IAD occurs when pores and skin is uncovered to moisture, particularly from urine and stool, for prolonged durations. This fixed wetness, mixed with friction from motion or clothes, damages the pores and skin.
“I regularly see delicate incontinence-related dermatitis in sufferers who’re new to incontinence. Typically, they simply lately began sporting a pad or a disposable undergarment,” says Elizabeth Kiracofe, MD, a dermatologist at AIRIA Complete Dermatology in Chicago.
Friction from grownup diapers, clothes, or mattress surfaces can improve the chance of IAD. So can micro organism that rework urine into ammonia, which may improve pores and skin pH and irritation.
“Generally folks with incontinence-associated dermatitis even have decreased sensation within the space, and they also’re not conscious that they’re feeling wetness,” Dr. Kiracofe says.
Average to extreme IAD is extra doubtless in older adults who’ve restricted mobility or dwell in long-term care services.
On this case, it’s not simply extended publicity to urine, but in addition stool, which may trigger the pores and skin — notably the dermis, the pores and skin’s outer layer — to be very susceptible, says Murphree.
That’s as a result of the identical enzymes that digest meals within the small gut are nonetheless current in stool, although in a smaller quantity, and people can break down pores and skin tissue. “Stool, even stable stool, incorporates proteolytic enzymes that may ‘eat’ our pores and skin,” Murphree says.
- Older age or restricted mobility
- Feminine intercourse
- Diabetes or dementia
- Chubby or weight problems
- Smoking
- Grownup diapers or pads worn for too lengthy after they’re dirty
- Insufficient or rare bathing
