Know The Types Of Moisture-Associated Skin Damage

Know The Types Of Moisture-Associated Skin Damage Long-term exposure of the skin to moisture not only affects the wound healing rate but can also lead to skin breakdown. Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) is a medical condition of skin inflammation and erosion that occurs due to a prolonged exposure of the skin to moisture and other contents including urine, stool, wound drainage/exudate, mucus, or saliva, etc. In short, the presence of moisture that comes in contact with the skin is essential to sustain MASD.

Types of Moisture-Associated Skin Damage There are four types of MASD: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Incontinence Associated Dermatitis Intertriginous Dermatitis Periwound Dermatitis Peristomal Dermatitis

1. Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD) The first type of MASD is Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) which occurs when the skin is exposed to excessive amounts of urine or feces for a long-time, leading to skin disruption, causing maceration. Incontinence caused by inclusive urine and feces is harmful as it contains an excessive amount of digestive enzymes affecting the skin’s acid levels. The presence of ammonia in urine and enzymes in stool leads to chemical irritation, disrupting the acid mantle of the skin and causing skin breakdown.

The areas which are more prone to develop IAD include the perineum, buttocks, gluteal folds, thighs, lower back, lower abdomen, and in the skin folds of the groin, etc. Similar to other types of MASD, maceration plays an essential role in the formation of IAD and can make the skin more susceptible to damage. If the patients notice any signs of IAD, they should immediately call Bedside Care Specialist USA. If left untreated, it may increase stress on the affected area, leading to skin breakdown.

2. Intertriginous Dermatitis (ITD) Now, let’s know what Intertriginous Dermatitis ie. ITD is. Also referred to as intertrigo, ITD is an inflammatory dermatitis of the opposing skin surfaces that occurs when the sweat or moisture gets locked or accumulated in the skin folds with minimum air circulation and leads to friction between the opposing skin surfaces. This condition can be itchy, painful, and uncomfortable with red rashes appearing in the skin due to microbial contamination, heat, humidity, friction, and lack of air circulation. If left untreated, it can lead to skin cracking, bleeding, infection, and even skin breakdown. It typically affects infants due to their exaggerated skin folds. The generally affected areas are arms, breasts, toes, and buttocks, etc.

3. Periwound Dermatitis It is also a medical condition that occurs when the skin or tissue surrounding the wound is exposed to the wound exudate for prolonged periods. The wound exudate contains protein-based enzymes and a long-time exposure of the periwound skin to excessive moisture and wound drainage can lead to maceration as well as an injury to the skin

similar to the primary caused by trauma or any other reason. It causes skin irritation and itching making it more vulnerable to friction and pressure. Diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and fungating tumors are more prone to develop this type of MASD.

4. Peristomal Dermatitis This type of MASD occurs when the skin surrounding the wound is exposed to the effluent from the stoma. In simple words, it is an inflammation or erosion of the skin resulting from exposure to urine, feces, or chemical irritants. This type of damage can occur immediately after the initial surgery. The location of the stoma and the type of the effluent can affect the potential for skin breakdown.

These are some of the types of moisture-associated skin damage ie. MASD. Read them carefully and if one notices any signs of it, schedule a bedside appointment with Wound Care Experts.