What is Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis?
Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) is a term frequently used by clinicians to describe the irritation, inflammation, and erosion associated with prolonged exposure of the skin to perspiration, urine, stool, or wound exudate.1 Clinically, MASD may manifest in several ways. Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD),2 sometimes referred to as perineal dermatitis, is characterized by irritation and inflammation of the skin from prolonged exposure to urine or stool. Incontinence-associated dermatitis also is a factor of regular use of an absorptive containment device such as an incontinence brief or pad, which raises the pH of the underlying skin and increases production of perspiration. Erosion of the skin occurs frequently — probably attributable to friction created by moving moist or saturated pads or clothing over irritated skin or to damage from digestive enzymes present in liquid or solid stool. Moisture-associated skin damage also may appear as skin irritation that accompanies int
