The IAD occurs when the skin comes in contact with moisture, especially from urine and stool, for extended periods. It damages the skin, combined with constant wetness, movement or friction with clothes.
“I often see mild incontinence dermatitis in patients that are new to incontinence. Often, he has recently begun to wear a pad or a disposable undergarment,” Elizabeth Kirakoffe, MDA dermatologist in Airia Comprehensive Dermatology in Chicago.
Friction from adult diapers, clothes, or bed surfaces can increase the risk of IAD. So can bacteria that can convert urine into ammonia, which can increase skin pH and irritation.
“Sometimes people with dermatitis have also reduced sensation in the area, and so they do not know that they are feeling wetness,” Dr. Calls Kirkofof.
Medium to severe IAD is more likely in older adults who have limited mobility or live in long -term care features.
In this case, it is not only in contact for urine, but also stools, which can cause skin – especially epidermis, outer layer of skin – to be very weak, called Murffrey.
This is because similar enzymes that digest food in the small intestine are still present in the stool, although in a small amount, and they can break the skin tissue. “Stool, even solid stools, contain protolytic enzymes that can ‘eat our skin,” Murphy.
- Aging or limited mobility
- Female sex
- Diabetes
- Overweight or obesity
- Smoking
- Adult diapers or pads are dirty after wearing very long
- Inadequate bath
