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Moisture-associated skin damage: overview and pathophysiology

Mikel Gray1, Joyce M Black, Mona M Baharestani

  • 1Department of Urology and School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA. mg5k@virginia.edu

Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing : Official Publication of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society
|April 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) results from prolonged moisture exposure and is linked to irritants, friction, and microbes. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing skin breakdown.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Wound Care

Background:

  • Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) arises from extended exposure to bodily fluids like urine, stool, perspiration, and wound exudate.
  • MASD manifests as skin inflammation, potentially with erosion or secondary infection, encompassing conditions like incontinence-associated dermatitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the multifactorial nature of MASD beyond simple moisture exposure.
  • To emphasize the importance of early clinical recognition and intervention in managing MASD.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical experience and existing literature on MASD.
  • Identification of common contributing factors to skin damage in MASD.

Main Results:

  • MASD is caused by a combination of moisture, chemical irritants, pH, friction, and microorganisms.
  • Four prevalent forms include incontinence-associated dermatitis, intertriginous dermatitis, periwound moisture-associated dermatitis, and peristomal moisture-associated dermatitis.

Conclusions:

  • Effective MASD prevention requires vigilant skin condition management.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment of early MASD are essential to prevent progression and severe skin breakdown.

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