Moisture-associated skin damage: causes and an overview of assessment, classification and management

Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) can result when the skin has prolonged or continuous exposure to excessive moisture. If the skin experiences too much moisture, it becomes overhydrated and is prone to maceration. This makes it easier for irritants and microorganisms to penetrate the skin, reduce its integrity to mechanical forces and disrupt its protective acid mantle. The condition can greatly affect patient wellbeing. MASD is a collective definition and it has four main causes: incontinence-associated dermatitis, periwound skin damage, intertriginous dermatitis and peristomal moisture-associated dermatitis. Practitioners can use tools such as the Skin Moisture Alert Reporting Tool (S.M.A.R.T.) to identify its aetiology, which informs its management. Management of MASD involves assessment, addressing the underlying cause, and implementing a structured skin care regimen to treat it and prevent its recurrence. Case studies illustrate the use of a structured treatment strategy using Medi Derma barrier products and the principles of Total Barrier Protection to provide a cost-effective solution for the prevention and management of skin compromised by MASD.