Differences in the Inhibitory Effects of a Hydrophobic Skin Protectant on Maceration between Aged and Young Skin

Maceration is a risk factor for pressure ulcers and incontinence-associated dermatitis, and it leads to impaired barrier function, particularly in aged skin. Appropriate care is required for aged skin, but research on the effects of hydrophobic skin protectants is lacking. This study evaluated the maceration-suppression effects of the hydrophobic skin protectant Remois^® Barrier in both young and aged skin. Male ddY mice aged 8 weeks (young) and 6 months (aged) were divided into 4 groups: young and aged mice treated with softening only (non-treated); young and aged mice treated with the skin protectant followed by softening (treated). After hair removal, cotton soaked in saline was fixed with a film for 2 h to induce maceration. Maceration was evaluated by macroscopic observation of the skin, measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and histological analysis. In the non-treated group, white swelling was observed, whereas in the treated group, water droplets were observed in the area where the hydrophobic skin protectant was applied. TEWL values were significantly decreased in the treated group compared with the non-treated group. Histological analysis indicated that epidermal thickening was suppressed in the treated group. Additionally, the change in TEWL value was significantly higher in the aged group compared with the young group, suggesting that the hydrophobic skin protectant effectively suppresses the decline in barrier function in aged skin. These results indicate that the application of hydrophobic skin protectants is effective in suppressing maceration in older individuals.