Preventing IAD
(Incontinence Associated Dermatitis)
IAD is an inflammation of the skin and a health care challenge for incontinence patients worldwide. It occurs when urine and/or feces come in contact with the skin. All patients with incontinence are at risk of developing IAD.
It is a highly unpleasant and painful condition that reduces comfort and quality of life.
Patients can experience symptoms ranging from discomfort and pain to insomnia and if not treated, it can lead to secondary infections, which is disabling for the patient and treating it can be complicated as well as time-consuming and expensive.
With wide spread prevalence, it is clear that incontinence care and management is an important task in all types of health care settings.
With the right skin care regimen and continence care routines, IAD can be prevented.
Screen the skin at each incontinence product change for redness, inflammation, rash, pain, or itching to assess the severity and development of IAD (and to ensure the patient has not developed pressure ulcers).
- Remove the incontinence product
- Gentle cleansing (preferable without water)
- Apply Moisture and barrier application (Regenerate and protect the skin – remember not too much)
- Apply new incontinence product.
IAD Skin care regimen - for prevention and mild degrees of IAD
The different stages of IAD require use of different products. Go through the skin care regimen at each continence product change.
Always screen the skin for redness, inflammation, rash, pain, or itching in order to assess the severity and development of IAD and to ensure the patient has not developed pressure ulcers.
Regular screening ensures that caregivers notice changes and developments in the skin and can set in with the right preventive measure in time to avoid further development.
Cleanse the skin gently, preferably without water.
- We recommend no-rinse cleansers such as wet wash gloves or wet wipes. The friction from rinsing with soap, water, and towels can contribute to damaging the skin.
- In addition, wet wipes and wet wash gloves save time and improve efficiency in daily care, freeing up time for screening and preventive care.
Moisture and barrier application
Zinc spray and ointments provide both moisture and barrier protection to help restore and protect the skin. Spray-on products are easy to use and cause less friction on the sensitive skin.
- Make sure the skin is completely clean and dry
- Choose the right product according the the condition of the skin
- Be sure to apply the correct amount: too much product prevents the skin from breathing or goes to waste as it is absorbed into the continence product, thus making the incontinence product less effective.
After applying the IAD skin care regimen, an essential part of quality continence care is using high-quality breathable incontinence products and bed protection sheets.
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