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Perineal dermatitis in the elderly. A critical review of the literature
1Yale University School of Nursing, New Haven, Connecticut 06536-9740, USA. Courtney.Lyder@Yale.edu
Insights
Research on elderly perineal dermatitis is lacking, with most data from children. Studies on trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin pH in older adults are needed to understand this condition.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric dermatology
- Wound healing research
Background:
- Perineal dermatitis research is scarce, especially in the elderly.
- Existing knowledge primarily derives from pediatric studies, raising generalizability concerns due to age-related skin differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significant research gap in understanding the pathogenesis of perineal dermatitis in the elderly.
- To identify the need for studies investigating key factors like trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin surface pH in this population.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review focusing on perineal dermatitis, elderly skin physiology, TEWL, and skin surface pH.
- Analysis of existing research to identify knowledge deficits and controversies.
Main Results:
- A significant lack of studies on the pathogenesis of perineal dermatitis in the elderly was identified.
- Controversy exists regarding TEWL changes with aging skin.
- While skin surface pH increases with age, perineal-specific data and studies linking TEWL, pH, and perineal dermatitis in the elderly are absent.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for further research into perineal dermatitis in the elderly.
- Future studies should investigate the roles of TEWL, skin surface pH, and relevant nursing variables in the development of this condition in older adults.
Abstract:
The review of literature revealed a significant lack of research on the pathogenesis of perineal dermatitis in the elderly. The majority of what is known about this condition stems from the pediatric population. The differences between TEWL and skin surface pH levels in pediatric and geriatric skin raises questions about the further generalizability of the pediatric studies. There appears to be some controversy in the literature regarding whether baseline TEWL is increased or decreased in cutaneous aging. The literature did reveal some data indicating that skin surface pH increases with age; however, no data on the perineum was found. No studies examining the role of TEWL and skin surface pH and its association in the development of perineal dermatitis in the elderly were found. Additionally, no studies were found that examine the nursing variables identified in the literature search. The paucity of scientific data on this serious and costly condition warrants additional research in this area.