or ingress of urine and stool into the skin. Furthermore, it is less greasy than other products and supplies a barrier and a healing environment, with resistance to further maceration from IAD or continued loose stools.

SOURCE- Voegeli D, Hillery S. Prevention and management of moisture-associated skin damage. Br J Nurs. 2021;30(15):S40-S46. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2021.30.15.S40. PMID: 34379461.