The management and prevention of incontinence dermatitis

Incontinence dermatitis (ID) is rising in incidence along with the increasing elderly population. Its management must therefore take on a greater level of importance. The focus of care must be on finding the causes of incontinence; in many cases it can be cured or the symptoms greatly improved and the development of ID prevented. Where it does occur, effective intervention is necessary. However, a survey into the knowledge base of nurses in caring for skin, carried out by the Royal College of Nursing Continence Care Forum in 1995, showed that care was based on customs and practice rather than evidence. This often causes incorrect treatment to be given, resulting in extra cost for the National Health Service (NHS). This article examines the aetiology and presentation of ID, and supports the need for greater dissemination of guidelines for incontinence professionals and the need for evidence-based literature.