The Effects of Incontinence Pad Application on Loaded Skin With Reference to Biophysical and Biochemical Parameters:...

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Material Science

Background:

• Skin integrity is crucial, especially for individuals with incontinence.
• Absorbent products and mechanical loading can impact skin health.
• Understanding temporal skin responses is vital for developing effective care strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate temporal changes in skin responses to moisture and mechanical loading.
• To assess the impact of absorbent products on skin barrier function.
• To investigate the combined effects of moisture and pressure on skin parameters.

Main Methods:

• A repeated-measures design was used with 12 healthy volunteers (aged 32-62).
• Sacral skin sites were exposed to dry or synthetic urine-saturated absorbent pads, with and without mechanical loading.
• Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum (SC) hydration, erythema, pH, and inflammatory biomarkers were measured.

Main Results:

• Moisture exposure significantly increased TEWL and SC hydration (P < .0000007).
• Mechanical loading in combination with moisture showed significant differences (P = .02).
• No significant changes were observed in erythema or inflammatory biomarkers over time.

Conclusions:

• Skin barrier properties are altered by moisture and/or pressure.
• Frequent changes of absorbent pads are necessary.
• Periods of skin off-loading are recommended to protect skin health in individuals with incontinence.